Page 74 of Still Afraid

On his way to answer it, Josh called Gabe.

The phone barely rang. “What’s wrong?”

“I had an intruder in my home. Cops are here.”

“Put me on speaker. I’m on my way.”

Josh opened the door. A police officer stood there with his hand on his firearm.

After Josh told him everything was now calm and invited him and another officer in, Gabe said hi through the speaker and identified himself.

The cops assured Josh that others were searching the neighborhood, looking for the perp.

Josh prayed they found the intruder quickly and brought this all to a close. He wanted to leave the house, though, and go to Chloe, but he couldn’t get there without Gabe anyway. As soon as Gabe would take him, he was headed to the farm and not leaving Chloe’s side until this was resolved.

Chloe woke with a start. Panic pressed in on her chest. She couldn’t breathe. Her room was too dark. She felt smothered and couldn’t pull herself together enough to turn on the light. Where was the air? Had it been sucked from the room?

What was wrong? Something felt terribly wrong.

Jesus, help.

By what could only be explained as the power of the Lord, she managed to get a better breath in. She tugged the covers up to her chin and rolled over.

Stop freaking out about nothing.

Poirot adjusted himself at the foot of the bed.

Chloe wedged her feet against Poirot. They weren’t exactly cold, but the warmth of the dog’s body brought her a little comfort, helping her nod off again.

A dream invaded her mind. Voices, sounds, fear. Her heart hammered against her chest. She was running. Hiding. She knew she was dreaming, but the fear was real.

A hand rested on her shoulder.

She jerked awake and screamed.

Someone hovered near her. Poirot barked.

Chloe shoved whoever was there beside her, but they didn’t move. She tried to roll away, but got stuck in the sheets.

“Chloe!” Someone grabbed her and pulled her close. The person was on her bed.

Her lungs closed. She couldn’t scream. She couldn’t breathe.

“Chloe,” he whispered her name against her hair.

She knew that voice. The smell.

Poirot licked her face.

He wasn’t scared?

“Breathe, Chloe.”

Josh.

Air returned. She spun in his arms and hugged him.

“I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you.”