CHAPT5: The Neighbour Next Door

Lynda adjusted the collar of her blouse and gave herself one last glance in the mirror. Today was her first day commuting from her new home, and she was determined to start fresh. She grabbed her bag, her keys, and her travel mug filled with coffee before stepping outside.

The morning air was crisp, the street still quiet except for a few birds chirping in the distance. She walked toward her car, tossing her bag onto the passenger seat before turning back to lock her front door.

Just as she reached for the keys in her pocket, a voice caught her off guard.

“Morning.”

Lynda turned quickly, her heart skipping a beat. Standing just a few feet away was a man—tall, broad-shouldered, and effortlessly casual in a plain white T-shirt and dark jeans. His dark brown hair was slightly tousled, and there was something unreadable in his gaze.

She blinked, realizing where he had come from—the house next door.

For some reason, she had assumed it was empty. Since she moved in yesterday, she hadn’t seen a single light on inside. No movement, no sound. And yet, here he was.

“Uh, morning,” she replied, forcing herself to sound normal.

The man leaned slightly against the fence that separated their houses. “Didn’t get a chance to introduce myself yesterday. Isaac Caleb,” he said, nodding slightly. “Guess we’re neighbors.”

Lynda hesitated before stepping closer, offering a polite smile. “Lynda Stetson. Nice to meet you.”

Isaac’s sharp eyes studied her for a second before he spoke again. “So, journalist, huh?”

Lynda raised an eyebrow. “How do you know that?”

His lips curved slightly, almost amused. “Small neighborhood. Word gets around fast.”

Lynda exhaled softly, shaking her head. “Figures.”

Isaac glanced at her house before meeting her gaze again. “How do you like the place so far?”

Lynda debated how honest she wanted to be. She could mention the odd way the other neighbors had reacted to her, or the uneasy feeling she had about the house. But instead, she settled on something neutral.

“It’s nice,” she said. “Still settling in.”

Isaac gave a slow nod, as if he understood something she hadn’t said out loud.

“Well, if you ever need anything, I’m right next door,” he said, pushing himself off the fence. “Though I doubt you’ll see me around much. Work keeps me busy.”

Lynda glanced at the house behind him. It still looked as empty as it had yesterday.

“What do you do?” she asked.

Isaac hesitated for just a moment before replying. “Security work.”

Vague. But Lynda didn’t press.

She nodded. “Well, thanks for the offer. I should get going before I’m late.”

Isaac simply lifted a hand in a casual wave before heading toward his door.

Lynda got into her car, but as she pulled out of the driveway, she glanced at her rearview mirror.

Isaac was still standing on his porch, watching her leave.

As Lynda drove down the street, she couldn't shake the feeling that Isaac's gaze lingered on her, even from afar.

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