I had to be smarter than that.

“Well, if you are fine, I will head out,” Harris said, though he did not move toward the door.

He lingered by the counter, his fingers tapping a slow rhythm against his thigh.

“You should really lock that door, Clara.”

“I will,” I said.

“As soon as the system resets.”

Harris stared at me for a long moment, his expression unreadable.

He reached into his pocket and slid a business card across the counter.

“Call me if anything changes,” he said.

I picked up the card, my fingers brushing his cold leather glove.

He turned and walked slowly out of the house, letting the heavy front door click shut behind him.

I waited until the sound of his engine faded down the street.

The electronic lock on the door immediately slid open again with a soft whine.

The camera lens turned, tracking me as I walked back to my laptop.

The screen glowed with the draft of my upcoming post.

Suddenly, a harsh burst of static came through the built-in kitchen speakers.

Julian’s voice cut through the silence of the room.