Ahhh, Meg thought, that hit the spot. She had just finished soaking in a hot bubble bath and, wrapped in a furry bathrobe, was getting ready to settle down with some Chinese carry-out, soft music, good wine and the new Tony Hillerman Navajo Country novel. She was about halfway through chapter four when the phone rang. Absently she picked it up, her mind still in Shiprock Arizona with Jim Chee and Joe Leaphorn. "H'lo?"
There was a brief pause and a snicker, followed by "It's me again, Margaret."
Meg's blood ran cold. Who WAS this nut bag, and how had he gotten her home phone number? It was unlisted. "Who is this and how the hell did you get my home phone number?" He snickered. "What'cha doin', Margaret?"
She slammed the phone down before he could say anything else. Just who the hell was this guy, anyway? Then she began to get a little frightened - if he had her home phone number, he might have her address as well. Checking first that her front and back doors were locked securely, Meg retrieved her purse and hunted through it until she found Ray's card. Taking a deep breath, she dialed his number.
"Vecchio."
"Ah, yes, Detective, this is Inspector Thatcher."
"Well, Inspector. What can I do ya for?"
"He called me, Detective - here at home."
Suddenly Ray was all business. "Okay, Inspector, here's what we're gonna do - tomorrow we're gonna tap your line at the Consulate, and put a Caller ID box on your home phone. If he calls again I want you to use your answering machine to record the call - any call that comes in, you hit record and tape it. If it isn't him you can erase it, but if it is we'll have it on tape as evidence. Ummmm - you gonna be alright there alone tonight? You want me or Fraser to come by?"
"Thank you, Detective, but that won't be necessary. I'll be fine tonight. I don't think he'll call again tonight."
"Yeah, okay, but I'll be by there first thing in the morning with the Caller ID." His voice softened. "Don't worry, Inspector. We'll get him. G'night."
"Goodnight, Detective. And thank you." Meg set the phone back in its cradle. She felt better knowing that wheels were turning, and she was now somewhat more in control of the situation. Still, her book was no longer as appealing. Sighing, she sat back down on the sofa, picked up the container of beef and snow peas and turned on the TV in an attempt to take her mind off of things. Click - behind the scenes at a cable sports network. Click - women's lingerie designer. Click - newsmagazine. Finally she settled on CNN Headline News, although she really didn't pay that much attention to it. After a few minutes, she just hit Mute and kind of watched the pictures while the CD player continued to play softly in the background.