I’ve got to get to my phone!

It was at the opposite end of the pool, near the house and opposite to where the figure was.

Lungs nearly bursting, she swam underwater toward the far end. Surfacing then scrambling from the water, she seized her phone. Leaving wet tracks, she ran toward the sliding door, preparing to dial when—

“Hello, Lisa!”

The voice stopped her in her tracks—it was her neighbor Roland Dillard.

“Oh my God.” She released a deep breath. “Roland, it’s you!” Abandoning her call, her panic subsiding, she returned to her poolside chair and reached for her towel, pulling it over her shoulders. “Gosh, you startled me.”

“I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you.”

Dillard was standing in his yard, his head and shoulders visible above the shrub-encased fence that divided their property.

“I was working on my garden, heard splashing and thought I’d check. You know, keeping watch. Forgive me, please. I didn’t mean to startle you.”

“It’s okay,” she said, wrapping her towel around her, tucking it under her arms. “Thanks. Oh, I wanted to tell you again how much we appreciated your help with our security system.”

“Don’t mention it. Look, if you have a minute, why don’t you come over. I’d love for you to meet Nell, my wife, have a proper hello.”

Lisa nodded. “I’d like that. How about in an hour? Let me dry off and change.”

“Sounds fine. Just go around the block. We’re one-sixty-eight Sunhaven.”

Lisa had a quick shower, dried her hair, put on a summer top and shorts, grabbed her car keys, armed the security system and drove to the big strip mall where she visited a couple of boutiques before making a purchase.

Soon after that, she pressed the doorbell at the front of the Dillards’ beautiful, sprawling bungalow. As the door opened, Lisa’s smile retreated slightly. An older woman stood before her wearing a floral muumuu and matching head scarf. The skin on her face was tight to her skull, making her oversize glasses look even bigger. Lisa thought she looked ill.

“Hi, I’m Lisa Taylor, your backyard neighbor.”

A gnarled hand was raised to open the door wider as Lisa met the woman’s fierce, dark eyes and the hint of a smile.

“I’m Nell Dillard. Please come in. Rollie, she’s here!”

Cellophane rustled as Lisa stepped into the house carrying a gift basket.

“What have we here?” Nell said.

“This is for you and Roland. Jeff’s at work, but it’s our way of thanking you for Roland’s help with our home-security system, for being good neighbors. It’s just wine and chocolates.”

“Thank you. Very thoughtful. It wasn’t necessary.” Dillard emerged, smiling. “But I’ll take it.” He headed to the kitchen.