And what is being spun is a cocoon,
which in the end will completely envelop him.
― C.G. Jung
I must have been exhausted by the events of the previous night because I slept until eleven am.
The thought of being stalked plays games with your mind. It's kind of like a radio playing in the background only it's your subconscious calling up images and conversations and occasionally interpreting a sudden noise or movement as a source of danger.
The toll stress was taking on me became evident as I was finishing my breakfast. An electric chime startled me making my heart pound until I realized it was connected to my new video doorbell.
I glanced at my cell and saw it was Luther Crowe, my lawyer, so I greeted him over the intercom and then, hurried to let him in.
"I can see Jason has been busy securing the premisses," he smiled, eyeing the cameras and video doorbell.
" Jason sent over a techie called Ahmed and he set up the whole system and walked me through it, but I'm still awkward at using it."
"Well, there's a bit of a learning curve but this the new normal, I suppose. They call it cocooning―safe and secure in your house. You can order in most anything these days."
I frowned. "I still like to get out―go for a jog or take the boat and go for a sail. I just won't be stupid about it and take unnecessary risks."
Luther smiled sympathetically, "It won't be forever, Marcus. I had a chat with our friends. Care to hear about it?"
"Sure. Would you like a coffee?"
"It smells delicious. You perk your own blend?"
"Yeah, beats canned coffee and an automatic coffee maker. Those things never brew the coffee at a hot enough temperature."
I waved him to a seat and poured him a steaming mug and topped up my own.
"Croissants too―and imported jam? You live well, Marcus."
"Yeah, I'm not sure where I got that idea. Someone called it a continental breakfast. It's a leftover from a previous life."
"Don't worry, Son, Your memory will come back. In the meantime, enjoy!"
He clinked my mug by way of a toast and I again found myself struggling to repress tears. Not sure why that happens whenever people are kind to me.
And I'm not sure if Luther noticed my vulnerability, or saw it and chose to ignore it, but he began to reassure me I was safe.
"So, I made it clear to Arthur Reid and Ray Hull that their cozy financial dealings were being reviewed by a forensic accounting firm I retained. I also mentioned threats had been made against you and I reminded both men not to have any further dealings with you."
"How did they react to that news?" I asked.
"As you might expect with feigned indignation and assurances they would not seek you out or put any pressure upon you."
"I think they stand to lose quite a bit of money if this redevelopment deal falls through."
Luther nodded, "That's true, but from what I gather they were mostly playing with your money, counting on your financial assets to allow them to swing the deal. It would be only just if they end up losing their shirts because of their own shady dealings."
"Do they know I'm under police protection?"
"They know everything that goes on in West Harbour. They'd be fools to try to use scare tactics or intimidation on you. So, my advice is to go about your business but remain prudent and don't take unnecessary risks. Jason is conducting a full investigation so we'll see what turns up."
He got up to leave and reached out a hand to clap me lightly on the shoulder.
"You're in good hands, Marcus. Just stay the course."
I nodded and showed him out.
I was in good hands and I wasn't just thinking about Luther or Jason and the security team outside my house―I was thinking about Nat and Clare and Tess and the support I had ever since I came back home.