“The food is packed in the refrigerator,” Laura said, looking up with a small smile.

“There is enough for a week.”

“Thank you, Laura,” I said, reaching for my purse on the counter.

“Don’t worry about the payment tonight,” she said, waving her hand. “Annika already handled the retainer.”

“I just wanted to make sure you were okay.”

“I am,” I said, and for the first time, I meant it.

“I am very glad,” Laura said.

She put her coat on, picked up her bag of knives, and walked to the back door.

“Have a good night, Monica,” she said.

“You too, Laura,” I replied.

The back door clicked shut, and I was alone.

Annika came into the kitchen, carrying her briefcase.

“I need to head back to the office to file the temporary restraining order,” she said.

“I want it on the judge’s desk by eight o’clock tomorrow morning.”

“Are you going to be alright here by yourself?”

“I think I want to be alone,” I said.

“The locks have already been changed on the security system,” she reminded me.