Page 38 of Property of Yak

Yooper wasn’t wrong about one thing, though.

I have something to lose now.

I refuse to let anything touch her, though. I will protect her.

Or I’ll die trying.

CHAPTER

TEN

Julie

Pulling into my driveway, I shut off my car and take a deep breath.

It’s been a long week. Not only has work been crazy, but I’ve been trying to get used to the cameras.

Instinctively, my eyes dart to the one on the side of my house.

Is he watching right now? Is that why he hasn’t stopped by in a few days?

As soon as the thought enters my mind, I push it away.

I shouldn’t want to see him. I shouldn’t want to spend time with him and wonder what he’s doing. I have no business being curious about the man, but I am.

The last time I saw him was when he came over and set up the cameras. While he worked, I made dinner. I went as far as making him a plate and demanding that he eat with me. For some reason he agreed, and while we ate, we made small talk.

I got to know him a little bit. He told me he had three siblings and that he previously lived in the States and relocated up here. I told him that I have always lived here and have never thought about leaving. How I love our town and all it has to offer.

After we finished eating, he helped me clean up the kitchen before getting back to setting everything up. Once he was done, he sat down with me and went over the app, showing me how it worked. He reassured me that he wouldn’t just be watching for fun but only when it was necessary. Only when the alarm notified him someone was outside or messing with one of my doors or windows.

I raise my hand and wave at the camera, and as soon as I do, I groan.

“I’m so dumb,” I mutter to myself.

I grab my bag and get out of the car. As I walk up the front porch steps, I hear a car slowing down and look over my shoulder. I pause while I watch as the cruiser comes to a stop in front of my place, and my dad gets out.

“Hey, Daddy, what are you doing here?” I ask as he approaches.

My heart races as he looks around, and I don’t miss the way his eyes lock in on the cameras.

I open the door and step inside. He shuts the door behind him and looks around again.

“Just coming to check on my girl,” he says before leaning in and kissing my cheek. “How was your day? You look tired.”

I sigh. “Dad, how many times do I have to tell you, you shouldn’t tell a woman she looks tired? It’s an insult.”

“I can’t help it. I worry about you. Especially with this new development. When did you get cameras?”

“Only earlier this week.”

He raises an eyebrow. “I thought you didn’t want cameras because the thought made you feel like someone was always watching you and gave you the creeps.”

I feel my cheeks heat. He’s not wrong. I have said that. Multiple times over the years.

“I got a really good deal on them and knew that it would make you happy. Besides, I wanted to know what Tabby does while I’m gone,” I tell him as I set my bag down on the entry table.

He hums, letting me know he doesn’t believe me, but he won’t push.