People often bring me food when I’m too tired to cook for my kids. We got to know Ravi, the delivery guy in our area, better over time. He always talked to Kai and Isla and gave them a high five before he left. Last Tuesday night, though, was different.
Ravi looked very tense when he got there. Tensed up. He threw the food at me and ran back to his car without saying a word.
“What’s wrong with Ravi?” Kai looked out the window and asked.
As I watched Ravi’s tail lights go down the street, I gave him a shrug. “I don’t know, buddy. He might be in a hurry.
I was still confused by Ravi’s behavior as I brought the food into the kitchen. Then I saw something on the back of the bag. I forgot all about dinner because of the message written in shaky handwriting.
“CHECK YOUR Trash Can”
I put the food down and looked at my kids. “Hey, why don’t you two clean up?” “I’ll get everything ready.”
I ran to the garden as soon as I could no longer see them. As I walked up to our trash cans, the message kept going through my mind. When I opened the first one’s lid, my hands were shaking.
Nothing strange. The usual trash we throw away. As I moved to the second can, my fear grew with each step. I opened the lid and instantly became cold.
There were gloves and what looked like a few small tools inside, wrapped in an old, dirty blanket. Around the bottom was a bottle with something in it that didn’t have a name.
“Mom?” “Are you okay?” I was shocked by Isla’s voice.
I slammed the lid shut and smiled as I turned around. “Okay, honey. Not sure what it is… Come inside; I’ll be right there.
I got my phone and called the sheriff’s office as soon as Isla was gone.
“This is Leona speaking to the Sheriff’s Department.”
“Nora, this is Leona.” Please come over right away. There was something scary in my trash.
“Nora, slow down.” “What did you really find?”
My voice was barely above a whisper as I talked about what was in the trash can.
Leona told him, “Don’t touch anything.” She was very serious. “I’m going to.” Hold your children inside until I get there.
I hung up the phone and went back inside. Recently, there had been a string of break-ins in our neighborhood, and the thieves used strangely similar methods each time. chemical weapons are used to break locks, and all proof is carefully wiped away.
I realized that someone was getting my house ready for the next break-in.
“What’s going on, Mom?” Kai asked as I walked into the kitchen. “You look scared.”
I tried to smile again. “Honey, everything is okay. “Okay, let’s have dinner.”
Someone knocked on the door just as we were beginning to eat. I jumped up, but when I looked through the peephole and saw Leona, I felt better.
As I went outside to talk to Leona, I told the kids, “Stay here and finish your dinner.”
She paid close attention as I told her about finding the things and Ravi’s strange behavior.
Leona looked around the street and said, “You called me at the right time.” “Let me look through your trash and bring it to the lab.” For now, I strongly advise that you make your protection stronger. We will also watch the house all night, so if they change their plans and still try to break in, we will catch them in the act.
I agreed, already thinking about what to do next. “First thing in the morning, I’ll call a security company.”
Leona put her hand on my shoulder to make me feel better. “Nora, try to rest.” We’ll work this out.
That night, though, I didn’t want to sleep at all. I jumped at every sound outside while I spent hours studying security systems. By morning, the caffeine and stress had made me nervous.
I called the first security company on my list as soon as it got to 8 a.m. “Hi, I need cameras put up all around my house.” If possible, today.”
“Ma’am, the earliest time we can set you up is next week—”
My voice cracked as I said, “You don’t understand.” “I believe someone is planning to break into my house.” “I need those cameras right now.”
If my tone changed, it must have been because of something I said. “Let me see what I can do.” “May I hold for a moment?”
After what seemed like a very long time, she called back. “One of our plans has changed.” In two hours, our team can get there. Does that work?”
I was so happy I almost cried. “Thank you, yes.” “Thank you very much.”
The next few hours were hard to remember. The kids stayed home from school and I called in sick to work. Until the security team came, I paced the house.
As they set up the cams and talked me through the system, I couldn’t get rid of the feeling that someone was watching me. Now, every car that went by and every person walking their dog seemed sketchy.
Leona’s police car pulled into my yard just as the security team was finishing up. She walked away with a sad face.
Is it okay to talk inside, Nora?
As I led her into the house, my stomach lurched. “Kids, why don’t you go play in your rooms for a while?”
Leona spoke when they were no longer nearby. “Those things we found got back from the lab.” What is in the bottle? It breaks down metal quickly and is often used to make locks less strong.
My legs felt weak all of a sudden, so I sank onto the couch. “That’s right. They were getting ready to break in.
Leona said “yes.” “That’s how it looks.” Nora, you did everything right, though. Now that you have cameras, you know what the danger is. There will be more police in the area as well.
“What about Ravi?” I asked. “Should I talk to him?”
“Yes, if you see him.” But watch out. There’s no way to tell if he’s participating or just watching.
Right on time, I saw Ravi pull up to my neighbor’s house. I went to the window and said, “He’s here now.”
Leona came with me. “Go talk to him.” “I’ll watch from here.”
When I went outside, my heart was beating fast. When Ravi saw me, he was just getting back on his bike.
I tried to keep my voice steady as I said, “Hey.” “Have a minute?”
Ravi thought for a moment and then nodded. As he got closer, I could tell his shoulders were tense.
Before I could say anything, he said, “Look, I’m sorry about yesterday.” I needed to say something, but I was afraid.
“What are you scared of?” Even though I knew what to do, I asked.
Ravi took a worried look around. “I saw these guys messing with your trash after I parked.” You know, they didn’t look good. I was scared they might still be around when I tried to warn you.
I felt so much better. “So that’s why you left the note?”
He said yes. “Okay.” I’m sorry if I scared you. “I had no idea what else to do.”
The sound of my voice got thick as I said, “Ravi.” “You could have saved my family.” “Thanks.”
He let his shoulders drop a little. “Really?” “Are you not mad?”
I turned my head away. “Not at all.” I owe you a lot, in fact.
I was thankful and a little scared as Ravi drove off. We were still under danger, but I was glad to know we weren’t alone in this.
Outside, Leona was on the phone, but she was being very quiet. When I got close, she hung up.
“Based on what Ravi told us, we have some leads,” she said. “Norea, we’ll catch these bad guys. “Just be careful.”
As soon as Kai and Isla were asleep that night, I sat down in front of the new security cameras. The cameras showed that the streets and yards were empty and quiet, but I couldn’t get rid of the idea that someone was watching and waiting for their chance.
I thought about how quickly Ravi could think of something, how dedicated Leona was, and how strong I had become. There was nothing we couldn’t handle together. At this point, all I could do was wait and watch, thankful for the people who had helped keep my family safe out of the blue.
