Bounty Hunter (Classified K-9 Unit)
Page 19
A shiver ran through her, and she picked up her pace.
On the street, she took comfort in the still-busy small town, the familiar faces, and headed to the restaurant.
And...sensed someone following her. Or was she being paranoid?
A chilly evening breeze swept past and Alice tugged the jacket tighter.
Footsteps.
She heard footsteps behind her. She again increased her pace.
The footfalls increased as well, keeping in rhythm with her.
Then she slowed, almost stopping. The person behind her did the same.
Heart hammering, Alice wanted to look over her shoulder to see who followed her, but she knew if she saw him—the man she’d seen in the wilderness—fear would paralyze her.
I do know you...
Who was he? His face had been familiar somehow, but living in a tourist town and running a tourist business, she couldn’t remember the name behind every face. She should turn and confront whoever followed her now. She palmed the weapon at her side, but residual fear from her narrow escape in the woods squashed her courage.
A few yards from her up the street, a figure dressed in leather stood next to a big blue motorcycle and tugged off his helmet, revealing a thick head of mussed hair. He turned and walked across the street toward her, filling her with a rush of relief. She didn’t know who he was, but maybe his sturdy presence would scare her stalker away.
Bolstered, she risked a glance over her shoulder and spotted someone ten yards back watching her, his face hidden by his hoodie. Goose bumps crawled over her, and she’d learned long ago never to ignore that sensation.
She turned her attention back to hurrying across the street toward the stranger.
Though...wait. Something about his cadence seemed familiar.
No. It couldn’t be.
But...it was.
Griffin Slater?
Her mind had to be playing tricks on her. She took in the broad shoulders, the trim, athletic physique. It was definitely him.
She rushed forward, putting more distance between her and the person behind her. As she hurried toward Griffin, emotions accosted her.
Anger and resentment along with a million questions.
She could still hear the footfalls, growing closer even as she practically jogged into the street toward Griffin. She hoped to leave her shadow behind. There was safety in numbers, after all.
She stopped just short of throwing herself into Griffin’s arms to find protection and comfort there. Breathing hard, she swiped a hand over her brow and stared at him. He took her in, too, and his appreciative gaze sent heat through her.
His slate-gray eyes always seemed to capture everything, just like his camera, only Griffin could see right through people, read them. Her heart pounded from her fear or from Griffin’s nearness, she wasn’t sure, but Alice hoped he couldn’t read her right now. She wouldn’t want him to know that he affected her one iota. That he’d caused an eruption of emotions, both good and bad.
“It’s really you. You’re not some figment of my imagination.” Had she really just said those words out loud? So much for hiding her emotions.
Her knees wanted to buckle. Was that from seeing Griffin or from yet another narrow escape from danger? She was such a coward not to face and challenge whoever had followed her, instead practically running into this man’s arms.
“Yes, it’s really me. Nice to see you again, Alice.” His gaze briefly flicked to the town behind her.
Had he spotted the man following her? She wanted to gauge his reaction but instead she blurted out, “So you just appear out of nowhere, after two years? Why are you here?” Alice wanted to kick herself, but she couldn’t help it. She wanted answers.
She risked a glance over her shoulder. The man slipped into the shadows between the buildings.
Copyright © 2017 by Elizabeth Goddard
ISBN-13: 9781488019296
Bounty Hunter
Copyright © 2017 by Harlequin Books S.A.
Special thanks and acknowledgment to Lynette Eason for her participation in the Classified K-9 Unit miniseries.
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Table of Contents
Back Cover Text
Introduction
About the Author
Title Page
Bible Verse
Dedication
Contents
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Dear Reader
Excerpt from Wilderness Reunion by Elizabeth Goddard
Copyright