eight. Addison swung her legs over the side of the bed, groaning as her muscles protested the movement. Shelby yawned and picked her way across the bed. She rubbed against Addison, purring.
“I bet you’re hungry, sweetie. It’s past dinnertime.” Addison stroked the cat, letting the soothing motion erase the lingering side effects of the nightmare. Shelby’s purr grew in intensity. “Come on. Let’s see what we can scrounge up in the kitchen.”
It wouldn’t be much. Addison hadn’t gone to the grocery store in over a week. She also didn’t feel up to cooking. It was on nights like this she pulled out her favorite childhood sandwich, peanut butter and jelly. Not very mature, but it hit the spot.
A night-light in the kitchen glowed. It was bright enough to see, and since Addison’s eyes had adjusted to the dark, she didn’t bother flipping on the main lights. Shelby twirled between her legs, loudly meowing for her meal. Addison maneuvered around her. “Okay, okay. It’s coming.”
She quickly opened a can of cat food and dumped it in Shelby’s bowl. The cat pounced on her food like she hadn’t eaten in a week. Addison chuckled. “No one will take it away from you, I promise.”
The motion-detection light on the back patio lit up and a dark shape moved across the kitchen tile. Addison’s heart dropped to her feet and then jumped into her throat.
Someone was in her yard.
She ducked behind the safety of the island. Her phone and mace were in the bedroom. Since the confrontation with Michael yesterday, she’d been keeping both close to her at all times. Disorientation from the nightmare had muddled her brain. She’d forgotten the items on the nightstand.
A scrape came from her patio, the sound of a boot against the concrete. Addison muffled a shriek. She reached above her head to the block of knives on the counter. Her hand wrapped around the hilt of a butcher knife. She pulled it free.
The shadow reappeared on the kitchen tile. Large enough to be a man. Would he try to break in? Her gaze shot to the alarm panel next to the door. The light glowed green, showing it was armed. There was a panic button, but she would have to leave the shelter of the island to hit it.
Another panel was in the living room. And her bedroom. But the island was in the middle of the kitchen and there was a wide open space between Addison’s hiding place and the doorway. If the intruder had a gun, she didn’t stand a chance.
Addison held her breath, waiting. More scrapes came from the patio. What was he doing? Looking for a way in? She peeked around the corner of the island. A face appeared in the window above the door.
Addison screamed.
“Addy, it’s me. Trevor.”
She placed a hand over her racing heart and sagged against the island. The relief was short-lived, as anger took hold. Addison shot up from behind the island, disarmed her alarm, and unlocked the back door. “What on earth are you doing? You scared the living daylights out of me.”
A sheepish look came over his face. “Sorry. I wasn’t sure you were awake.” He gestured to the dimly lit kitchen behind her. “I sent a text, but you didn’t answer. All of your lights were out and you’ve had a rough couple of days.”
“Most people knock on the front door.”
His brows arched. “Most people haven’t known you since diapers. Can I come in?”
“I’d rather you not.” Addison’s tone was sharp, but she didn’t care. Trevor had no business creeping around her yard, no matter how long he’d known her. Especially given the threats. He was a police officer and knew better.
Addison stepped onto the back patio and shut the door behind her. The cold air raised goose bumps on her skin. “What is it, Trevor?”
His gaze narrowed. “I’ve never known you to be rude, Addy. Is someone in the house with you?”
By someone, he meant a guy. The comment did nothing but fuel her temper. She crossed her arms over her chest and gave him a pointed look. “No one is in the house with me, not that it’s any of your business. It’s been a long day, however, and I’m tired. What is it?”
He shrugged. “I just wanted to check on you.”
“I was hoping you had an update on the case. My client, Chloe, called and spoke to you this morning. She’s convinced her husband is involved.”
Trevor rubbed the back of his neck. “I know,