Page 117 of Smokey's Distraction
“Mark, I know it’s you.” But she didn’t know that. In fact, it didn’t sound like Mark at all, but she was grasping at straws while trying to keep the panic clawing at her chest at bay.
“You need to try harder, Ashley.” The voice wasn’t menacing or cruel. It was seductive, almost caressing.
“Why are you doing this? Leave me alone,” she said, trying to keep her voice from cracking.
“I’m not going to leave you alone, Ashley. I have some very special plans for you.”
“I’m calling the police.”
“I’d be disappointed if you didn’t.” A husky laugh filled her ears. “I’m watching you.”
The line went dead. The voice on the phone echoed through her head as terror engulfed her. She dashed over to the control box again and double-checked the alarm. Rushing back to the family room, she glanced out the window to make sure no one was there. The street was still empty and quiet. Darting over to the couch, she picked up her cell phone and dialed Smokey’s number.
“Hey, darlin’,” he answered in a husky voice.
“Someone’s watching me,” she blurted out.
“What do you mean?” Concern wove through his tone.
“He just called me. He said he’s watching me. He knew I got the pictures, so that proves heiswatching me. I don’t know what to do.”
“Is the alarm on?”
“Yes. I just checked it again. I don’t know what’s going on.”
“Stay put. If something happens, call the badges. I’m on my way.”
“Okay. Please hurry,” she whispered.
“I’m getting on my bike now, darlin’. I’ll be there soon.”
Ashley sank down on the couch and stared at the wall as she waited for Smokey to arrive. The stranger’s voice played in her head over and over, as if stuck on rewind. Clasping her hands tightly in her lap, she counted down the minutes until Smokey showed.
It didn’t even feel as though that much time had passed before she heard the rumble of Smokey’s motorcycle. Jumping from the couch, she ran to the door and peered out the window. As soon as she saw his Harley pull up in front of the house, she disengaged the alarm and flung open the door.
Smokey hurried up the sidewalk, and when he walked into the foyer, she collapsed into his arms, hugging him tight.
“Ashley,” he murmured, hugging her just as tightly.
In his arms, she felt safe and cherished.
Breaking away, he stared deeply into her eyes. “You need to tell me what’s going on.”
“Let’s go into the family room.”
When he settled on the couch, she handed him the photos and the notebook page. “This was put in my mail slot. I found it when I got home from yoga. Then, I got a call from whoever sent these pictures. He must’ve known I was here. He’s watching me.” Her voice hitched.
Throwing the photographs onto the table, he slipped an arm around her shoulders, tugging her close.
“Did you recognize his voice?”
“Not really. He was whispering, so it was hard to tell if I knew him or not. I keep replaying the conversation over and over in my head, but I’m not sure. I must know him, right? Why would a stranger be doing this to me? I haven’t even been in town long. This doesn’t make any sense.” A small sob broke loose from her throat.
“I’m here, Ashley. I’m not gonna let anything happen to you,” he whispered, grazing his lips over her temple, down her cheek, and across her mouth.
She snuggled into him, resting her head on his chest. The steady thrumming of his heart was reassuring, and his muscular arms wrapped around her made her feel safe.
“I’ve gotta know everything so I can figure this out and help you.”
