Page 27 of Valentines In The Presidential Suite

“I still don’t have real evidence that he’s following me. When I talked to him, he said he thought the house was for sale, which we both know isn’t true,” Morgan explained. “Even though he seemed to know me, the police can’t arrest the man without proof of his doing something wrong.”

“The whole thing gives me the creeps,” said Ashley. “I especially worry about the children. I don’t want them hurt.”

“Of course not. Neither do I. Has the man tried to talk to them?”

“No,” said Ashley. “When I picked them up at school, I drove right home, and we all went inside.”

“I’m so sorry. Next time, see if you can get the license plate number, and I’ll have one of my lawyer friends get someone to track down the owner.”

“Smart idea. I hate feeling so helpless,” said Ashley. “He’s always gone before Mark gets home, which is usually quite late.”

“Exciting news. I’m getting a dog. On Sunday, Brad is driving me to the kennel where he got Caesar. Though Dachshunds are small, they’re excellent watchdogs. I plan on moving back into the apartment Sunday evening. Is that all right with you?”

“Of course. I just want you safe,” said Ashley.

“As you have witnessed, if anyone comes near, dogs like Caesar will bark. I’ve also bought some pepper spray and have 911 programmed into my phone.”

“And you’ve got my number,” said Ashley.

“Please thank Mark again for putting up the lights around the garage,” Morgan said. “It makes a big difference.”

“Will do. Talk to you tomorrow.” Ashley ended the call.

Morgan sat for a moment, taking in the information. It seemed unreal that she’d be caught in a worrisome situation like this. Her life was pretty ordinary.

CHAPTER TEN

On Saturday morning, Morgan awoke to rain. She checked the weather station on her phone and was relieved to read the meteorologist’s posting that the rain should stop by noon. Her mood brightened. It made such a difference to have sunshine in her life. She checked the photograph of Blue, the dog that would soon be hers. He was a handsome Dachshund.

Although Morgan was excited to get the dog, she didn’t want to ask Brad to change his plans and travel to the kennel a day early. Besides, Simon was counting on her to pick him up and take him to the bookstore for an afternoon of reading together. She’d hate to disappoint him.

With her day planned, Morgan got out of bed and dressed. She needed to wash clothes for the following week, and she wanted to go to the pet store to gather the supplies the kennel owner had recommended.

When she went down to the kitchen, the aroma of coffee filled the air. She went over to the coffee maker and found a note from Brad.

“Make yourself at home. I’m off to the office to get some work done. See you in time for dinner. How about I take you out to dinner tonight? You deserve it after cooking for the last couple of nights.”

Smiling, Morgan texted him to say she’d be delighted to go out for dinner. She poured herself a cup of coffee and sat at the kitchen table, rubbing the ears of both dogs.

As she sipped her coffee and looked around, she realized how empty the house was with Brad gone. It must have been tough for him to live alone after being happily married. She realized he appreciated having her stay at the house. And inviting her out for dinner was another way for him to fill his time. Determined not to jeopardize her job, Morgan pushed away any ideas about what it would be like for her to become involved with him. Still, she was glad he was helping her. Friends were important.

She put the dogs outside and headed to the pet store. Mickie Hastings, owner of Blue Belle Kennel, was very specific about what her dog would need, detailing choices and reasons for them.

At the store, she was able to find things on the list easily. The one flexible choice she’d been given was the color or design of the dog’s harness and collar. Morgan decided a bright blue for both would be fun and would indicate the sweet-faced dog was a male.

By the time she’d gathered all the items and paid for them, Morgan realized she was making a serious commitment to having the dog. She hoped the little guy would accept her. She was already thinking of him as hers.

On a whim, she decided to drive by Ashley’s house to see if the unknown driver of the dark gray car was around. She turned onto her street and stopped. The same dark gray car was parked on the street just past Ashley’s house.

Frustrated, Morgan started to turn around and then stopped. Damn! She couldn’t allow a stranger to upend her life like this.

She drove down the street, and just as she turned into the driveway, he took off. She stopped the car and got out, but it was too late; he was too far away to confront.

Morgan got back into her car and pulled it up to her parking spot in the garage. Then she began the task of unloading the car, keeping the collar, harness, leash, a blanket, and a toy to take with her to pick up the dog.

As she was climbing the stairs with her hands full of bags, she heard a voice calling to her.

“Hi, Auntie Morgan! You’re back!”