The Serpent Mind

Things seem to escalate over the next couple of days. The text messages become more frequent and more violent. Both he and Monica are now getting them despite blocking the numbers. Between both of them, they must have eighteen numbers blocked. The messages to Rick aren't as frequent but every bit as detailed and violent. Monica has become a wreck because of them and as a result, her business is starting to suffer as well. Then his phone rings. "Hey Monica, how ya doing?" She was crying and very upset. "Something weird just happened and I don't know what to do." "What happened?" Sometimes getting information out of her was like pulling hens teeth. "This guy just came to my door and said he was from the gas company and needed to come inside to check the meter." "Ok. That's not really weird. They need to read the meter sometimes." "The fucking meter is outside and when I asked to see his ID, he said that he lost it earlier today but still needed to come in and check the meter." "Ok. That's weird. You didn't let him in did you?" "Hell no! I called the gas company and they said that they don't have anyone in my neighborhood today." Did you call the police?' "No. I'm not sure that I need to." "What the fuck do you mean, 'you're not sure if you need to.' Someone just tried to come into the house, by lying to you, for God knows what reason and you don't know if you should call the police? Do I need to remind you about the threats that you have been getting? Maybe there is something to this." "You said that there wasn't and that there was no need to worry about it!" "So, you think it's just a coincidence that all of this happened?" "I don't know what to think anymore." "Call the police." "No. I have a better idea." "A better idea? Like what?" "Never mind. I'll handle it." "What do you mean you'll handle it? What does that mean?" "Don't worry about it. The less you know, the better. I have to make a phone call. I'll call you later." "Wow! Ok. Do what you think is right. I would call the police but that's me." "I'll handle it my way. Talk to you later." They hung up the phone and he had no idea what she was talking about. He had no idea what she meant by 'she'll handle it'. He had to admit that he thought it was more than just a coincidence. First the threats and now this incident. It just seemed a bit too fishy for his liking. About three hours went by and his phone rang. It was Monica. "It's taken care of." "What did you do?"