Chapter 14 - THE UNWELCOME VISITATION
Two nights later, the illusion of safety was briefly pierced. It was past eleven p.m., and I was wrapping up a digital financial audit in my home office when a sharp, frantic tapping echoed against the front window.
I walked cautiously to the hallway, peering through the security monitor. Standing on the front porch under the amber glow of the security light was a gaunt, disheveled figure. Luca’s hair was unwashed, his collar was crumpled, and his eyes were wide and bloodshot. He wasn't wearing a jacket despite the chilly autumn wind.
He banged his fist against the wood. “Jessi! I know you’re in there! Please, just talk to me for five minutes! They’re garnishing my wages! I can’t even make rent!”
I didn't open the door. Instead, I pressed the intercom button connected to the smart-home speaker system.
“The children are sleeping, Luca,” I said, my voice projecting evenly through the porch speaker. “And this is private property. If you don't leave right now, I won't call Rachel—I’ll call the local sheriff, and you know how the judge views probation violations.”
Luca froze, staring up at the security camera lens as if he were trying to find the woman he used to condescendingly call a housewife.
“You’ve turned into a monster, Jessi,” he sobbed into the night air. “You have no mercy.”
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“No, Luca,” I replied softly. “I just learned math from the best.”
A minute later, the crunch of gravel signaled his departure. He didn't return.
