Monday, January 20, 2014

My 2nd Novel: Hidden Secrets; Chapter 64

Hidden Secrets
Chapter 64


More flowers from last spring


Hidden Secrets
Leona Palmer Haag
 
Chapter 64



Kevin looked up from another monitor in time to catch Jenn's quick wave. An almost 'wish you were here, but glad you aren't, so eat your heart out with envy,' type gesture. For a long moment he stared at the splashed footsteps the little mother and daughter left behind in the now motionless backyard.
He reached for his keyboard and typed a note to his assistant, Eric: Have we ever had more than a stray cat visit Dia's back yard?
Negative, since her arrival. A coyote four weeks prior. Eric replied.
Kevin sat back in his chair and lifted his feet to his desk, pulling his keyboard to his lap. It was a position he liked. He thought it gave him a new vantage point. He clicked through all the security cameras on Honeysuckle Pie Drive.
He quickly typed a message to Eric: What's happened in Dia's yard? Anything of interest?
Since…? Eric responded.
Day one. I want to know about sales people, neighbors, tennis balls coming over the fence. Anything and everything.
A few minutes later Eric sent back a reply: The lady from across the street eight times. A group of women and kids once. (Five women and eight kids were there for about two and a half hours.) The neighbor's dog visits an average of twice daily to sniff. No presents left yet to our knowledge. A few cats. Some birds. One vulture. Matt four times. Other than that, no real action. It's secure.
Kevin studied the list. Aside from Jenn coming and going, the place held steady and quiet. From what he could tell, she liked to shop, swim and stick around. But something gnawed in the back of Kevin's mind. Only last week Matt Jensen had said, "Jenn's no dummy. She's got a good head and good instincts. Pay attention and listen to her and things will be fine."
Kevin clicked on all the cameras and stared at all the still, motionless scenes at once. Nothing stirred. Not even a leaf. He picked up his phone and called Jenn. Her voice mail picked up. "Hey, Dia, just called to see how things are going. Katie looks like she’s doing great and will be an Olympic diver someday. Call me back."
He hung up. It was stupid to call, but he wanted to get a finger on her mood. His compliment might elicit a reply. He emailed Eric: Have we got a camera on every entrance?
Yes.
Even the windows?
Affirmative.
Kevin Curtis stared at the house on Honeysuckle Pie Drive as his mind spun around a black minivan that had followed Jenn. An agent had arrived on the scene and tailed her successfully without notice—at least Jenn hadn't mentioned it.
Kevin clicked to more pressing matters—Jenn's spending account. He scanned the lengthy list. Aside from food, she probably didn't need to shop again for at least ten years. Interestingly, she had at least eight thousand in cash. Why? What was stewing in that little brain of hers?

End Chapter 64

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