Total pages in book: 187
Estimated words: 174623 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 873(@200wpm)___ 698(@250wpm)___ 582(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 174623 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 873(@200wpm)___ 698(@250wpm)___ 582(@300wpm)
"Yes, ma'am," I answer as I watch Juliet climb out of her car.
Leona Saint is Traci Clark's caseworker, and just thinking about that poor pregnant woman makes my mind drift back to Juliet's past. Rage for her ex-husband grows inside me. That bastard said in court that he wouldn't have stabbed her if he had known she was pregnant, as if he'd never hurt his own child, as if babies are innocent and protected from his abuse, but stabbing his own wife was somehow okay in his eyes.
I dip my head in greeting as Juliet approaches, grateful she does the same before stepping onto the porch and using her code to gain access. She doesn't speak to me, and I'm glad not to have to have a conversation with anyone, but a hint of loss hits me when she steps inside.
Her name and entry point sound out in my ear since the security system is also connected to our communication program. This house is set up better than many federal buildings. We're alerted to a lot of things, like the opening of the front and back doors, and anytime an access code is used.
I watch the area in front of me, my eyes scanning for anything that might be considered a threat or out of the norm.
The front door of the house across the street opens, the elderly man glancing at me as he walks down his narrow sidewalk to the mailbox.
"Gonna be a hot one," he yells loud enough for me to hear.
I don't engage with him, but he doesn't look annoyed as he takes his mail and heads back into his house.
I guess people in the neighborhood could feel any way they want about us always being here, but I haven't been met with glares or harsh words. It's quite possible they like the fact that we're paying attention to what's going on in their neighborhood. It's definitely a deterrent for anyone who might drive by, looking for a place to break into or something to steal.
I glance toward the pool of SUVs, wondering who has the tougher time—us standing out here in the heat, or the guys sitting in the SUVs. Kincaid and Shadow are in one SUV, looking all around but carrying on a conversation. Oracle is in another. His wife is inside, but he's waiting to take Melissa to work. The third and fourth SUVs in the parking lot are for Holler and me. In the event that we have to evacuate the house, we need room in the vehicles to accommodate everyone.
The day goes by like any other day, hot and thankfully quiet.
Melissa leaves for work. Caroline is off today, and there are no other appointments.
"Switch?" Holler asks halfway through my shift.
"10-4," I say, turning to my left and making my way along the side of the house.
The front of the house can be seen from one vantage point, but patrolling is usually required in the back to see along both sides toward the front. Kincaid and Shadow are keeping an eye on one side of the house, so that makes the patrol distance less.
"Stationed," Holler says as he takes his spot in the front.
"Meeting out back in two," Victoria says into her mic.
We aren't able to hear what's going on in the house unless the person with the inside comm presses a button. In case of an emergency, Max can turn it on, but the privacy of the women is just as important to Cerberus as their safety.
"10- 4," Holler responds.
I don't know if he wanted to trade places for a while because he didn't want to listen to the meeting or what, but I didn't refuse because I'm doing my best to be a team player these days. That's a lot of the expectation in New Mexico. I was part of a team in Tennessee, but the work was mostly solitary. The change has been more of an adjustment than I expected, especially since it hasn't been that long since I left the Marine Corps. It's crazy just how used to something you can get in such a short period of time.
I don't know what to expect from the meeting. I haven't been back here when they've had one.
Every woman in the house, staff, and residents alike knows that we're back here, but that still doesn't make me feel like I'm eavesdropping any less.
"Back door open," echoes in my ear.
Chatter fills the air as women walk outside, discussing where to position the umbrellas to get as much shade as possible.
"Are we waiting for Dana?" Emmalyn asks after they arrange the patio furniture to their liking.
"She's not going to make it today," Victoria says. "I've got to run to Cottonwood. Does anyone need anything before I go?"
An echo of noes is the response.
"Well, if you do, Juliet can help you. Have a good day, ladies."