“The keypad is self-explanatory,” I said as we walked. “And I thought we could pair it with a motion sensor that will go off if the keypad isn’t deactivated within twenty seconds of opening the door. Then perhaps another motion sensor at the bedroom window, which she could switch on at night to alert her if anyone tries to break in or sneak up to spy on her.” I ran through the other ideas I had, and Grace nodded along.

“Where will the video feeds go to?” she asked as she unlocked the door. “I have to ask because she’s my tenant. Legally, I should get her go-ahead before we start making changes, but I can’t see her disagreeing. I need to know who’ll have access so I can be sure they won’t abuse it.”

It made me sick to even think about the idea of someone abusing a camera feed into Kennedy’s safe space. “Of course. It will go to a secure server, which you’ll get access to as her landlord. If you’re comfortable with it, she’d also be able to share the link with her security firm and access it herself.”

“That all sounds good.” Grace rubbed her palms together briskly. “Is there anything I can help with?”

I shook my head. “I think I’ve got it covered, but I’ll let you know if I need a hand with anything.”

“Great.” She paused, then added, “You’re doing a good thing.”

I pressed my lips together and nodded, not wanting to examine the motivation behind my actions too closely.

“Right, well.” She backed away. “You know where to find me if you need me.”

Chapter Twenty

KENNEDY

Hi Liam,

I don’t think I ever really appreciated how genuine you were. These days, with the exception of my family, I seem to be surrounded by people who have made a career of not being who they say they are, and I’m as bad as the rest of them. I spend so much time pretending to be someone else that sometimes I’m not even sure who I really am anymore.

I miss the version of myself I was with you.

Love,

K xx

I’d been out for a walk along the main street, too wired from the incident yesterday to risk walking further afield by myself, when I returned to the cottage and found the door open. I froze, completely certain I’d locked it when I left.

My pulse thudded wildly at the base of my throat, and I backed away, hoping whoever was inside hadn’t seen me. There was a chance it was Grace, but I’d told her I preferred to do the housework and laundry myself, and so far, she’d respected that. I dashed to the door of the main house and rang the doorbell. When Grace opened it, I hustled past her.