chapter 31
MORGAN’S NERVES WERE frayed since Jake had called to explain that the camp house was in fact a total loss and that arson was suspected. She wasn’t too concerned about the fish camp. Her only real worry was that Peeping Tom and that awful smile on his face. It had happened so fast that she wondered if she had imagined it, but now somebody had deliberately burned down the camp. She worried what was next. The West Point city police were doing around-the-clock drive-bys of the house, and the Old Waverly security guards were doing their part by actually looking in the backseats and trunks of every vehicle that came into the development—to the point that the members began complaining. Everyone was watching for something. They just didn’t know what. Morgan began to fear the worst, and she was especially worried about Katy.
It was almost two that afternoon when Morgan decided to explain the situation to the headmaster at Katy’s school and then check her out for the rest of the day. Morgan wanted to know exactly where her daughter was at all times. She was met with understanding and comfort from the school’s staff. They all remembered Jake and Katy’s ordeal and appreciated Morgan’s concerns, given these recent developments. The headmaster promised to convene a teachers’ meeting to put everyone on alert. He reminded Morgan that, since Columbine, Oak Hill Academy had actively rehearsed lockdown drills and that every teacher and staff member knew how to set it into motion. Morgan felt much better about Katy’s safety. They don’t think I’m crazy, and they really do care, she thought.
Katy begged her mom to stay in school. She wanted to attend the pep rally during last period for a big basketball game. Katy’s eyes filled with tears as she pleaded over and over until Morgan relented.
“Okay, okay. But you gotta come straight to the car when you get out. I’ll be by the flagpole.”
“Yes, ma’am. I will. Thanks, Mom,” Katy yelled as she ran back to her class.
As Morgan walked toward her Lexus, she called Jake to tell him what happened.
Jake’s computer screens were a maze of stock-tracking charts when his direct line rang. He instantly recognized the number.
“Hey, babe, what’s up?”
“Can you talk a minute?”
“Sure.” Jake was happy to take a break from watching the computer screens for the last hour. He was trying to determine if he had missed any market opportunities by going to Aliceville.
“I’m worried someone’s stalkin’ us.”
Jake exhaled. He felt the same but didn’t want to alarm her. She was a worrier, and she would get worse if any of her fears were confirmed.
“I just went to the school to talk to the headmaster and the office staff…and asked them to keep their eyes open. I thought it was better to be safe than sorry,” she said, almost as if she were asking forgiveness.
“I’m glad you did. I’m concerned too.”
“Wadda we do?” she asked, pulling out of the parking lot.
“Do you remember me tellin’ you about R. C. Smithson? You know, the deputy from Sumter County?”
“Yeah, of course. The guy who rescued y’all.”
“Right. Well, I called him earlier today to ask his opinion on what’s going on. Turns out he’s now a private investigator in Meridian.”
“Really?” she asked, wondering why.
“Yeah. He really didn’t go into why he changed jobs. At any rate, he agreed to drive up and talk to me tomorrow. He also said he’d look into the loose ends from that night at the Dummy Line for any connections.”
“Do you trust him?”
“I don’t have any reason not to. Katy really liked him, and he was a big help before. Maybe he can help again. He and Sheriff Ollie understand about that night, and they know those redneck thugs better than anybody.”
“Well, then, what about gettin’ Ollie involved?”
“He’s outta town till next week.”
“Okay. Let’s see what R.C. thinks.”
Jake could tell from Morgan’s voice that she liked the idea. He looked back at one of his monitors and said, “Babe, I gotta go. I love you. Bye.” Jake hung up.
Morgan rubbed her baby bump, feeling slightly apprehensive about the future. Her mind then returned to the image of the smiling man disappearing into the darkness of her backyard. Morgan reached into her Coach purse for the comfort of the cold steel of her Smith & Wesson LadySmith.