Page 33 of Shiver

“Exactly. If you can’t find one, check with the phone company to see if any calls were placed from my house last night.”

“Why, what happened?”

“We’ve had an intruder. LuAnn’s prized stallion is missing and the dogs were drugged.”

“You think Miss Morgan had something to do with it?”

“I don’t know what to think.”

“I think you should find the lady a nice hotel.”

“Not yet.”

“Your call. She could be a total whack job. I hope you know what you’re doing.”

Riley couldn’t get the image of someone standing over his bed wielding a knife out of his mind. What if it had been her? What if she was completely insane? He couldn’t get a handle on why a serial killer who was allegedly after Devra would go after him or steal a horse. It made no sense.

“So do I.”

* * *

Cautiously,Devra walked further into the barn.

Riley had taken LuAnn back to his house to call the veterinarian. She was all alone, and more than a little jumpy. So much for never let her out of his sight. She watched the shallow breathing of the four dogs lying on the ground and hoped they’d make it.

She stopped in front of the first stall where she read the sign above the door.Babe. “Hello, Babe,” she crooned. The horse’s ears wiggled. She reached out a hesitant finger and stroked his long nose. From her dream, she remembered gloved hands reaching into a stall and big scared brown eyes. Why would he steal LuAnn’s horse?

“He was Michelle’s favorite.”

Devra spun. Mac stood close enough to touch. Her heart jumped in her chest. She stepped back against Babe’s gate. Mac reached forward and took a blond curl in his grasp, letting it wrap loosely around his finger.

“I’m sorry for your loss,” she said, hoping to appease the anger she saw burning in his eyes.

He dropped the curl. His dark eyes perused her face, then moved slowly down her body. “Too bad about the dogs.”

“Yeah,” Devra said nervously. What was it about him that seemed so familiar?

“What doyouthink happened here?”

“I don’t know,” she muttered, as dizziness swam through her head. The horse’s wet nose slid against her neck. She jumped forward, tripping. Mac caught her by the arms, his strong grasp holding her upright—a little too strong, a little too tight.

Babe whinnied behind her.

“What do you want?” she asked, afraid to look into those dark rage-filled eyes.

His lips curled upwards.

“What’s going on?” Riley asked from the doorway.

“Just getting acquainted with your friend here.” The contemptuous gleam of animosity dimmed to a cold dead hate.

Devra shivered.

“Dr. Williams is on his way.” Riley walked into the barn.

Mac turned and left without saying another word.

“Are you all right?”

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