Page 55 of Bound By Fire
“Do you have a designated spot?” He is looking at the faded parking line and the chipped pillar.
“It’s not official, but yes, that’s my spot.” I shrug. “My staff know not to park there.”
“Until we can get the staff parking more secure, I want you to use a different spot every day. One that is closer to the entrance and under a working light.” He points at the area he’s referring to.
“Sure. I’ll do that.”
“Who’s on the gate tonight?”
“Jeff. He’s been here for years. He’s a good guy. Probably one of yours, actually.”
“Is there access control into the lot?” He points at a boom gate.
“Yep, there’s a badge swipe at the boom. After hours, we need a badge plus a code.”
“How often do the codes change?” he asks.
I make a face. “I’ve used the same one since I started here.”
“That needs to change.” He nods a few times. “It could be better, and it could be worse. I’ll get it sorted out.”
I’m sure he will.
Ridge finishes his slow loop and comes back to the driver’s side of my vehicle.
“Okay, then. I have what I need. You get into your vehicle and lock it. Then give me five minutes to get to my vehicle, and then I’ll fall in behind you. I’m in a black Range Rover with tinted windows.”
“Got it.” I nod.
“Wait for me,” he says. “Don’t pull out until you see me. Make sure you lock yourself in. Call me if you’re worried about anything. I hope you took down my number. It’s in the email the Council sent you.”
“I still haven’t read it.”
“Robyn…Dr. Keller, this is important.”
“I’m sorry, I had more pressing issues to attend to. I’ll save it to my cellphone as soon as I get home.”
He takes out his device and taps the screen a few times, and my phone rings.
“That’s me. Save it now.”
“Thank you. I will,” I tell him. “By the way, I need to go to the grocery store on the way home. I’m out of milk and a couple of other things. Should I meet you back at my place, or do you want to tag along?”
He gives me a dirty look I feel low in my belly.
“I’ll tag along.”
I smile at him, and he scowls at me.
“Suit yourself.”
He turns and walks away, and I watch him do it.
“Get into your vehicle, Dr. Keller,” he tells me without turning back.
I roll my eyes and do as he says, locking the door even though it feels stupid.
I’ve never felt unsafe a day in my life. The vaccination center incident rattled all of us, but it isn’t the norm on Draig Island.
