It was supposed to be a quiet weekend escape. My wife and I had booked a charming little rental just a couple of towns over—a cozy place with glowing reviews, warm photos, and the promise of peace. We wanted to disconnect, enjoy some local food, and simply relax.
But on our very first night, something unsettled us.
While unpacking in the bedroom, my wife suddenly froze. “Do you see that?” she asked, pointing to the smoke detector above the bed. At first, I didn’t notice anything unusual. Then I spotted it—a faint blinking light.
Curious, I grabbed a chair and twisted the cover loose. Inside was more than just the standard wiring. It looked like a small device with a lens. My heart sank.
In an instant, our relaxing weekend no longer felt safe. We quickly packed up our bags, loaded the car, and drove away. Two towns later, sitting in the lot of a late-night diner, we finally let the tension sink in.
Wanting to warn others, I posted a review online and contacted the host. The response I received didn’t ease our concerns. The host insisted it wasn’t a hidden camera but rather part of a “private security system.” Still, the explanation only raised more questions than it answered. Why hadn’t this been disclosed upfront? Why place such a device in a bedroom?
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