Bed of roses

Walking on egg shells

THOMAS POV

I couldn't shake off the feeling that something was off. It had been a week since Martha had served Joe with divorce papers, and I had been walking on cloud nine. But as the days went by, I started to notice strange things.

At first, it was just a feeling of being watched. I would be walking down the street, and I would catch a glimpse of someone out of the corner of my eye. But whenever I turned to look, there would be no one there.

I brushed it off as paranoia, but as the days went by, the feeling only intensified. I started to notice strange cars parked outside my house, and I would catch glimpses of someone lurking in the shadows.

It wasn't until I saw Joe's face staring back at me from across the street that I realized I was being stalked.

My heart racing, I quickly ducked into a nearby coffee shop, hoping to lose him in the crowd. But as I looked back, I saw Joe standing outside, his eyes fixed on me with an unnerving intensity.

I knew then that I had to take action. I couldn't just sit back and let Joe stalk me. I decided to go to the police and file a report.

As I sat in the police station, filling out the paperwork, I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. I knew that Joe was unstable, and I had no idea what he was capable of.

The police officer who took my statement seemed sympathetic, but I could tell he was skeptical. "Are you sure it's Joe who's stalking you?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.

I nodded emphatically. "I'm positive. I've seen him outside my house, and I've caught him following me. I'm telling you, he's unhinged."

The officer nodded thoughtfully. "Okay, we'll look into it. But in the meantime, I want you to be careful. If you see Joe again, don't approach him. Just call us."

I nodded, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. At least someone was taking me seriously.

As I left the police station, I couldn't shake off the feeling that I was being watched. I looked over my shoulder, but there was no one there.

I quickened my pace, my heart racing with anticipation. I knew that Joe was out there, watching me, waiting for his chance to strike.

And I was ready for him.

I made my way back to my house, my senses on high alert. As I walked up the path, I noticed that the front door was open.

My heart skipped a beat as I pushed open the door and called out, "Hello? Is anyone there?"

There was no answer.

I stepped inside, my eyes scanning the room. That's when I saw it - a note on the kitchen counter, addressed to me.

I walked over to the counter, my heart racing with anticipation. As I read the note, my blood ran cold.

"You'll never have her," it read.

I knew then that Joe had been in my house. And I knew that he was getting desperate.

I felt a surge of fear, but I knew I couldn't back down. I had to protect myself, and I had to protect Martha.

I picked up the phone and dialed Martha's number, my heart racing with anticipation.

"Martha, it's me," I said, trying to keep my voice steady. "I think Joe's been in my house. I need to see you."

There was a pause on the other end of the line, and for a moment, I thought I had lost her.

But then she spoke up, her voice firm. "I'm on my way."

I breathed a sigh of relief as I hung up the phone. I knew that Martha was in danger, and I knew that I had to protect her.

I was ready to do whatever it took to keep her safe.

Little did I know, Joe had only just begun to unleash his wrath