“You know how I feel about that, Jeff.”

“In the abstract,” he agreed. “But if the stalker followed you to New Zealand, then this is more serious than we thought. Your life could be in danger.”

I considered that. “It’s a big ‘if’, to start with. He may have arranged for the box to be delivered. And even if he’s here, I don’t think he wants to hurt me.”

“Kennedy….”

“Hear me out. I think he believes himself to be in love with me. The weird letters, the disturbing videos, and now this. He left me a basket of the things I use to relax and feel good.” I’d been toying with this theory since I’d seen what was in the box, and while it didn’t make the gift itself less creepy, it did make me a bit less terrified of him doing something awful to me. “I don’t think that was random or a mistake. I think that was his way of trying to show he wants to take care of me.”

“Eh.” He didn’t sound convinced. “You an amateur psychologist now?”

I sighed. “I’m just thinking about character motivation. Acting isn’t a practical life skill in many ways, but it does help you get inside someone’s head. If he wanted to hurt me, I’ve been alone in that cottage every night, yet he hasn’t made a move. Yeah, it scares me to know he could be somewhere nearby, watching me, but he hasn’t done anything to harm me.”

“You can’t know for sure that’ll continue.”

“You’re right. But I’m staying in a house with others tonight, and I’ll look into alternative options tomorrow. It’s already Christmas Day here, so there’s not much else I can do.”

He made a sound of disapproval. “Will your landlady agree to install a video feed of the cottage for us to monitor?”

“Probably. I’ve also asked the police to let me know if they find any fingerprints.”

“Good. Do you have a photo of what was left for you?”

“Yeah.” I’d taken a couple on my phone. “I’ll send them through now.”

He waited on the line while I did it.

“Thanks,” he grunted. “I know you think you’re safe, but be careful, will you? Pain in the ass or not, I like you, and I’d prefer you stay alive.”

I smiled. “I will. Thanks, Jeff.”