Kate felt a shiver run down her spine as she stepped into her dimly lit duplex, the warning from Jon echoing in her mind. She gnced nervously around, her eyes searching the shadows for any sign of movement. The eerie feeling of being watched sent a chill through her body, and she quickened her pace, eager to reach the safety of her room.

  As she walked through the living room, she thought she saw a shadowy figure dart out of sight, causing her heart to race. She hesitated, unsure if she should investigate or retreat. Gathering her courage, she moved cautiously towards where she had seen the figure, her heart pounding in her chest.

  Just then, a noise from outside made her jump. She spun around, her eyes wide with fear, only to see the curtains billowing in the wind. She let out a shaky breath, realizing it was just the wind pying tricks on her.

  Determined to shake off her fear, Kate hurried to her room and locked the door behind her. She sat on her bed, her mind racing with thoughts of who could be watching her and why. Despite Jon's warning, she couldn't shake the feeling of unease that lingered in the air.

  After a while, she drifts off into sleep.

  BANG!

  Kate's eyes shot open as the loud noise pierced the silence of the night. Heart pounding, she sat up in bed, straining to listen. Another crash echoed from Maggie's room, sending a wave of fear through Kate.

  Without hesitation, she leaped out of bed and rushed to Maggie's room, her mind racing with thoughts of intruders or worse. She threw open the door and flicked on the light, expecting to find chaos and danger.

  But to her surprise, the room was empty. The broken window let a gust of wind in that had knocked over a vase, causing the noise. Kate let out a sigh of relief, grateful that it was just a harmless accident.

  As she picked up the fallen vase, Kate couldn't shake the feeling of unease that lingered. After making sure everything was secure, Kate returned to her room, her mind still racing with thoughts of the shadowy figures.

  ***

  Kate's eyes fluttered open as the first light of dawn filtered through the curtains. Stretching, she yawned and sat up, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. As she swung her legs over the side of the bed, her gaze fell upon a piece of paper on the nightstand.

  Confused, Kate picked it up and read the words scrawled on it: "I’m watching you.”

  Her heart skipped a beat as she realized the note wasn't there when she went to bed. Someone had been in the house st night, watching her sleep. Fear gripped her as she scanned the room, her mind racing with thoughts of who could have left the note and why.

  With trembling hands, Kate reached for her phone to call Jon. She knew she needed to tell him about the note and the break-in. As she waited for him to answer, she couldn't shake the feeling of being watched, even in the safety of her own home.

  Kate's hands trembled as she held the phone to her ear, her heart pounding in her chest. When Jon answered, she blurted out, "Someone was in the house st night. There's a threatening note next to my bed. I don't know what to do!"

  Jon's voice was calm but concerned. "Kate, stay where you are. I'm on my way. Don't touch anything, and don't go anywhere near the note. I'll be there soon."

  Kate nodded, even though Jon couldn't see her. "Please hurry," she pleaded, her voice shaking.

  As she hung up the phone, fear gripped her. She felt vulnerable and exposed, knowing that someone had been in her home while she slept. She sat on the edge of her bed, her eyes darting around the room, searching for any sign of the intruder.

  Minutes felt like hours as Kate waited for Jon to arrive. She felt a sense of relief knowing that he was coming, but the fear lingered, knowing that the threat was still out there, somewhere, watching and waiting.

  Jon arrived at Kate's duplex with a team of investigators, their expressions grim. Kate stood by nervously, watching as they carefully examined the note and the rest of the house for any signs of a break-in.

  As the investigators worked, Jon approached Kate, his face a mask of anger and concern. "I can't believe my patrol missed this," he muttered, more to himself than to Kate. "We should have caught something st night."

  Kate's heart sank as she realized her mistake. She should have reported the broken vase when it happened st night.

  Kate bit her lip, feeling guilty for not noticing anything herself. "I'm sorry, Jon. There was a noise in the middle of the night, but I thought it was nothing. I didn't know someone was in the house until I found the note this morning."

  Jon shook his head, pcing a comforting hand on her shoulder. "It's not your fault, Kate. It's natural to overlook things. The important thing is that you're safe."

  The investigators finished their sweep, but found no fingerprints or other evidence to identify the intruder. Jon promised to increase patrols in the area and advised Kate to leave the duplex.

  Jon's expression softened as he looked at Kate, concern evident in his eyes. "Kate, I think it would be best if you didn't stay here tonight.”

  Kate shook her head, her stomach churning with anxiety. She felt more alone than ever.

  Seeing her distress, Jon spoke up. "You can stay at my pce if you'd like. I have an extra room. I won't let anything happen to you."

  Kate's eyes widened in surprise. She had never expected Jon to offer his home to her. Despite her hesitation, she knew she needed a safe pce to stay. Feeling a mix of gratitude and relief, she nodded, thankful for his kindness and support. "Thank you. I'd appreciate that."

  Jon smiled reassuringly. "It's no trouble at all. Let's get you some things and head over to my pce. We can back ter for the rest of your belongings.”

  As they left the duplex, Kate couldn't help but feel grateful for Jon's kindness. She knew she was lucky to have him looking out for her.

  ***

  As Jon drove Kate to his house, a sense of relief washed over her. She was thankful to be away from the duplex.

  Jon’s house, located on the outskirts of Willow Creek, reflects his straightforward and practical nature. It's a single-story, ranch-style home with a sturdy, well-kept exterior. The house is painted a warm, earthy shade of beige, with dark brown trim that complements the surrounding ndscape.

  The front yard is simple but neatly maintained, with a gravel driveway leading up to a detached garage. A well-tended wn stretches across the front, bordered by a few shrubs and a small flower bed near the entrance. A rge oak tree stands in one corner of the yard, providing shade and a touch of natural beauty.

  The front porch is modest, with a couple of wooden chairs and a small table where Jon sometimes sits to enjoy a cup of coffee or unwind after a long day. The porch light casts a welcoming glow in the evenings, inviting guests to come inside.

  Inside, Jon's home is functional and comfortable. The living room is spacious, with a rge, comfortable sofa and a couple of recliners arranged around a coffee table. A ft-screen TV is mounted on the wall, and a few framed photographs and pieces of local art add a personal touch to the space. The walls are painted a neutral color, and the hardwood floors add warmth to the room.

  The kitchen is well-equipped, though it's clear that Jon doesn't spend much time cooking eborate meals. The counter tops are clean and clutter-free, with just a few essential appliances like a coffee maker and a toaster. A small dining table with four chairs sits in the corner, often serving as Jon's workspace for reviewing case files or catching up on paperwork.

  The spare room in Jon's house is cozy and inviting, with warm, earthy tones that give it a comforting feel. The walls are painted a soft beige, complemented by dark wood furniture that added a touch of elegance to the room.

  A rge, comfortable bed dominated the space, dressed in crisp white linens and a plush duvet. A bedside table with a mp provided soft lighting, casting a warm glow over the room. On the opposite wall, a dresser offered ample storage space for Kate’s belongings. She would collect those in the morning, under Jon’s supervision.

  A window overlooked the backyard, offering a view of the moonlit night sky. In the backyard, there’s a small patio area with a barbecue grill and a few chairs. Jon enjoys spending time there when the weather is nice. The backyard is enclosed by a wooden fence, offering privacy and a sense of seclusion.

  Sheer curtains gently billowed in the breeze, adding to the room's serene atmosphere. A few personal touches, like a vase of fresh flowers on the bedside table and a framed photograph on the dresser, gave the room a homely feel.

  The woman in the picture had a warm smile, and Kate couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness while looking at her.

  "Is this your wife?" Kate asked Jon while pointing towards the photo.

  Jon nodded, his expression somber. "Yes, it is. She passed two years ago,” he paused, “I can move it if it makes you feel uncomfortable."

  Kate shook her head, touched by Jon's gesture. "No, it's okay. She was a big part of your life, and I understand that. Besides, it's nice to have her watching over us."

  Jon smiled, grateful for Kate's understanding. In that moment, a bond formed between them, a shared understanding of loss and the healing power of compassion. He bid her goodnight, and they parted ways for the night.

  As Kate settled into bed, she couldn't help but feel a sense of peace in Jon's house. For the first time since Maggie's death, she felt truly safe and cared for. And as she drifted off to sleep, Kate found herself smiling, grateful for the unexpected connection she had formed with Jon and the comfort he provided.

  ***

  The next morning, Kate woke up to the smell of breakfast cooking. She found Jon in the kitchen, preparing a meal for her.

  "Good morning, Kate," Jon greeted her with a warm smile. "I hope you slept well. Breakfast will be ready soon."

  Kate smiled back, feeling a sense of gratitude for Jon's kindness.

  Kate sat at the kitchen table. As Jon cooked breakfast, she couldn't help but admire his good looks. She noticed he has a strong, chiseled jawline, piercing blue eyes that seem to sparkle with intelligence, and a warm, inviting smile. His dark brown hair is styled in a neat, cssic fashion, adding to his timeless appeal. He has a tall, athletic build, with a presence that commands attention without being intimidating.

  Jon has a perpetual 5 o'clock shadow that gives him a slightly rugged and effortlessly handsome look. The faint stubble adds an air of casual confidence to his otherwise clean-cut demeanor, enhancing his strong jawline and giving his face a subtle, masculine edge.

  Overall, Jon’s appearance exudes a sense of confidence and charisma that is both captivating and approachable. She watched him move around the kitchen with a sense of admiration, grateful for his kindness and support during such a difficult time.

  Jon joins Kate at the table. As they eat, they discuss their pns for the day.

  “I think we should go to your house to get the rest of your things,” Jon said gently.

  Kate nodded. After breakfast, they set out for Kate's house.

  When they arrived Kate's heart sank at the sight of the duplex. She felt a wave of fear wash over her. But Jon was there, a steady presence by her side, offering support and reassurance. Together, they entered the duplex, and Kate began packing the necessities. The remaining household items would ter be moved to a storage locker, once Maggie's parents sorted through their daughter's belongings.

  Kate moved through each room, gathering her necessities: clothes, toiletries, a few personal mementos. As she moved throughout the house, memories of happier times with Maggie flooded her mind.

  With a final gnce around, she whispered a quiet goodbye, locking the door behind her with a heavy heart.

  Jon drove Kate back to his house, where she would stay for the time being. The drive back was quiet, both lost in their thoughts. Once they arrived, Jon helped Kate settle back in, ensuring she was comfortable and had everything she needed.