Stranger in the Shadows

“And I would have introduced the two of you if you’d been there.”

“I’m almost sorry I missed it.”

“Almost?”

“Tiffany isn’t ready to take the baby out or leave him with a sitter yet. I’m not ready to spend my Saturday away from her.”

“Who’d have thought marriage would make you into such a romantic?” Ben grinned and got out of the car. “I’d better head home. I’ve got to work tomorrow.”

“Good avoidance technique, but I still want to know about you and Chloe.”

“You’ve been living small-town life for too long. You’re getting nosy.”

“Only when it comes to my friends.”

“Sorry to disappoint, but you know as much about Chloe as I do.”

“I’m not interested in what you know about her. I’m wondering what you think of her.”

“Right now? I think she’s a nice lady who’s been hurt a lot.”

“Look, Ben, if you were anyone else, I’d keep my nose out of it, but you’re not, so I’m going to say what’s on my mind.”

“Go ahead.”

“Chloe does seem like a nice lady, but I know trouble when I see it. I see it when I look at her.”

“And?”

“And be careful. I don’t want that trouble coming after you.”

“Thanks for the worry, but I’m pretty good at taking care of myself. I’ll be fine.”

Jake nodded, but his jaw was tight, his expression grim. “I’ve got a bad feeling about this. Really bad. Watch your back.”

With that he walked away, stepping into his well-lit house, into the warmth of family and home, and leaving Ben to himself and his thoughts.

Thoughts that were similar to Jake’s.

Trouble did seem to be closing in on Chloe. If Ben were smart, he’d keep his distance from it and from her. Unfortunately, he didn’t think that was going to be possible. Something told him that Chloe was about to become a big part of his life. He might not want the complication, might not like it, but that seemed to be where God was leading him. If that were the case, Ben would just have to hold on tight and pray the ride wasn’t nearly as bumpy as he thought it was going to be.

Apparently, Chloe’s intruder was big news in Lakeview, and at least half a dozen customers converged on the flower shop minutes after it opened Monday morning. Opal seemed happy about all the business, but by noon Chloe was tired of the sometimes blatant, sometimes subtle questions. How many times and how many ways could a person say “I don’t know” before she went absolutely insane?

Not many more than Chloe had already said.

She pulled a dozen red carnations from the refrigerated display case, grabbed some filler and headed back to the shop’s front counter, doing her best to tamp down irritation as she listened to two elderly women discuss the “incident” in loud whispers.

“Here they are, Opal.” She spoke a little more forcefully than necessary, hoping to interrupt the women’s conversation.

It only seemed to make them think she wanted to be part of it.

The taller of the two smiled at Chloe. “Those are absolutely lovely, dear. I’m impressed that you could focus on picking the perfect flowers after such a harrowing experience.”

“Thank you.” What else could she say? “I try to keep my mind on the job.”

“But aren’t you terrified?” The shorter, more rotund woman shuddered, her owl-eyed gaze filled with both fear and anticipation, as if she were hoping for a juicy tidbit of information to pass along.

“Not really.” At least no more than she’d been before she’d come to Lakeview. “The sheriff assured me he’d do everything he could to find the person responsible.”

Though Chloe wondered if he’d be saying the same after he talked to the police in D.C. She wasn’t looking forward to the conversation they were going to have when he found out about her recent hospitalization and its supposed cause.

She refused to worry about it and tried to focus on her job instead, shoving the carnations into a vase and scowling when two stems broke.

“Keep it up and I’ll be out of business in no time.” Opal took the flowers and vase from her hands, smiling at the women who were watching wide-eyed and interested. “I’ll finish this up. Aren’t you supposed to go to the police station today?”

“Yes, but it can wait.”

“You know how I feel about procrastination. It only makes more work for everyone. Go punch out and head over there. Since we don’t know how long it’s going to take, I think you should just take the rest of the day off.”

“We’ve had a lot of business so far, Opal. Are you sure you want to handle the rest of the afternoon alone?”

“I handled it alone for two years before I hired help. Besides, I’ve hired a kid from church to come in after school until Jenna gets back. Laura’s her name. She’s a senior trying to save money for college. It should work out well for all of us. Now, go ahead and do what needs doing. Then go have some fun.”

“Fun?” Fun was puppies and kittens, laughter and friendship. Relaxation. Fun was something Chloe wasn’t even sure she knew how to do anymore.

“Yes, fun. Go shopping. Get your nails done. Better yet, go to Becky’s Diner and have a slice of warm apple pie with a scoop of ice cream on it. That’s fun.”

“It does sound good.” But being at home sounded better. Safe behind closed doors and locked in tight.

“But you won’t do it.”

“I might.”

“Hmph. We’ll see, I guess. Now, get out of here. I’ve got work to do and you’re distracting me.”

“Destroying flowers and distracting you. I don’t know why you keep me on.”

“Because you bring in so much business. Now, shoo.”

Chloe laughed as she stepped through the doorway that led to the back of the shop.

It didn’t take long to punch out and gather her jacket and purse. Outside, the day was misty and cold, the thick clouds and steely sky ominous. Several cars were parked in the employee parking lot behind the building, but Chloe was the only person there. In the watery afternoon light, the stillness seemed unnatural, the quiet, sinister, and she was sure she felt the weight of someone’s stare as she hurried toward her car.

She shivered, fumbling for her keys, the feeling that she was being watched so real, so powerful, that she was sure she’d be attacked at any moment. Finally, the key slid into the lock, the door opened and she scrambled in, slamming the door shut, locking it.

Against nothing. The parking lot was still empty of life. The day still and silent.

“You’re being silly and paranoid.” She muttered the words as she put the car into gear. “Being afraid because an intruder is in the house is one thing. Being afraid to cross a parking lot in the middle of the day is ridiculous.”