Page 28 of Maverick
“Has your dad mentioned anything about a trail cam?”
“Like one of those cameras that take pictures of wildlife?”
And people.“Yeah.”
“Not that I remember.”
I pulled the pocketknife from my pants and cut through the zip tie holding the camera in place. “I’ll take it down for now. If it’s his, I’ll hang it back up tomorrow.”
Kat nibbled her lip. “But if it’s not his, then whose is it? Who else would put up a camera facing my dad’s house?”
Good. Fucking. Question. I’d spent many nights out on this patio with Larry, sharing stories at his fire pit. He’d never once mentioned installing a trail cam. And even if he did, he wouldn’t have the damn thing pointed at his house. He’d have it on the fucking trail.
I shot a quick text to Baller, though I didn’t expect him to reply until morning. I’d take this back to the clubhouse and have him run through the SD card. If we knew what images this sick fucker was getting, we could figure out more about his motives.
“And on that note—” Kat clapped her hands together— “I’m ready to crawl under my covers.”
I watched as she turned toward the house and walked up the deck steps. She waved one last time, unlocked the door, and stepped inside. Instead of turning back, I watched her through the glass doors and windows. They needed to get some curtains. My blood boiled as I thought about the access this creeper had with the camera. I took one last look and was about to head back when my blood ran cold.
“Kat!”
18
Kat
“You’re mighty pretty for a burglar, but don’t think I won’t defend myself and my property against ya.”
I froze as Dad stalked down the hallway, shotgun poised at his shoulder.
“Woah, it’s me. You know, Kat? Katie?” I flicked on the light, hoping it was just the darkness that had him confused.
“Don’t give a rat’s ass who you are. Not when you’ve come intomyhome to stealmybelongings.”
“But—” My heart pounded in my chest. What the hell was happening? He was looking right at me, but his eyes were glassy. Was he sleepwalking again? Could sleepwalkers hold conversations?
“You got ’til the count of three, and then I’m standing my ground.” The gun cocked. “One.”
Shit.“Yeah, yeah okay.” I took a slow step back. “Calm down. I’m sure we can—”
“Two.”
Fuck.Was he about to shoot me? My eyes filled with tears. “Wait!”
“Thr—”
“Yo, Larry, what’s going on here?”
A whoosh of air left my chest as Maverick’s voice rang through the kitchen. I didn’t dare move, but I heard his steps as he walked next to me.
Dad looked up from the scope and nodded. “Hey, Mav. Caught myself an intruder.”
“Intruder?” Mav asked, looking over at me. “You mean Kat?” He put an arm around my waist and dragged me backward, positioning his body in front of mine. “Just breathe, baby,” he whispered.
I let out a whimper and grabbed his hand.
Dad’s face twisted, and he lowered the rifle. “Wait, you know this thief?”
Mav cleared his throat. “Yeah, I know her. Are you saying you don’t?”
