Page 9 of Unforgotten

Today he looked almost normal. He wore a T-shirt, jeans, tennis shoes, and a University of Kentucky baseball cap. His light blue eyes seemed to take in every bit of her as he stared intently. For the first time all day, she was aware of how much of her arms and shoulders were exposed. How much of her skin was visible above the neckline of her gown.

When their eyes met, he came closer. Only a few feet. Moving with the crowd around him. He was nothing if notbrazen. It had served him well too. He could blend in with anyone and had a knack for looking completely different each time she spied him. One time he was in a suit, another time almost looking Plain. Today’s outfit made him a carbon copy of half the men at the fair. The only thing that ever stayed the same were his blue eyes and dark hair.

She knew those eyes well because they leered at her. He always smirked too. The one time she’d tried to report him, the officer had acted like she was a vain woman looking for attention. He’d said something awful about how pretty girls never like to give regular guys the time of day. Then he’d gone and reminded her that nothing had actually happened.

When she’d left the police station that day, she’d felt almost worse than when she’d walked in the door. Chief Foster had been kind but agreed with the other officer that there was nothing they could do for her. Not until the man actually threatened her or attacked her.

So now she was waiting for him to do that.

Afraid that he’d follow her if she left, Candace stayed where she was. She wasn’t going to shrink in front of him, though. Looking him in the eye, she silently conveyed her distaste for everything he was.

He moved with the crowd again, this time stopping only two feet from her. “Hello, Candace Evans. You look good with your hair like that. I like it.”

She forced herself to respond. “What are you doing here?”

“What do you think?” He smirked as he folded his arms across his chest. “I’m doing the same thing half the county is ... looking at all the sights.”

How could his seemingly innocent words create such a chill inside her? Changing her mind about staying put, she got to her feet.

“Don’t go yet,” he blurted.

His voice had squeaked. It took her by surprise. It was only then that she looked more closely at his face. He had soft skin, barely the beginnings of a beard. He was a lot younger than she’d imagined.

When he raised his hand, presumably to touch her, she moved out of reach. “Don’t,” she said in a hard voice.

“Don’t what?” He looked almost smug. “What are you going to do? Scream?”

“I could.”

“Sure you could.” He scoffed. “That would make your mother real happy, wouldn’t it? Making a scene with a crown on the top of your head.”

She gritted her teeth.

“Just think of me as another one of your fans.”

“You are not.”

“I know that. I’m special.” He lowered his voice. “I promise, all I’m doing is admiring the new Miss Crittenden County. You look so nice in that dress.” He inhaled. “And you smell so good.”

Her heart rate skyrocketed, and she stepped back farther.

“How does it feel, Candace?”

She felt trapped. She wanted to flee, but there were too many people standing around. If she ran off, everyone would think she was being rude. Or putting on airs. That she was stuck up and too full of herself for her own good. Her parents would be so mad, and the director of the pageant would be upset with her too. “H-how does what feel?”

“Having so many people think you’re pretty? Do you need that? Do you need to feel like everyone is watching you? Wanting you?”

A handful of emotions surged through her. Distaste for his words, embarrassment that anyone would think that about her ... even regret for entering the pageant for scholarshipmoney. “Of course not,” she bit out. Hoping that her voice was stronger than she currently felt.

He took a step closer. “Why did you think you needed a crown, anyway? Was I not giving you enough attention?”

“You need to leave.”

His eyes widened. “Not until I tell you my big news: I moved.”

“You moved?” A slither of hope ran through her. Was her nightmare really about to end?

He grinned. “I did. Now we’re practically neighbors.”

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