Read Online My Deadly Valentine by Valerie Hansen - Free Book Online Page A

question. I’m not sure. I thought it was both—until recently.”
    She saw Jace’s eyebrows arch. A lump the size of a summer cantaloupe suddenly blocked her throat and stuck there. What in the world was wrong with her? Didn’t she have a lick of sense? One tiny kiss and all her decisiveness had flown out the window, along with her common sense—what little she had left of it after being around Jace for the past three days.
    Three days? Was that all the time that had passed? Rachel was shocked to realize how briefly they had known each other. There were instances, like now, when it seemed as if they had been acquainted for ages.
    And had cared for each other, she added, chagrined. At the least, she was unduly fond of him. Judging by the way he’d been behaving, he might actually share those tender feelings. It was possible. It was also unlikely. A nice fantasy but nothing more.
    Was she ready to let a career cop into her dreams, let alone into her life? A short time ago she would have said no. Now, she had to admit she craved his company. The biggest question was, would she feel the same way once her stalker was captured?
    Trying to mask a shiver that zigzagged all the way from the nape of her neck to her toes and back again, she insisted he wait on the front porch while she entered the quiet house. Her home. Her sanctuary. The first place in which she had ever felt truly at peace and in control of her life.
    Crossing the small living room, she circled the end of the buff-colored leather sofa and proceeded to the sixties-style kitchen, flipping on lights as she went even though the sun had not yet fully set. Everything seemed in order.
    “Are you okay?” Jace called through the open door.
    “Fine. You can go.”
    “Not till you check every room. How about the bedrooms?”
    “Okay, okay.” Rachel shot him a begrudging look as she retraced her steps and headed into the hallway. A sudden chill made her pause.
    Jace had apparently been paying close attention to the sound of her footsteps after she passed out of his sight because he shouted, “What’s the matter?”
    “Nothing. I’m fine. I’ll just…” The mayhem which greeted her when she flipped on the bedroom lights took her breath away and made her gasp audibly.
    “What? Talk to me, Rachel.” When she failed to answer promptly he said, “That does it. I’m coming in.”
    She was not about to argue. As soon as Jace came up behind her, she turned into his arms and buried her face on his chest so she wouldn’t have to look at her bedroom. “Who would do this to me? Why?”
    “I don’t know,” he said flatly. “But you’re not staying here tonight. I want you to go to a friend’s house. There must be somebody you can stay with. Maybe Logan Malloy and his family. That should be safe enough.”
    “Look at all my clothes. They’re cut to ribbons.”
    “Yes,” Jace said as he guided her back outside. “Maybe this time the person responsible made a mistake and left a clue.”
    What if they didn’t? she wanted to shout. What if they get away with all this? How much longer can it go on?
    Until they get what they want, Rachel answered as her stomach twisted painfully. And if the notes are to be believed, they want me dead. Dear God, help me! Please.

NINE
    A s Jace had assumed, Logan Malloy was more than happy to help once he had finished officiating at the Sunday evening service. His wife, Becky, had welcomed Rachel like a long lost sister and had immediately ushered her into their home, leaving Jace on the porch with Logan.
    “How bad was it?” the pastor asked.
    “Bad enough. Very thorough. I left Harlan there with a photographer but I don’t know how much they’ll be able to tell. All I saw was ripped and cut clothing. Plus, it looked as if whoever did it turned out all the dresser drawers. If there hadn’t been those previous instances of threats and break-ins, I might have thought a burglar was looking for something in