Protecting Max

Chapter 1-2

Max did call, Saturday morning. When he explained what he wanted, and why, they sent a team out upgrade the security on the house.

At the technician’s suggestion, they installed better protection than the company had originally set up on all the windows. They also added motion detectors and cameras in every room, with two separate keypads for the motion detectors. One was for the main part of the house, since Max and Jack wouldn’t want the detectors activated while they were at home and moving around. The other was for Max’s office.

“All of these are something you should have had already, Mr. Harman, since you run your business out of your home,” the technician admonished Max.

“I know,” Max admitted ruefully. “That was on my to-do list. I just never figured I’d really need it. I mean, who’d break into a graphic design company?”

The man pointed to the computers, since he and Max were in Max’s office at that point. “Any self-respecting burglar would think he’d hit the mother lode when he walked in here.” He tapped the keypad, which was on the wall by the door from the living room to the office. It was the one that armed the motion detectors for the office. “When you quit working for the day, turn this on.”

“I will. And hopefully I’ll remember to turn it off first thing in the morning or all hell will break loose,” Max replied with an amused smile.

Two hours later, the full system had been installed. The technician went over everything with Max and Jack, including how to activate the wireless door locks, and how to use their smartphones to arm and disarm the system—and monitor the house for any alerts when they were gone.

“Feel better now?” Max asked Jack after the technician and his team had left.

“Much. There’s no way the bastard can get to you while you’re home.”

“That is the idea,” Max agreed.

“Now all you need is a bodyguard when you—”

“Enough,” Max said. “That is not happening. Tony would have to be crazy to try something when I’m out and about.”

“I think crazy fits him to a T, given what he did to you,” Jack replied with a strained smile. “So, watch your back. Please.”

“Jack, take a deep breath and relax. You’re overreacting. Maybe we both are, although I’ll admit I like knowing a burglar can’t get in here to steal my computers, or whatever else he might think is worth something.”

“Like your life,” Jack muttered. “You’re the only family I have now, other than Grandma Willis and Grandpa Harman, and they’re both halfway across the country.” He chuckled. “Well, in Grandpa’s case, he could be anywhere, given how much he travels.”

“No kidding. When I retire, I’m going to take after him and see the world.”

“Sounds good to me,” Jack replied. “Right now, though, I’ve got a heavy date with a script, if I’m going to do justice to my character in the next show.”

“And I have to go grocery shopping,” Max said.

“Be careful.”

“Jack, he’s still behind bars, so I think I’ll be safe.” At least for the next two weeks. He repressed a shiver at that idea, even though he didn’t really think Tony would show up to harass him, once he’d been released from prison. At least he prayed he wouldn’t. The scar on his arm, and the ones concealed under his shirt were daily reminders of how close he’d come to losing his life at the hands of his ex. Okay, yeah, he was crazy. And maybe he still is. God, I hope not. I hope he’s forgotten all about me. Fat chance, but…

Max shut down the program the technician had set up on one of his computers to monitor the system while he was working. “Now I have to remember to turn it on again, every time I’m in here,” he grumbled as he turned off the computer.

He went into the kitchen to get his shopping list, called up the stairs to let Jack know he was leaving and that he’d arm the system—then did so. As he walked across the back yard to the garage, he found he was checking the area for any signs that someone was hanging out there. Enough, damn it. He’s still in prison. He used his phone to unlock the garage door, since it was on the security system, too—and again to raise the other door so he could pull into the driveway. He took a deep breath when he got to the street, realizing he was glad to be away from the house and all the stress he’d been feeling because of the need for the added security on it. Checking to make certain no cars were coming, he turned right, heading for the grocery store.