92 Pacific Boulevard

Troy supposed that was why he hadn’t heard about this. He didn’t want to downplay its seriousness, nor did he want to alarm her. “Next time let the officer do his job and don’t distract the intruder. We want to catch whoever’s doing this, Faith.”

It took her a long time to respond. “Yes. It’s just that … well, it’s hard to wait around and do nothing. I don’t want this … this intruder to get the idea that I’m a willing victim.”

“If you want to do something while you’re waiting for a police response, phone me.” Although he made the suggestion sound offhanded, he meant it. He needed to know she was safe.

Faith shook her head. “I won’t do that.”

“It’s an option, Faith. I’ll come, no questions asked.”

She sighed. “I know you would.” She glanced toward the back door as if to signal that it was time to go.

He knew he should take the hint, but Troy couldn’t make himself do it. “I got a call from Megan this afternoon,” he said.

“Oh, yes, I expected she’d contact you.” The phone rang and she immediately reached for it, no doubt relieved by the interruption. “Hello,” she said. “Hello?”

Troy remembered when he used to call Faith and how his heart would race each time she answered. She’d always sounded so pleased to hear from him… .

After a moment, Faith hung up. “A wrong number, I guess.”

“Have you gotten many of those lately?” he asked, his suspicions rising.

She exhaled slowly. “Now that you mention it, I seem to be getting more than usual.”

Troy frowned. “What did call display tell you?”

“It said ‘private caller.’ That’s what it said before, too.”

“Hmm …”

“I have an unlisted number,” she was quick to inform him.

“That isn’t much help, Faith.”

“Why not?”

“Anyone who really wants your information can get it. Having it unlisted doesn’t make the number inaccessible.”

“Oh, dear.”

“People who have a bit of computer savvy can find whatever they want.” Having said that, Troy walked over to the phone and punched in the callback code. Nothing. “You don’t have automatic callback?”

“No,” she admitted. “I didn’t think it was necessary when I got my phone service.”

“Order it, and the next time someone calls and hangs up, get the phone number.”

She wrinkled her forehead. “You think it would be a good idea for me to return the call?”

“No! Give the phone number to me and I’ll take care of it.” When he saw the worry in her eyes, Troy wondered if he’d frightened her. “Will you do that?”