Page 52 of Devil’s Snare

I shoved my wallet back into my purse and drove to the market, consumed with the certainty that Penny stole that money while my back was turned. The worst part? She talked to me and sat there for over half an hour knowing she took it and didn’t care.

Who did that?

Feeling betrayed, I wasn’t paying attention. I missed the turn I needed and pulled into another parking lot to cut through on my way to the store. By the time I walked inside to grab the things I needed, I felt sick.

I picked up my groceries and paid in record time. If not for feeling so violated and upset, I might have been proud.

I climbed into my truck and placed the heavier bags on the floorboards of the passenger seat. The chocolate, green tea, and garlic parmesan pretzels went beside me where I could snack while driving. Ever hear of car fries? I was a fan of car chocolate.

Unease tickled the back of my neck, and I frowned, glancing into my rearview mirror. That was when I noticed the same vehicle had been behind me since I left the market, even when I went through multiple intersections. Coincidence? Probably.

After five more minutes, I wasn’t so sure. The same black car was following me nearly all the way through town. They took every turn I made, keeping at the same distance, slowing to about four cars behind me, always staying within my rearview.

Just to test the theory, I didn’t drive home. Instead, I took a detour and ended up arriving at Deathrock Cemetery just about half an hour before the sun would set. To a casual observer, it might seem like I wanted to visit my sister’s grave. Maybe I bought flowers for her.

I didn’t come here for that. I came for Cin. Only I forgot he wasn’t here.

But maybe I was wrong. He could have come back here first. I didn’t see his bike or Ethan’s.

Shit. This was stupid.

But I had to risk coming here because I couldn’t go home. Or the police station and deal with the detective or the NCIS agent. My options were limited with whoever it was following and watching me. I didn’t want to lead them to my house.

My fingers trembled as I parked, shut off the ignition, and removed my key. I dropped it into my purse, clutching it close as I struggled to remain calm.

What if this person meant to harm me? What if they had a weapon and shot me?

I couldn’t stay in my truck, immobilized by fear. Pretending not to notice the car park across the lot from me, I got out and closed the door. I only took about five steps. After that, I heard the car’s engine rev before it sped toward me.

Shocked, I stayed rooted to the spot. This wasn’t happening. It couldn’t. No one wanted me dead. Right?

Staring at the vehicle gaining speed, I didn’t notice I wasn’t alone until I heard the rumble of a motorcycle and Cin’s deep, sinful voice hollering for me.

“Gwen. Get on my bike. Hurry!”

I didn’t hesitate to sprint toward Cin, hop on behind him, and wrap my hands around his waist.

“Hold on!”

Cin didn’t drive out of the parking lot. He didn’t even stay on the asphalt. With wide, terrified eyes, I watched as we rode onto the grass and began to climb one of the hills beside the cemetery gates.

The scariest part? We weren’t alone.

The car followed us, bumping over the uneven terrain as I clutched at Cin, worried I would be thrown from his bike and run over. I didn’t have time for a helmet, and nothing I wore would protect me from road rash. As I heard the engine rev far too close to Cin’s bike, I glanced over my shoulder. This had to be the craziest thing I’d ever seen. Who would drive up the grass outside the graveyard with their car!?

Cin kept looking in his mirrors with grim determination, forcing his Harley to pick up speed as he tried to outrun the car. I risked another glimpse and didn’t recognize the driver. All I could see was a big man behind the wheel wearing a black ski mask. In hot-as-hell weather since we experienced an unseasonably warm spell this week. Whoever drove that car wanted us both dead.

The car was gaining. It nearly hit the back tire as I screamed.

Cin shouted, “Don’t let go!”

“I won’t!” I promised.

The car revved its engine again. I could feel the heat coming off the grill, scorching my back. Or maybe I just imagined it since terror consumed me.

“Omen!”

I didn’t have time to wonder why Cin called for his pet, but one moment the car was right behind us, the next it was gone. The only explanation was the huge thud I heard right before it disappeared.