Page 9 of Chasing Amanda

“Come on, kids,” the woman said. “Let’s go before the lunch rush.”

The door opened, and then, suddenly, it was very quiet.

Mark turned to find they’d all walked out, including Amanda.

CHAPTER SIX

Amanda hugged little Leah one last time. “I’ll see you next Friday. Don’t eat them all or you’ll give yourself a stomachache.” She lowered her voice. “And Levi will be very sad.”

The seven-year-old giggled, then cupped her hands around Amanda’s ear. “Levi’s in love with you.”

She leaned back and kissed the little girl’s cheek, not sure how to respond, not that she hadn’t guessed about the thirteen-year-old’s crush. “I love all of you.” Seemed a safe enough answer.

Friday mornings were the most rewarding and difficult hours of her week. She loved spending time with the children, but today had been especially hard, considering she’d barely closed her eyes the night before thanks to the nightmares that jerked her awake every time she did. She wasn’t sorry when Mrs. Domani urged her family toward the SUV parked at the curb.

She waited, arms crossed against the breeze. Even in her navy wool coat, it was cold. She waited until the kids were in the car, then turned toward her apartment.

And slammed into a man’s chest.

“Amanda?”

She stepped back and looked up.

“Thank God, I found you.”

It was the man from the night before. He wore a black denim jacket and blue jeans and was much bigger than she’d realized, tall and broad and terrifying.

The sight of him brought back all her terror. She would’ve screamed if she could get her breath.

She turned to run, stumbling into someone’s path.

“Watch it.” The woman sent her a scathing look, continuing on her way.

“Please don’t.” The man was right behind her. He sounded exasperated, his tone familiar.

She didn’t slow down.

“It’s not like you can outrun me.” He kept pace with her.

She picked up speed.

“I’m not going to hurt you.” He touched her upper arm. “I just need to talk to you.”

She spun to face him. “Why are you following me?”

Students dodged them on the busy sidewalk, muttering irritated comments under their breath.

He blinked. “I’m not… I didn’t follow you.”

“Althea called me this morning. My boss, too. What do you want?”

The man stepped back, lifting his hands in surrender. “I wanted to make sure you were okay.”

“You mean after you followed me last night?”

“I had a bad feeling about that guy, so when he left the bar right after you, I followed him.”

“Right.” She looked around, searching for a friend, for someone she could call out to. “Why should I believe you?”