Page 116 of Smokey's Distraction
“Text me what you want on your half of the pizza. I’ll be there in an hour.”
Passing by the market, she smiled. “Okay.”
“I missed you last night,” he said quietly.
“Me too.”
“See you soon.”
Joy shot through her like a flaming arrow as she put her phone down. All her misgivings and worry evaporated in an instant. Her evening had suddenly turned into something wonderful and romantic, and she couldn’t wait to be back in Smokey’s arms.
Turning into her driveway, she scanned the area for any suspicious people. Satisfied that everything was as it should be, she pressed the opener and pulled into the garage. With her gaze fixed on the rearview mirror, she closed the door, then grabbed the duffel bag and got out of the car.
She headed straight to the laundry room and put her yoga clothes into the hamper, then ambled into the bathroom to shower and change. After a while, she emerged wearing shorts and a loose top that set off her dark hair. She padded into the foyer and scooped up the mail that had fallen to the floor. Checking the slot for any stuck envelopes, she retrieved two large cardboard flyers that were jammed inside: one for discounted tires, another for life insurance.
After dropping the mail onto the coffee table, she went into the kitchen and poured a glass of white wine before making herself comfortable on the couch. Rifling through the mail, she saw a medium-sized manila envelope. There was no return address. It was just her name, printed on a label, with no other markings. Opening it, she pulled out a folded, single notebook page. Unfolding the paper, she sucked in a breath as she readI’M WATCHING YOU, the ominous message typed in bold, black and red letters. Turning the envelope upside down, several pictures fell out.
Her blood froze.
She stared at snapshots of her and Smokey. The photos showed them kissing, embracing, talking on the porch, standing in front of the family room window, and at the curb by his motorcycle. There were also a few pictures of her in the grocery store, walking inside the yoga center, and coming out of the office building.
“No,” she whispered, hearing the tremor in her voice.
Her hands shaking, the pictures fluttered to the floor. For a second, she couldn’t catch her breath.
Then she heard it: a scraping noise against the front door.
“The alarm—I forgot to set it!” Leaping from the couch, she scrambled to the foyer. With trembling fingers, she punched in the code, relief washing over her when the system activated.
Again, the noise. Though this time, it sounded more like footsteps running down the steps. It was like someone had been watching her through the window.
“Oh, no,” she whispered, too afraid to look out, but knowing she had to.
Stumbling to the window, she pulled the sheer curtain aside, only to look out at an empty street.I know I heard footsteps. Someone’s watching me—Iknowit. I have to call the police. No, they think I’m imagining all this. Smokey. I’ll—
Brrring!
The jarring sound of the landline from the kitchen startled her.
Heart pounding wildly, Ashley slowly walked toward the kitchen. No one but Zach ever called on that phone.Wait, Mark has the number. He’s called me a few times on it.
Brrring!
Her hand hovered over the receiver.
Brrring!
“Hello?” she answered, expecting to hear Zach’s voice.
Silence.
Pushing the fear away, she repeated, “Hello?”
“How did you like my package?” a male voice whispered in a low, sexy voice.
“Who is this?”
A deep chuckle echoed over the line. “Someone who is going to make sure you get what you deserve.”
