That night, sleep eluded me. Every noise jolted me awake, and I spent hours researching security systems. By morning, I was a jittery mess. At 8 a.m., I called a security company.
“I need cameras installed today.”
“Ma’am, our soonest availability is next week—”
“No,” I cut in, my voice trembling. “Someone’s targeting my house. I need them now.”
Something in my tone must have worked because the receptionist softened her voice. “Let me see what I can do. Can you hold for a moment?” After a long pause, she returned with good news. “We had a cancellation. Our team can be there in two hours.”
As the crew installed the cameras, I couldn’t shake my unease. Every passerby, every car felt suspicious. Just as they were finishing, Leona pulled into my driveway, her face serious.
“Nora, we need to talk.”
I sent the kids to their rooms and sat with Leona.
“The lab results are back,” she said. “That liquid is a strong corrosive, typically used to weaken locks.”
My stomach dropped. “So they were planning to break in?”
“It looks that way,” Leona confirmed. “But you’ve taken the right precautions. We’ll keep an eye on things.”
Just then, I noticed Ravi arriving at a neighbor’s house.
“He’s here,” I said, watching him from the window.
“Talk to him, but be careful,” Leona advised. “We don’t know if he’s involved or just concerned.”
I stepped outside to meet Ravi. He looked nervous, but I needed answers.
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