Soon Jacqueline, your time will come. You can’t run. You can’t hide. I will find you.
She backed against the wall, her hand clutching the knot in the towel. Someone had been inside her house. They wrote on the mirror knowing the message would show up when the shower mist fogged the room. When she would be alone. Naked. Vulnerable.
Another thought struck. Whoever did this knew her security code to bypass the alarm. Only she and the company who installed the system knew the password. She was positive it was activated when she arrived home tonight.
When her heart finally slowed, she pushed away from the wall. She needed to call Logan. A chill washed over her body. Could the person still be in the house?
Terror sent blood coursing through her veins, pounding at her temples. Grabbing her hair-cutting scissors, she gripped the handle in her fist and gingerly twisted the doorknob. Peering into the hall, she detected no sign of an intruder. Her cell phone was on a dresser in her bedroom but Logan was just outside. It would be quicker to go to him. She grabbed her robe and slid it on just as a deafening noise blasted through the house, shaking the walls in intensity. Jac screamed, her hands covering her ears. Without stopping for shoes, she bolted outside.
* * * *
“The house is clean. The guy’s long gone. Every alarm was set to ten twenty-nine.” Logan entered the kitchen after relaying the information to the police. Her file had to take up an entire drawer by now.
A young uniformed cop with red hair and freckles stepped into the kitchen. “The guy used a glove to write on the mirror so we have no usable prints. We dusted the security system and clocks, but we’ll have to analyze those at the lab to eliminate your prints and the people who installed the alarm. Are you sure you didn’t give out the code to anyone ma’am?”
“Positive.”
He asked more questions and jotted down information on a little notepad. The police gathered up their gear and departed, leaving Jac, Matt, Logan and Luke sitting around the kitchen table.
“Drink this.” Matt placed a steaming mug on the table.
Pulling her robe tighter around her neck, Jac leaned forward and sipped the hot coffee.
“I think it’s time you moved in with me.”
Jac choked, fighting the scalding liquid down her throat.
“Actually, that’s a good idea,” Logan added. “We could concentrate our efforts for maximum efficiency.”
“I’m not letting this psycho run me from my house or—”
“Plus, Matt’s got additional security. It makes sense,” Luke agreed.
“I’ll just change my password. I should be—”
“Don’t forget about that goofy dog,” Logan said. “He makes a great alarm.”
“It’s not necessary to—”
Matt pushed back his chair and stood, his arms crossed over his broad chest. Luke and Logan followed.
Jac surveyed the men. Each stared at her with firm resolve. Though she wanted to argue, she wouldn’t win this battle. It freaked her out to know someone broke into her house so easily, and it would be safer staying with Matt.
With a sigh, she relented. “Fine. I’ll go pack.”
As she rummaged through her drawers the thought crossed her mind that while physically she would be safer at Matt’s house, mentally was a completely different story.
* * * *
Matt studied the light reflecting off the rear view mirror to highlight Jac’s profile. It was a mistake inviting her to move into his house. He couldn’t keep his hands to himself the way it was now. But having her within arm’s length, under the same roof would drive him mad. He wanted her more than was wise.
It might not be prudent for his piece of mind, but it was for her safety and that was the only thing that mattered. He lost ten years off his life when he heard someone broke into her house Add that to the twenty he lost when she and Lauren had almost been in an accident and he was pushing it with the Grim Reaper.
Now he would have both his girls under one roof.
Whoa.
He shook his head. Where did that thought come from? When did he start thinking of Jac as his?
Sighing, he realized it was the first time he saw her, sprawled flat on her back with Murphy pinning her to his terra-cotta tiled hallway.
Twenty-one
October 20
After stopping to talk to the construction foreman, Jac walked into her office, Darlene nipping at her heels. Logan sat in front of his computer typing away.
“Do you see this?” Darlene held a square box aloft. When Jac nodded, Darlene added, “It came today.” She dropped the carton on the desk.
“Tha—”
Darlene spun around and glided out the door. Jac’s mouth twisted with vexation. Their friendship had been tenuous at best the last few days, especially after she’d called Darlene in for a heart to heart.
First she questioned why Darlene neglected to pass along Matt’s three phone messages. Darlene swore she had and even dug through a pile on Jac’s desk and pulled out a pink memo Jac knew for a fact hadn’t been there earlier. Since it worked out with Matt, she decided on a stern warning to be careful with correspondence and then let that issue drop.
She expected that was the reason behind Darlene’s theatrics with the package a few minutes ago.
She’d also cautioned Darlene about hitting on the customers. Darlene insisted she had a boyfriend now, and didn’t need to hit on guys. Jac pointed out that her boyfriend had been a potential customer, to which Darlene had no response.
Her eyes moved over her desk and landed on the white box. “Logan?” As she glanced up, she added, “There’s no return address.”
Logan was beside her in an instant. After ascertaining it wasn’t ticking, he used a pen to pry the lid off and frowned.
“What is it?” Jac peered inside and froze.
The box was filled with doll parts: arms, legs, heads with the eyes gouged out, torsos bare. She shivered. This had to be the work of a twisted mind. “Is that a note tucked between the plastic limbs?”
Logan used the pen to free the paper. Rest in Pieces Jacqueline Sera.
She hugged herself as Logan carefully replaced the lid and called the police. Harvey wasn’t capable of something this evil. It had to be someone else. The killer?
Jac’s cell rang. She checked the number and her heart skipped a beat. “Hi, Matt.”
“I decided to bypass your secretary and call your cell.”
Jas smiled. “I had a talk with her but who knows if it made a difference.”
“I was calling to tell you a buddy of mine just returned from Maine and brought back fresh lobster. You, Lauren and I can have a seafood feast. I know you’re already living here, but I just thought it would be polite to ask you to join us for a nice dinner.”
She couldn’t help but smile. Matt’s voice was a lighthouse in a storm, anchoring her to reality.
“In that case, I’d love to have dinner with you and Lauren.”
“Great. I’ll pick you up at your bedroom door at say, six-ish?”
She chuckled again. “Thanks, you’ve managed to successfully distract me.”
“Distract you?” His voice hardened. “Why did you need a distraction?”
“Someone sent a package.”
“Another fake bomb?”
“No, dolls. Well, doll parts I should say. Arms, legs, torsos, a threatening note.
“When did this happen?”
“Just now. Logan is talking with the police as we speak.”
“I’m on my way.”
“Matt, that’s not necess—”
Click.
She sighed and clicked off the phone.
The detectives were taking notes when Matt arrived with Luke. By the time they finished dealing with the latest incident, Jac was ready for a hot shower and a warm bed.
Twenty-two
October 21
Matt inhaled deeply, enjoying the savory mixture of brewing coffee, buttered popcorn, pe
anut shells and old hotdogs that scented the cool October evening.
Man, he loved football. Loved it. He hadn’t missed one game since Lauren’s first as a cheerleader in seventh grade. He even traveled to all the away games. Actually, he’d been asked to be an assistant coach and impart his years as a professional on the younger generation, but work kept him busy and he wouldn’t be able to watch Lauren or spend time with her after school. She was his number one priority. Maybe after she left for college and he was all alone and no doubt lonely, he’d think about coaching. He loved kids.
Matt stared at Jac beside him on the bleachers and an odd ping tinged his heart. She turned and smiled. The twinge became a vice grip and he felt as if it had been him taking the crushing hit instead of the running back carrying the ball on the field. He felt complete with her sitting beside him watching his daughter.
He smiled back and then shifted on the thick flannel blanket. Jac had another one wrapped around her legs which he couldn’t understand because he was burning up. He needed to focus on the game, not the one hundred and fifteen pound female beside him.
A horn sounded, signaling the end of the first quarter. It was sectional time and the team had to win if they wanted to keep playing next week.
Someone called out a greeting and he acknowledged the man. Several other parents cast curious looks their way. He glanced at Jac again and felt a stab of pride at having this gorgeous woman at his side. She’d secured her hair into a high ponytail and wore a thick red turtleneck sweater. She looked so young and beautiful, she could be down on the field cheering next to Lauren.
“Is the first quarter over already? Sorry I’m late.”
Matt cringed at the voice. He’d hoped Leigh wouldn’t attend the game tonight. She leaned down to kiss him but he turned his head and her lips landed on the cheek. She frowned, and dropped beside him on the bench.
Leigh was supposed to be a discreet, temporary liaison that got him through life as a thirty-something, single father. It started out innocently enough. They agreed on the no-strings part and the sex had been good. But then she turned demanding. When she pressed for a relationship, he ended it.
Or so he tried.
She refused to accept his rejection. He did his best to avoid her and thought she understood the message. Until she started turning up at the games. She justified her attendance by announcing her boss had a son on the team. If not for their parents’ friendship, he would have flat told her to get lost.
She snuggled closer and he used that as an excuse to press against Jac.
“How are—” Leigh stopped abruptly when she noticed Jac. Her eyes narrowed thunderously. “I don’t think we’ve met.”
* * * *
Jac stared at the fingers tipped in dark red resting familiarly on Matt’s leg. It was all she could do to force a polite smile.
“Leigh Rollin, this is Jacqueline Sera.” Matt grasped Jac’s hand. “We just moved in together.”
“You…you what?” Leigh glanced from Jac to Matt, all the color leaching from her face. “But what about us? I thought we had something special, Matt.”
“I’ve told you, Leigh. It’s over.” His voice was firm, unyielding.
Leigh glared at her and then shot to her feet. She hurried down the bleachers without a backward glance.
Jac waited until she cleared the bottom step before she asked, “Ex-girlfriend?”
“An unfortunate mistake.” He offered no further explanation, clearly not intending to discuss the relationship. Jac watched her scurry to her car and actually felt sorry for the woman. Matt would be hard to get over, something she would have to face once the killer was caught.
The second quarter sped by and at halftime Matt headed to the concession stand. Lauren jogged up the stairs, looking adorable in her maroon and gold outfit. She plopped down on the flannel blanket with the enthusiasm of a fifteen year old.
“Jac, I’m glad you could make it.”
“Me too, sweetie.” She threw an arm over Lauren’s shoulder and hugged her close. “You’re an amazing cheerleader.”
“Thanks.”
“Hey, princess.” Matt returned with three cups of steamy hot chocolate and Jac realized Lauren must usually visit her dad at halftime if he knew to bring an extra.
“Hi, Dad. Thanks.” She accepted the steaming cup and blew on the top. “They make the best hot chocolate,” she informed Jac as she sipped. “Mmm.”
“It is good.” She let the hot liquid slide down her throat.
Lauren scanned the area around them and then leaned closer. “Was that Ms. Rollin I saw with you earlier?”
If Jac hadn’t been sitting next to him and felt his muscles tense, she would have never known his reaction. He cleared his throat.
“Yes. She stopped by to say hello.”
Jac watched him divert his eyes when he spoke, leading her to believe Lauren knew nothing about the relationship, whatever it may be.
“She would love to get her claws in you,” Lauren stated. “Whenever she sees you, she practically throws herself all over you.” Lauren shivered. “It’s disgusting.”
Matt’s eyes met Jac’s and he smiled sheepishly.
Lauren jumped up and waved. “That’s Billy. I want you guys to meet him.” She rushed down the bleachers calling her friend. She whispered something in his ear and he nodded shyly. She grasped his arm and led him back to the stands.
“Dad, Jac, this is Billy Phillips, my date for the dance next Saturday. Billy, this is my dad, Matt, and our good friend, Jac Sera.”
“Hi Billy.” Matt shook the boy’s hand. “It’s nice to meet you.” Jac echoed the sentiment.
“I-it’s n-n-nice to meet you, M-Mister Dianetti, Ms. S-Sera.” He shook their hands then dropped his gaze to his feet.
Lauren smiled at the adults and then covered her mouth with her hand and whispered in his ear, “You don’t have to be nervous, Billy.” He nodded and faced Matt.
“You have a v-very nice d-daughter, sir. She n-never ridicules me and she m-makes me feel s-special.”
Matt smiled and thanked him and then Billy looked at Jac. “You are p-pretty, even i-if you h-have a boy’s name.”
Jac grinned. “Thank you Billy, and Jac is just a nickname. My real name is Jacqueline.”
The band struck up the school song and Lauren spun around. “Here comes the team. We’ve got to get back. Billy’s in charge of the footballs.”
“I’ll see you in the morning,” Matt said as she kissed his cheek. She was spending the night with a friend, a move Jac considered highly suspicious and knew Matt wasn’t happy about either.
“And be careful, princess.”
“I will. You guys too.” The little schemer had the nerve to wink at Jac as she sprinted down the stairs.
* * * *
Matt tackled fatherhood at a young age head on. When his marriage dissolved and he had to raise a young daughter alone, he gritted his teeth and persevered. He faced three hundred pound opponents without flinching. He looked at the end of his football career as an opportunity for a fresh start. Few things in life intimidated Matt Dianetti.
Being alone in the house with Jacqueline Sera terrified him.
The past two days had been bad enough but Lauren made a pretty effective chaperone. He should have forced her to cancel her last-minute slumber party plans. But the girls had a good reason to get together. They needed to put final touches on next week’s benefit dance. Matt spoke to Kayla’s mom and explained Dan would be watching from his car outside.
He cast a covert peek at Jac. She tied him up in more knots than a badge-laden boy scout. He’d given in to the attraction too many times already.
“You up for ice cream?” They walked through the gravel lot to his Range Rover. “A place on Kirkwood makes the best pumpkin flavored.” The less time they spent alone, the better. Maybe he’d even invite the guys in for a friendly game of poker.
“I’d love some.”
“Great. Let me tell our shadows.�
�� Matt jogged over to the car parked a few spaces away and informed Luke and Logan of their plans. Luke rolled the window up and started the car as Matt walked back and pushed the button to unlock the doors. He helped Jac inside then sprinted around to the driver’s seat and slid behind the wheel.
“They love the place. They’re psyched.”
He pulled out onto the highway and moved with the traffic flow. Five minutes later, he veered onto the Bloomington off-ramp and soon they headed south on College Avenue. He loved the bustling square with eclectic shops and award winning restaurants. Bloomington boasted one of the few thriving downtowns in Southern Indiana. He turned onto Kirkwood Avenue and inched along, avoiding the throng of college students that hung out in the trendy area.
The street dead-ended on the west side of the Indiana University campus and the impressive Sample Gates, named after the man who constructed and dedicated them to his parents. The arched structures, constructed from Indiana Limestone, stood as a welcoming entryway for students and visitors to Indiana’s beautiful campus.
Several bars dotted the avenue and students milled around the area well into the night. At a concrete park on a corner, two teenagers kicked a hackey-sack and another performed skateboarding stunts off a picnic table, blatantly ignoring the posted No Skateboarding signs. Matt found a spot along the street to park and they filed inside.
After enjoying a scoop of hand-dipped ice cream, they were back in the car headed home a half hour later. The highway leading to his lakefront estate was a winding two lane road. Traffic mostly consisted of boaters and campers heading to a campground along the lake but at night, it was usually deserted.
“Matt, Jac, can you hear me?” Luke’s voice crackled through the walkie-talkie. Jac scooped up her phone.
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