Stalker

Chapter Two

Greg and Sara took a booth up against the wall and gave the waitress their drink order.

“I wanted to thank you for catching the music box,” Sara said as she scanned the menu.

Greg looked at her in surprise. It was a rarity when she thanked anyone, let alone for helping in a case. He didn’t know what to say.

“You’re welcome,” he said softly.

They gave their orders and he glanced at her over the rim of his glass. She looked over her shoulder twice since they had ordered. He wondered if she was waiting for someone.

“Is there someone else coming?” Greg asked, startling her.

She stared at him in surprise then it vanished. She smiled slightly and took a sip of her drink. He knew she was stalling, trying to think of something to tell him.

“I’m not expecting anyone,” Sara said as she set her glass down.

“Then why do you keep looking over your shoulder?”

Their meals arrived saving Sara from having to answer. She dug into her meal and he raised an eyebrow at her.

Yep, stalling, he thought as he ate his own meal.

“Well?” Greg asked when she swallowed.

She stared at him and he sighed. Obviously she didn’t want to tell him. If that was the case then he wouldn’t get it out of her anytime soon. It irritated him, but he wasn’t one to pry. He had a secret of his own.

“It’s nothing,” Sara said. “Don’t worry about it.”

Greg shrugged and continued eating. After awhile the silence grew uncomfortable. He looked at her as he contemplated on what to say to her. He let his gaze roam over her face and down her arms. He forgot where he was for the moment as thoughts filled with images of her. Images a friend shouldn’t have.

“Greg, you’re staring,” Sara’s voice brought him out of his thoughts.

He blinked and stared at her in surprise.

“What?”

Sara shook her head, smiling.

“You were miles away, Greg. Something on your mind?”

Greg cleared his throat and hoped he didn’t blush.

“Just trying to find a way to start a conversation.”

“By staring at me?” Sara laughed, sending flames of desire coursing through him. He loved her laugh and would do anything to hear it.

“You could talk about the case,” she suggested.

Greg smiled, shaking his head.

“Anything, but shop. I think we deserve it.”

Sara nodded in agreement. She sighed as she pushed the food around on her plate. Something was on her mind as well, but he doubted it was him.

“What’s wrong?” Greg asked softly.

“The case,” she answered, pushing her plate away. “I can’t believe she would kill her daughter like that.”

Greg nodded. He couldn’t believe it either. It made him ill to think there were people like that out in the world. Not dwelling on it was the only way he could cope. Not to mention thinking of Sara.

“Will you be okay?” He asked.

“Sure,” Sara said, smiling. “I should learn not to let these things get to me.”

“Then you wouldn’t be Sara.”

She laughed and shook her head.

“You sure know how to cheer a girl up.”

“I try.”


~*~


Sara was exhausted when she arrived home at five in the morning. She took off her jacket and dropped it on the sofa. She went over to her phone and looked at the answering machine. There was only one message and she hit “play.”

“Sara Sidle,” the voice was low, a deep whisper. It was definitely male. It sent shivers up her spine.

“I’m watching you, Sara. You’ll be mine soon.”

Her knees gave out and she sank to the floor. She put her head in her hands as the shivers racked her body.

How could this be happening to her? Who would do this and why?

She thought she could ignore it, but he wasn’t going away. He went from notes to calling her. She had to tell someone and stop him before it became worse.

She picked up her phone and dialed Brass’s number. She listened to it ring as she paced back and forth, her heart racing.

How does this guy know my phone number? Sara thought as the phone on the other end was picked up.

She took a breath to say something when she realized the answering machine had picked up. She closed her eyes as the exhaustion of the day came slamming back down. She hung up the phone and ran a hand through her hair.

No sense bothering him. He’s probably on a case, she thought as she sighed.

Sara stood and went into the bathroom. She turned on the water and splashed some on her face. She stared into the mirror, surprise at what she saw. Her eyes were red and swollen, evidence she had been crying. She shook her head and started the shower. A warm shower should calm her nerves.

I’ll feel better afterwards, she thought as she undressed and stepped into the shower.

Several minutes later, Sara climbed into bed, more exhausted than before. She was asleep the moment her head hit the pillow.