Ten Times Guilty

by Hill, Brenda

  The woman turned in her seat to look at Tracy again. When Tracy glanced up and their eyes met, the woman flushed and turned around.

  Tracy knew that she’d been recognized.

  As more people came in and sat down. Tracy kept her head down, hoping no one else would spot her.

  Suddenly Tracy was aware of whispers, rippling like waves through the class. And then the room went silent.

  Tracy felt like a band was tightening around her chest, making it hard to breathe. She stared out the window and fought tears. She wouldn’t cry, not in front of all those people.

  Her mind raced. She may have to leave now, but she wanted to be able to walk out with dignity, with her head held high. They might have her now, but she wasn’t beaten. No longer would she let other people’s opinions dictate what she could or couldn’t do.

  She could—

  Her thoughts were interrupted by a strange sound. She raised her head.

  The brunette was standing by her chair, saying nothing, but she was facing Tracy and clapping her hands. As Tracy watched, incredulous, the woman beside the brunette also rose.

  And then, one by one, all of the others stood and faced Tracy.

  The sound of applause filled the small room.

  Epilogue

  Across from the university complex, Reese pulled to the side of the street, watching as Tracy parked her car. All he wanted to do was to make sure she arrived safely—at least that’s what he told himself.

  He tracked her crossing the campus, observing her jaunty gait. It had been a long, hard journey, but she had come through just fine. There was little resemblance to the shy, timid girl she had been when he first met her.

  She had grown up, come into her own.

  He glanced at the heavily treed campus, at the golden leaves scattered on the grounds and breathed the crisp air. Fleeting memories of long-ago football games, of bonfires and victory dances with a special girl made him smile. Ah, youth, the days of fire in the veins.

  He turned the key in the ignition. Maybe he’d mosey over to the cemetery. He could talk to Crissy now, let her know her assailant had been caught, although he had a feeling she already knew. And had forgiven him. He’d awakened the last couple of mornings lighter in spirit than any time he could remember.

  Then maybe a little later he’d wander back this way, just about the time class was over. Maybe Tracy would be hungry, and he could take her to dinner. Even better, he’d take Tracy and her baby to dinner and then for an ice cream. The kid was cute, much like he’d always wanted a son of his to be. Just as a friendly gesture, of course. Not that Tracy would be interested in a old man like him.

  What the hell. Stranger things have happened.

  * * * * *

  I hope you enjoyed Ten Times Guilty. If so, please check out my other novels:

  Beyond the Quiet:

  After twenty-five years of marriage, Lisa Montgomery thinks her husband's death is the worst that can happen. Then she receives notice about her husband's secret post office box.

  With Full Malice:

  Secrets worth killing for . . .

  A paroled sex-offender shot at close range,

  pacts made in hidden chambers . . .

  Yucaipa, CA, a quiet community in the foothills below Big Bear, hides secrets – extraordinary people, a deadly secret society.

  To what lengths will a desperate person go to protect a loved one?

  With Full Malice is currently available only in hardback. The Kindle version will be released approx March 21, 2013

  Watch for Unholy Seduction, coming 2013!

  Thank you!