[ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]
.She opened the envelope and unfolded the note inside.Atfirst she couldn t comprehend what she was looking at.A funeralnotice was stapled to the page.She read the name George PaulRiching and instantly lowered her eyes to the words printedbeneath the clipping:YOU KILLED MY FATHER, YOU WICKED WHORE.I M COMING TO GET YOU.Fear, thick and cloying, clawed through Jordan s heart.Shebolted off the couch. Get the cops to Kelsey s house! Now! The papers fluttered to the floor as she tore out of theapartment." 169 " " 170 " I DARE YOUCHAPTER SIXTEENelsey wiped tears from her face with a tissue and flippedKto the next page in her the photo album.Her mother, abright smile stretched across her gorgeous face, looked adoringlyat her father.Her father, tall and proud, stared back at her likethere wasn t another woman in the world.He had eyes only forher.Kelsey would never forget his love.She d give anything tohave him back right now, to hear him tell her one more time howproud he was of her.And Kevin, even the loser that he was, wouldget just as much attention.Her father had never missed a singleday, telling each of them how much he loved and cherished them.She let loose a sob.In two weeks, she d be facing the anniversaryof his death.How could her mother and brother have left herto deal with everything, alone and falling apart? Running thebusiness had made her a hard-ass bitch 24/7.Becoming a dancerhad made her a seductive goddess.And now, she wasn t either ofthose things.She was just Kelsey Billings, owner of a companythat would be doing what it was meant to do from the start.Swamped in her memories, she lovingly ran her finger overthe photo, along her father s squared chin. Here s to you, Daddy.Like father, like daughter. Except that Kelsey didn t plan to lose her love because shecouldn t make changes in her life.She curled into a ball on the" 171 " LARKIN ROSEcouch, wondering when she would hear from Jordan.The thoughtof holding her again was all that had kept her going for the pasttwo days.A dog barked in the distance, drawing her attention to thewindow.She pushed the photo album away and rose.In the earlyevening light, it was hard to make out the shadows around heryard.She couldn t see anyone, yet she could feel something& orsomeone.She went to the front door to check that it was locked.And then she heard it.Footsteps on the porch.Too light to be aman, but too heavy to be an animal.Fear gripped her heart. Who s there? she called through the heavy wood. It s me, Paula, your new neighbor. Kelsey kept the chain on as she opened the door. You shouldhave phoned. Paula waved a bottle of wine above her head. I camebearing gifts. How did you get in the gate? Kelsey felt foolish for herparanoia, but if Paula could get in so could anyone.Paula shrugged. I work in the construction business.Everheard of ladders? You jumped over? Paula shrugged. I wanted to surprise you.Not in a badway. She stared at the chain.Embarrassed by her unwelcomingbehavior, Kelsey hurried to let her in.She was thankful for thecompany and she wanted to put the past behind them.Paula hadseemed to want that when they had lunch together.Paula walked through, a wide smile on her face. What? No dinner? Kelsey teased. I thought new neighborswere supposed to bring potluck or something. I m not good in the kitchen. Paula handed her the wineand looked around as Kelsey closed the door. Nice place. Come sit down. Kelsey led her to the living room andPaula flopped onto the couch.She pulled the photo album into her lap immediately, and" 172 " I DARE YOUstarted turning pages.Kelsey found some wineglasses and slidonto the other end of the couch. That was my father. She pointed to a photo. You and Ihave a lot in common.We both had great dads and miss themterribly. Paula turned a curious stare on her, as though rummagingKelsey s face for an underlying meaning.She closed the albumand laid it aside. I m curious.Did you or your dad shed a tearwhen you killed my father? Kelsey sat frozen to her spot, panic eating through her gut.She shook her head, and let her gaze travel around her, lookingfor something to defend herself with.Taking her eyes off heropponent something she knew better than to do proved astupid act.Paula was on her before she could blink, straddlingher stomach, fingers wrapped around her neck, squeezing herthroat. My dad mourned himself right into the grave because ofyour father. Paula bared her teeth while her grip tightened. Hecalled himself a failure. Kelsey grabbed at the fingers choking her.She kicked herlegs into thin air, her lungs burning with need.Suddenly Paulareleased her grip and climbed off her as calmly as she woulddismount a horse.Kelsey slid off the couch onto the floor,coughing and gagging.Holding her throat, she watched Paulaclosely. Did you honestly think I would let you get away with whatyou and your father did to him? Paula s lips glistened withdrool. But you said we should move on. Paula dropped to the floor in front of her, glaring like amaniac. I lie good, you pathetic whore. Kelsey stiffened, unable to take her eyes off the evil beforeher.She backed up until the coffee table halted her.Paula roseand stood over her. Poor little Kelsey.Oh no, her daddy died.Let s feel sorry" 173 " LARKIN ROSEfor her.Oh no, Mommy ran away.Let s feel sorry for Kelseyeven more.Poor Kelsey. She rubbed her bloodshot eyes. Didanyone ever pity my father? Did anyone ever wonder why hegave up? Anger replaced Kelsey s fear.She tightened her hands intofists, matched Paula s glare, and levered herself up from the floor.She d be damned if Paula was going to make a mockery of her. You don t know a damn thing about me or my family, ormy life
[ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]
