Page 34 of Mistletoe and Malice
“Not exactly. He hung up before I could say anything.”
Colton turned fully in his chair to face her. His dismay quickly morphed into anger. “Yesterday? And you opened three notes from this person in your office over the past week? With me standing right outside your door? Riley, I have to know these things. When are you going to get that?”
“Sorry.” His sharp tone took her aback. “I wasn’t sure it had anything to do with what happened last week or not. And I didn’t want to worry my family any more than I already have.”
He released an impatient sigh. “Riley, listen to me. You cannot keep these things from me. Nothing. I want to know about every questionable phone call, e-mail, letter, or even if you notice somebody looking at you the wrong way. Understand? This is not a game. It’s not a joke. You have to level with me, or I’m useless to you. Got it?”
“I got it, Colton. Chill.”
“I don’t have the luxury tochill.It seems clear your life could be on the line here. If this is the same guy who attempted that grab last week, he’s not just pulling your chain. He means business. Do you not get that? Do you not understand how serious this is?He wants to destroy you.One way or the other. And it’s theotherthat has me concerned.”
If this is the same guy …
Her chest constricted her lungs as that morning exactly one week ago rushed back to her.
Don’t scream …
That voice. Over her shoulder. Hot breath brushing her ear.
Colton’s face swam in front of her as those harrowing moments replayed in her mind. Panicked. Confused. Why her? Where was everybody? Her frantic prayer.
Don’t scream … Miss Hudson.
Her hand flew to her mouth. It couldn’t be. It was random. A crime of opportunity.
Don’t scream, Miss Hudson, or I’ll end you right here.
Colton’s eyes narrowed. “What?”
She shook her head. To say the words would make it true. And it couldn’t be true.
Her stomach heaved. She jumped up and ran toward the downstairs bath.
“Riley …”
Ignoring him, she made it there in time to lose what little of her breakfast she’d had time to eat.
Sitting with her back against the wall, she braced her elbows on her bent knees and covered her face with her hands. Her eyes stung, her throat burned, every inch of her trembled.
A knock sounded at the door. “Riley, honey.” The worry in her mother’s voice again had her fighting tears. She hated what this was doing to her family. “Are you okay?”
She took a deep breath and cleared her throat. “I’m fine, Mom.”
“Let me know if you need anything.”
“I will.”
Another moment passed before Mom’s footsteps faded, heading back toward the dining room.
When the shaking eased enough to allow her to get her feet under her, Riley stood and made her way to the vanity. She rinsed her mouth, then studied her reflection in the mirror. Fear had sucked all the light from her eyes, the color from her face.
It couldn’t be true.
Chapter Sixteen
He’d done it again. Let his mouth get ahead of his brain.
Colton winced at the stricken look on Mrs. Hudson’s face when she returned to the table. “I’m so sorry. I shouldn’t have been that hard on her.”
