“Recognize either of them?”
“No.”
“Do you have contractors working on the property?”
“Not tonight.”
He examined the damaged camera and utility box.
The main electrical disconnect had been tampered with.
Fortunately, the backup system was installed on a protected circuit.
“Someone wanted the power off,” he said.
I felt cold.
“Why?”
“We’ll investigate.”
I told him about Richard Vale and the disputed access road.
His expression became more serious.
“Has anyone threatened you?”
“Not directly.”
I remembered Richard’s words.
You might regret taking this position.
I repeated them.
Deputy Mercer wrote everything down.
Before leaving, he looked at the house.
“Good security.”
“My husband installed it.”
“Smart man.”
I watched his vehicle disappear into the darkness.
Then I locked the gate.
I didn’t sleep that night.
The next morning, Miriam arrived with her dog and a thermos of coffee.
When I told her what happened, she swore so colorfully that I almost laughed.
