Dean’s gaze narrowed. “You’re right. It should have. RJ and I ran a test after we installed it.”
“Let me check,” Mac said, quickly pulling up the system’s app on his own phone, scrolling through the settings and logs.“It’s all set up properly. The motion sensors were active. There’s no reason it shouldn’t have alerted us.”
A heavy silence fell over the room as they all realized the implications of what Mac had just said. Whoever this person was, he’d somehow managed to bypass the alarm system—or worse, knew how to disable it.
Now Sadie’s fear was back full force. She glanced at Dale, searching for reassurance. He met her gaze with one of protection and steely resolve.
“We’re going to find out who did this, Sadie,” he reassured firmly. “And when we do, they’re going to regret ever coming near you.”
The determination in Dale’s voice gave her a flicker of hope. She wasn’t alone in this—she had Dale, and she had a team of professionals who wouldn’t rest until they ensured her safety. But as she stood there, surrounded by the people she trusted most, the reality of the threat they were facing settled heavily in her chest.
She didn’t want anyone to get hurt because of her.
It was in that moment that Sadie realized exactly what Harper had gone through. What Harper had felt. It was horrible, and her poor cousin had only been seventeen.
***
Later that afternoon, Sadie sat in the breakroom at ESI headquarters, nursing a pumpkin spice latte and trying to calm her nerves. The events of the morning still weighed heavily on her mind, but being here, surrounded by the people who had become like a second family to her, brought a sense of comfort.
Dale had insisted on picking his father up from the hospital with Mac, leaving her in the capable hands of the team at ESI. She knew it was the right thing to do, especially with the added security updates being installed at her house, but she couldn’t help but feel a bit on edge.
Rylee sat across from her, sipping a coffee as they waited for Loni and Lori to arrive. “You doing okay, Sadie?” she asked, glancing up with a concerned look. “I know it’s been a crazy few days, with today being the worst.”
Unhappy about stressing her friend out, Sadie managed a small smile. “Yeah, I’m okay. Just processing everything, I guess. It helps being here, though. You guys make me feel normal.”
Before Rylee could respond, the door to the breakroom swung open, and Lori and Loni burst in, each carrying bags of takeout. The smell of burgers and fries instantly filled the room, causing Sadie’s stomach to growl.
She hadn’t eaten anything in hours. Hadn’t been hungry.
Until now.
“Guess who brought lunch?” Lori sang out, grinning as she set the bags down on the table.
Loni followed suit, winking at Sadie. “We figured you could use some comfort food after the day you’ve had. And we come bearing all the calories.”
She laughed, feeling some of the tension in her shoulders melt away. “You two are lifesavers. I didn’t realize how hungry I was until I smelled that.”
“Food has a way of making everything better,” Rylee said, grabbing a burger and unwrapping it with enthusiasm.
So did Dale.
The girls stilled and turned their attention to her before grinning.
“Aw, crap,” she muttered. “I said that out loud, didn’t I?”
Lori settled down next to Sadie and handed her a burger. “Yeah, you did. So, we’ve got questions.”
Already knowing the subject—Dale—Sadie took a big bite of her burger and mumbled that she couldn’t talk at the moment.
Loni grinned mischievously. “That’s okay. We’ll do the talking.”
“Yeah.” Lori nodded. “Let’s start with the blush creeping into your face when you say Dale’s name.”
“Or we say it,” Rylee added, shoving a fry in her mouth.
“It’s like you’re about to burst with happiness.” Loni grinned. “I think it’s wonderful.”
Sadie swallowed her mouthful and smiled. “So do I.”
