“And that’s supposed to make me feel better?” I asked incredulously.
With a determined look on his face, Duncan said, “You know what? I think we should try and catch whoever’s doing it.”
“How?” I asked, my heart beginning to race. It sounded frightening and exciting at the same time.
“We could set up video cameras. I have some extra ones in storage that we keep for the marina. Hey, we could monitor both our cabins.”
I nodded, feeling the surge of adrenaline strike every part of my body. “I think we should! If we get it on camera, the sheriff will take us seriously!”
“Fine,” replied Nathan. “If it’s going to help you get over your paranoia, Nikki, I’ll help Duncan set it up.”
“Okay,” said Duncan. “I’m pretty busy this morning, but around lunchtime, I can get them out of storage and start setting things up.”
“I have to bring Nikki to her interview this afternoon. We’ll stop by your place after and you can follow us out to the cabin to set up something there.”
Duncan nodded. “Sounds good.”
“Thanks, Duncan,” I said softly. “I’ve been going nuts about this.”
Duncan’s eyes met mine. “You’re welcome.”
“We’d better get back,” said Nathan, looking at his watch. “I’m hungry and Nikki probably wants to prepare for her interview.”
His eyes lowered and he grinned. “If she keeps that outfit on, she’ll definitely get hired.”
My cheeks burned red. I didn’t know what to say, although I had to admit, I was beyond delighted.
Nathan snickered. “Wow, Duncan, I’ve never seen Nikki at a loss for words. Do you want to move in with us? Could sure use the peace.”
I flipped him the bird. “Very funny.”
Nathan untied the boat and pushed us away from the dock. “See you later, Dunc.”
“Yeah, see you,” I said.
“Goodbye and good luck with your interview,” he replied.
“Thanks.”
As we drifted away and Nathan started the engine, I put my sunglasses on and watched as Duncan began fueling another boat. Not only was he cute, but he believed me, without question. So far, he was the only real good thing I’d encountered in Shore Lake.
Chapter Ten
Three hours later, I sat across from Rosie, who’d inherited Ruth’s diner from her mother several years back. As she looked over my job application, I studied the rail-thin, bleach-blond woman and gathered she was somewhere in her sixties because of her weathered skin. She did have a cigarette resting behind her ear, so she could have actually been younger.
“You’re new in town?” she asked in a gravelly voice.
“Yes, we just moved here a couple of days ago.”
“Have you ever waitressed before?”
I sighed. “No. I worked at a boutique, though, so I’ve used a register before and have experience with customers.”
She nodded. “You’ll be on your feet a lot. Do you have any problems with that?”
I shook my head.
“Are you available to work nights?”
I bit the side of my lip. “I’d prefer days, if that’s possible.”
She studied me. “To be honest, I really need the help at night. I don’t expect you to work past midnight, but my second shift is really hurting right now. I’m even willing to pay you an extra dollar an hour.”
I sighed. “That’s fine. Is there a chance that I can switch to days in the future? When school starts, my mom won’t want me working past ten.”
She nodded. “We won’t make you work past nine during the week, but we’d need you until midnight on Friday or Saturday. Would that be an issue for you?”
“No,” I answered.
She asked me a few more questions then hired me on the spot.
“Wow, that was fast,” I blurted out.
She smiled. “We need the help, desperately. Can you start tomorrow?”
I nodded. “That shouldn’t be a problem.”
“You’ll be training with Susan. So, we’ll see you around four, tomorrow afternoon?”
I agreed and then she found me a uniform, which wasn’t easy with my short frame. When it was all said and done, I left the diner so giddy that I wanted to scream.
“Let me guess, they hated you,” smiled Nathan as I got into his Mustang. He’d been listening to the stereo and waiting for me in the parking lot.
I held up my hand. “I start tomorrow.”
He slapped it. “Good job. I also have awesome news; Sonny called my cell phone and I start next Monday. Pending a drug test. I’m sure Duncan had everything to do with it, but I’m not complaining.”