The door chimed as she entered the store. A teenaged clerk mumbled a greeting without peeling his eyes from the newspaper’s sports page, while a country-western tune crooned from overhead speakers. She concentrated on finding something edible. Wilted hot dogs spun in greasy circles in a glass enclosure, looking as if they’d been on the rollers for weeks. Her stomach revolted and she looked over the pre-made sandwiches. A turkey and rye had expired two days ago and the egg salad on wheat looked as if someone had taken a bite out of it before re-wrapping it in cellophane. Disgusted, Sierra perused the remaining choices.
The bell sounded behind her, and Sierra’s first instinct was to turn and look. Had she been found? Customers frequented stores like this all day long, she rationalized. Just because someone came in behind her didn’t mean—
Sensing something wasn’t right, she stilled. A wispy breeze drifted inside and a hint of peppermint brushed past her. Fear tightened Sierra’s chest. She dared glance over her shoulder, but the person had moved out of sight. She drew in a deep breath but didn’t detect the scent this time. The hairs on the back of her neck crawled with uncertainty. Had she imagined Kevin’s scent? Or, had the instincts she’d come to rely on warned her of true danger? Doubting herself, she inhaled again. Nothing.
The peppermint aroma was probably her overactive imagination at work, fed by exhaustion and anxiety. Yet, even as she rationalized her fears, sweat coated her palms and her heart raced. A large security mirror hung above the refrigerated section. She searched the reflection but found no one within range.
She swiped her palms against her jeans, unsure what to do. Even if Chase had alerted Kevin, neither would know where Luanne had taken her and the chances were slim they could locate her so quickly.
Although her mind told her not to worry, blood rushed through her veins. The sounds of someone stepping along the back aisle set her into action. She spun, picked up a bottle of water and grabbed the nearest package of processed food. She hoped the six white powdered donuts would suffice.
She hurried to the counter, peeking down aisles as she passed. She caught a glimpse of someone’s back as they rounded a corner, but she couldn’t make out any distinctive traits.
Sierra attempted to smile as she paid the clerk, but only managed a weak nod. “Keep the change,” she offered before scrambling outside and across the lot. Instead of heading to her room, she circled the motel, peering around corners and perusing the streets for anyone who might be following. Aside from a woman pumping gas at the convenience store, no pedestrians were in sight. Traffic eased by and no cars pulled in or out of the motel’s parking lot.
The sun cast bright rays on the earth, warming pavement and highlighting the surrounding forest. A red-tailed hawk circled above, and maple, birch and mountain laurel trees swayed in the breeze. The peaceful, natural environment made Sierra feel ridiculous slinking around with a package of mini donuts and a bottle of water dangling from her fingertips.
She slipped inside her room and twisted the deadbolt into place. The dim room held shadows and blinding panic seized her breath. What if someone had managed to get inside while she was out? She would’ve just sealed her own fate. She jerked around, looking for danger.
The air conditioner unit continued to rattle and spit out air. The lights remained on. The curtains were still closed, and her satchel lay on the bed, undisturbed. After a quick check of the bathroom, she released a pent up breath and chastised herself. It was bad enough she had two flesh-and-blood men to worry about, she didn’t need to create imaginary complications.
Exhausted, she perched on the bed’s edge, and removed her shoes and socks. She forced the sugary donuts down her dry throat and drank the entire bottled water before curling up on her side and allowing her mind to wander.
How had her life spiraled so far out of control? A few precious months ago she’d thought she had finally found a great job and the perfect man to stand by her side. Kevin had showered her with cozy words and fantastic promises making her believe she’d begun to live a real life fairytale. Now, she lay in a lonely room on the opposite side of the country, fearing the very man she’d considered taking as her husband would succeed in his desire to kill her.
9
A handsome face smiled down from above. A blanket, damp and smelling of fresh green earth lay beneath her. His gentle hand touched her hair in a light caress. “We’ll be dancing in the moonlight. You and me. Forever.”
Warmth flowed through Sierra, promising to fill a void she thought would never be satisfied. How could she deserve such tenderness, such love?
Before she could articulate a reply blue skies transformed into dark, gray oppression, casting another light on the face looking down. His loving eyes narrowed, turning hard and calculating. He climbed to his feet. Towering over her, he raised his hands, fingers curling into white-knuckled fists. “Let’s play a game.”
Her throat constricted and she choked. “I don’t want to play.”
His face contorted, lips forming a tight, angry line. “How about I count to ten?” His slithery voice coated her skin, thick as oil. “You hide. I seek.”
In a haze of muddy confusion, one thought came through clear—run.
Sierra struggled to move, but her limbs refused to budge as if gravity held her fast to the earth. Insects rallied from the soil, covering the blanket and her flesh. Tiny pinpricks of pain erupted as if the creatures were devouring her piece by piece. She attempted to scream, but no sound emerged.
“You can run, but you can’t hide.” His fingers unfurled, one by one, and a pistol appeared in his hand. “Ready or not, here I come.”
Bang! Bang! Bang!
Sierra jerked, twisted and groped air. The motel’s carpeted floor came into focus a second before her body smashed into it, knocking the wind from her lungs. Pain erupted, shooting along her forehead, arms and knees. She blinked and gasped for oxygen. A choking sound tore from her throat and then relief came as she managed to drag in a sip of air. Disoriented, she waited a moment and then gingerly knelt on bruised knees.
Bang. Bang. Bang.
The motel door’s chain rattled. She hadn’t dreamt the noise. Kevin’s distorted image flashed in her mind—filled with contempt, devoid of empathy. She could almost hear his grating voice, full of power and control.
Ready or not, here I come.
“Sierra. Are you in there?”
Her heart threatened to break through her ribcage with thunderous beats and blood rushed through her ears muffling the words coming through the thin, metal door. Scrambling to her feet, she tore across the room and fumbled with the sliding glass on the opposite side. Fingers, slick with sweat, slipped on the lock.
Two more quick knocks erupted. Tears blurred her vision and sobs tore from her throat. “No,” she rasped. “Please, God no.”
Ripping a fingernail to the quick, she managed to unlock and yank open the door. The sun had begun to descend, cooling the air and a gust of wind rushed in as she rushed out. Sierra stumbled across the small patio and then sprinted over the rear parking lot. She threw herself over a wooden railing and plowed up the hillside. Fallen branches snapped under her bare feet striking tender flesh, and she stubbed a toe, nearly twisting her ankle on a loose rock.
“Sierra? Wait!”
She lost her footing, and her shin slammed into a boulder’s sharp edge, gouging flesh. Ignoring the pain, she whirled around, panting for breath.
Chase stood at the mountain’s base, one booted foot propped on the railing as if ready to pursue. “I’m not here to hurt you.”
The voice matched, but his appearance didn’t. Chase’s ratty clothes had been replaced with crisp, clean jeans and a pressed button-down shirt hugged broad shoulders. His unkempt hair had been cut and styled exposing sharp features, and his scruffy beard had vanished leaving an unobstructed view of a strong, square jaw.
Sierra stilled. “What’s going on?”
He lifted a wallet and held it high, revealing a shiny badge. “I’m Detective Chase Price with the Seattle Police Department.” Compassionate eyes held traces of apology. “I wanted to tell you.”
Detective? Police? Chase was a cop?
The truth struck her full force, and she lost her breath. It all made sense; his cool confidence, keen intelligence and endless questions. If she didn’t feel the acute pain of her recent wounds, she’d have thought she was still in the midst of a nightmare. A wave of dizziness narrowed her vision. Rocky terrain swayed and the ground rushed forward as her legs collapsed.
“Sierra.” Chase’s anxious voice sifted through the darkness. Gentle, but demanding hands touched her face. “Come back to me.”
She opened her eyes, testing her vision. Chase’s features, more handsome than she thought possible, came into focus. Lines creased his brow, creating deep grooves of concern. The scents of earth collided with his aftershave, something she hadn’t detected before. She wondered what else he’d kept hidden.
Sierra pushed herself up to her knees. “You’re a cop from Seattle?”
He nodded once, quick and deliberate.
“So you’re not working for Kevin?”
“No.”
“I don’t understand. Why did you pretend to be someone you’re not?” Anger surged forth and she stood on sore, bruised feet. “You lied about who you are.”
Chase rose alongside her. “I didn’t lie. You made assumptions.”
“Assumptions you didn’t bother to correct. What possible reason could you have to…oh, I’m such a fool. When am I going to learn?” She brushed past him and headed down the mountain, stepping around a patch of ferns and dodging the winding branches of a mountain laurel. “For some odd reason, I thought you were trustworthy.”
He let out a frustrated sigh and followed, his long legs propelling him along with ease. “I am trustworthy.”
“Yeah, right.” she snapped as she crossed over a log.
Rustling sounded behind a strand of oak trees and Sierra cast a wary glance over her shoulder. Nothing appeared, but she moved faster. The last thing she needed was to encounter some kind of wild, dangerous creature. Aside from bears and wild cats, she’d read skunks often visit the region. She shivered at the thought of disturbing one of those reeking animals.
Chase followed her lead as Sierra climbed over the wooden railing and stalked across the parking lot. A motel guest lingered nearby, smoking a cigarette and watching them with unabashed curiosity.
“Let’s discuss this inside your room.” Chase’s tone, full of authority and command made Sierra pause.
She lifted her chin and planted her feet to the pavement, wincing as something sharp dug into her heel. “I’m not inviting you in.” Sierra swiped aside the sharp rock penetrating her foot and headed toward the patio.
“I’m not asking.” He fell into step beside her. “We have to talk.” Chase sent a pointed glance toward the curious bystander, and the man crushed out his half-finished cigarette and disappeared inside his room.
“What are you going to do? Toss me over your shoulder and carry me inside?” When Chase appeared to consider the suggestion, Sierra lengthened her stride and fisted her hands. Pain streaked up her finger where her nail had ripped and her leg throbbed, but she ignored the discomfort. “One minute you’re pretending to be a harmless Good Samaritan, and now you’re an overbearing detective from Seattle, dictating what I will and won’t do.”
“Wait a second.” He grasped her arm and stopped her. “It’s not like that.”
“Oh yeah? Then what is it like? Why are your fingers digging into my arm?”
He released her and tucked his thumbs into his jeans pockets. “Sorry.”
“How did you know where to find me?”
“Luanne.”
A strange sense of betrayal swept through her. “Isn’t there anyone I can trust? Luanne promised not tell—”
“I’m a persuasive guy.” Chase lifted a shoulder in a casual gesture. “Besides, my badge goes a long way in getting information out of people.”
“I bet you like having that kind of power, don’t you?”
“That’s not fair.”
Her accusation was unwarranted, but anger spurred her forward as she stepped in front of the sliding glass door. “What’d you do? Threaten to arrest her?”
Chase braced a hand on the doorframe and leaned close. “I didn’t have to. She’s a smart lady. She knows when to talk and when not to.”
“Apparently, that’s a lesson I haven’t learned yet. I didn’t know anything about you. I shouldn’t have told you anything.” Yet, she had opened up her past to this virtual stranger simply because he’d shown her an ounce of compassion. That fact alone spoke of how desperate she’d become, which only added fuel to the fire. She didn’t know who she was more angry with, Chase or herself.
Chase dipped his head and inched closer. His breath touched her skin as his emerald gaze seared into hers. “I did
not
come here to hurt you.”
“You’ve mentioned that.” The breeze shifted, sending Chase’s subtle, masculine scent swirling around her, bringing with it a sense of security as if his body had become a tangible wall between her and the outside world. Her agitation rose. She didn’t want comfort. She wanted answers. “Why did you come?”
“I had my reasons.”
Possible motivations tumbled through Sierra’s mind. “What kind? The Seattle Police Department didn’t want to have anything to do with me before. Why now?”
“Kevin Eason needs to be locked away, and I’m the guy who’s going to make it happen.”
“So why follow me? Why don’t you just arrest him?”
“I need evidence.”
A numbing sensation crawled along her skin. Her knees weakened, threatening to give out, and she backed against the doorframe. “You were
hoping
Kevin would come after me?” Wariness replaced her unexpected sense of security and she lashed out. “You saved me so you could turn around and use me? You’re no better than Kevin.”
Chase’s features hardened, and his sharp gaze bore into hers. “I’m going to pretend you didn’t just say that.”
Shaken by the quick change in his demeanor and the warning note in his voice, Sierra hesitated. “Well, it seems clear to me. You can’t tell me you just happened to be on the street, going to the Hope Center at the same time as me last night. What about all your questions about Kevin, about our relationship? You acted like you cared about my safety. You even offered to protect me,” she scoffed. “I thought you were being noble. Like some kind of hero or something.”