CHAPT 14: The Unseen Threat

Lynda stood in her living room, staring at the small security devices Isaac had given her. The hidden camera, the motion sensor, the emergency alarm—they all sat on the table, waiting to be installed. She knew he meant well, but the fact that he was so insistent made her uneasy. Was he just being protective, or did he know something she didn’t?

She glanced at Isaac, who was already working on setting up the hidden camera. He moved with an ease that suggested familiarity, as if he had done this before.

“How do you even know how to do all this?” she asked, crossing her arms.

Isaac smirked but didn’t look away from his task. “Let’s just say I’ve picked up a few skills over the years.”

“Vague. Very reassuring.”

He chuckled. “You ask too many questions.”

“Maybe because you never give straight answers.”

Isaac finished setting up the camera and straightened up, turning to her. “You don’t have to trust me, Lynda. But at least trust that I wouldn’t do this if I didn’t think it was necessary.”

His words sent a small shiver down her spine. She wanted to argue, to tell him she didn’t need any of this. But deep down, she wasn’t so sure anymore.

Isaac handed her the emergency alarm. “Keep this with you. If anything happens, press it, and it’ll alert the authorities.”

Lynda took it hesitantly, her fingers curling around the small device. “You’re acting like something’s going to happen.”

Isaac met her gaze, his expression unreadable. “I just want you to be prepared.”

A silence settled between them, heavy and full of unspoken words. Lynda wasn’t sure what unnerved her more—the fact that Isaac was worried about her safety or the growing feeling that maybe he had a reason to be.

A sudden noise from outside made them both turn their heads. It was faint, but distinct—the sound of gravel shifting underfoot, as if someone had been standing outside and just moved away.

Lynda’s breath caught. “Did you hear that?”

Isaac nodded, already moving toward the window. He pulled back the curtain just enough to peer outside. The street was empty, the porch light casting long shadows against the pavement.

“See anything?” Lynda whispered.

Isaac didn’t respond right away. His gaze lingered before he finally let the curtain fall back into place. “No one’s there.”

But the way his jaw tensed told her he wasn’t convinced.

Lynda swallowed hard. Maybe she was just being paranoid. Maybe it was nothing.

Or maybe someone really was watching.

Isaac turned back to her, his expression serious. “Lock your doors and windows. Don’t ignore anything suspicious.”

Lynda nodded slowly. “You’re really making me feel safe, you know.”

Isaac’s lips twitched, but the amusement didn’t reach his eyes. “Good. You should be careful.”

A sudden thought crossed her mind. “Isaac… do you think someone’s been inside my house before?”

He hesitated for half a second before answering. “It’s possible.”

Lynda’s stomach twisted. “But I would know, right? I mean, nothing’s been stolen. Nothing’s been out of place.”

Isaac exhaled, rubbing his jaw. “Not all intruders leave a mess. Some just… watch.”