Chapter 49: Elliot - The Foster Child

I can tell that Cora is anxious so I open the door and go inside first, reaching for the light switch so that I can see clearly. I listen. It’s all quiet.

‘Why don’t you both take your coats and shoes off and get comfy in the living room? Find something to watch and I’ll fix us all a hot drink,’ I suggest. I glance into the living room, we’d left a light on – good, all looks fine – and then down to the kitchen. Just as we left it. Then I put the kettle on and go upstairs, quickly checking every bedroom. It’s all as it should be.

Maybe the boulder did simply fall off the gate post. After all as I told Lori, this cottage was built a few hundred years ago, and that’s the original wall. It’s quite feasible that the concrete holding the boulder has just worn away. Besides, if anyone was out to harm me they’d do more than knock a boulder off a wall, wouldn’t they?

Although if we’d tripped over that in the dark we could have broken an arm or leg.

I’m jumpy. And with good reason. The coin and the cards are a warning, especially the last one. Maybe all the other things are related too, and Caleb or Violet aren’t to blame. Maybe it was all a build-up. I know the sort of games Rocky and the lads played, they were menacing, escalating the terror was one of their favourite ways of dealing with anyone who upset them, or they wanted to intimidate.

It was all such a long time ago though, and both Rocky and I paid the price. Yes, his sentence was worse than mine but he stole the car, he was the driver, he crashed into the car and left the scene. At least I ran to phone for help. Rocky said that he decided to blackmail me after all these years because he found out I was a dentist and thought I must be ‘good for a bob or two’. Now he’s dead. And whoever killed him is coming for me.

I’m worried about Cora and Lori’s safety. I want to send them both away for Christmas. I’d like to suggest that they both go and stay with Cora’s parents but I know Cora won’t go, especially as this is our first Christmas together. She’d want me to go with them but then I’d be putting her parents in danger too.

The only thing I can do is try and make this place safer. The doorbell camera isn’t enough – especially with our temperamental wi-fi, I need to get extra security. I’ll take a look on the internet while Cora and Lori are visiting Cora’s parents tomorrow. I might even be able to get it fixed up then, before they come home. The sooner the better.

I’ve no intention of being a sitting target for anyone.

My mind shoots back to Rocky and our terrible struggle. Rocky was tough, and he knew how to look after himself but someone overcame him, murdered him. The same person who is targeting me, so I need to keep my wits about me. I’m determined to protect myself, Cora and Lori.

Maybe I should arm myself with a weapon, a gun or a knife, make sure I’m prepared.