In the meantime, they hold their collective breath as they have for decades.

“Right now, I am terrified,” Nicole said. “I’m praying God can cover us and protect us until we can get out of here.

“It makes you wonder, ‘I don’t know where I’m going to go or how I’m going to start,’ but just pack up your things and leave. But when that’s all you know, people just stay.”

Sammy has badgered Jari to spend the Bills season with him in Western New York, to get away from Dunbar’s tentacles. Jari, who has a 5-year-old son, said last week he will make the move soon.

Other than a curio cabinet in the corner of the McMillers’ dining room, nobody could tell a high NFL draft pick bought their home. Watkins shares space with his siblings. On his side are his helmets from high school and Clemson, a key to the city, some football cards, a stuffed Watkins doll.

Boxes upon boxes of Watkins’ trophies are stacked in the Estero garage. The McMillers won’t unpack them until the family moves into their permanent home.

Watkins never was interested in hardware. Some pieces have been glued back together because he has a habit of tossing the stuff in a locker.