Chapter Nine

After their impromptu stop at the coffee shop, neither of them spoke. John knew something was bothering Natalie, but didn't push it. As much as he wanted to just pull over and force her to talk this out, he knew he couldn't risk alienating her with everything that was going on. Although he knew and understood that Natalie would probably never forgive him, John wished he could have a chance to explain why he had done it. He was also worried, wondering what had happened back there. Up until that point the drive had been fine, despite Natalie's silence. But now, she remained cold, staring straight ahead.

Finally, just as they hit the 'Welcome to Llanview' sign, she spoke.

"You can drop me off at the cottage." Her voice was icy, her eyes continuing to stare straight ahead.

Concerned, John looked over at her. "You're staying there? Do you really think that's a good idea with everything going on?"

Natalie laughed bitterly. "If this guy is as dangerous as you think, I'm sure he'll find a way to get to me, no matter where I am."

"That's not the point Natalie. Someone out there is targeting you, and –"

"Are they though?" Natalie cut him off.

"What?" John asked, frustration creeping into his voice.

Natalie's eyes narrowed. "How are you sure I'm the target?"

John stared at her incredulous. "The guy followed you and took pictures..."

"And then proceeded to send them to you. If I was the target why wouldn't they contact me? Tell me John, have you played God in anyone else's life lately? Kept some other wives from their husbands?"

John sighed ignoring her comment. As much as he hated to admit it, she did have a point. He had been co caught up in his worry for Natalie's safety he hadn't stopped to consider the other possibilities. John made a mental note to check and see if anyone from his old cases had been released from jail lately.

"Listen… regardless of who this guy is after or why, just be careful. If you see or hear anything out of the ordinary I want you to call me."

Natalie remained silent.

After John had dropped her off, Natalie let herself in to the cottage unaware of what awaited her. Back in November when she had started to consider coming back to Llanview, she had called Rex and asked him to get the cottage ready – but she wanted it changed. She had considered selling it, but couldn't bear too remembering how happy she had been the day Vicki had given her the deed. So, she had asked Rex to re-paint the living room and buy a new bedroom set, hoping to escape some of the memories those two rooms held. However, Natalie was unprepared for the total transformation the cottage had gone through.

Stepping in to the foyer, Natalie was amazed. The hallway and living room had both been re-painted and refurnished, this time with her in mind. There were simple colors and patterns, no flowers or antiques in sight. Natalie spent the next few minutes excitedly moving from room to room anxious to see what awaited her, unable to believe the amount of work Rex had gone too.

"You like it?" Rex asked coming up behind her in the master bedroom.

"Rex!" Natalie threw her arms around her brother and hugged him tightly. "I missed you."

Rex hugged her back, happy to have his sister home. "I missed you too Natty."

"The cottage looks amazing Rex. How did you manage this?" Natalie asked, still in awe over the transformation. The room had been painted a light mint green, with cream colored furniture. It looked amazing.

"Your mom and Jess helped a lot."

"Mom did this?" Natalie questioned, thinking about Llanfair abundance of flower printed furniture, and antique tables.

Rex nodded. "I was surprised too. She really seems to know you Natty."

For the first time in months Natalie smiled widely. "I'm glad to be home."

She watched from a distance as Natalie and Rex left the cottage, smiling to herself at how easy this had become.

When Natalie had been in Atlantic City, it had been hard to keep tabs on her, as frequent absences would begin to arouse suspicion and increase her risk of being discovered. So, she had settled on three day trips to do the job. Taking just enough pictures to start off with.

But now Natalie was back in Llanview, and that made it much easier for her and opened up so many more opportunities.

She waited until both Natalie and Rex had pulled out of the driveway before striding to the door and pulling out a key. This was the perfect opportunity to have a look around and see what other resources were at her disposal.

"Now that she's back, I can get both her and Johnny right were I want them." She thought to herself as she closed the door behind her.