Midnight Shadows
“I’M WATCHING YOU.” With a relentless stalker after her, Melissa Langston flees Georgia for her small Florida hometown. Despite changing her name, she soon finds anonymous notes on her doorstep and a menacing figure lurking in the shadows. She’s sure her stalker has tracked her down, but the police think she’s overreacting.The only one who believes she’s in danger is the former cop who broke her heart years ago. Melissa is afraid to get too close to ex-fiancé Chris Jamison, who is back in town to settle family business. Because the more she turns to the handsome man she’s never forgotten, the more her stalker wants Chris gone—permanently.
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âIâM WATCHING YOU.â
With a relentless stalker after her, Melissa Langston flees Georgia for her small Florida hometown. Despite changing her name, she soon finds anonymous notes on her doorstep and a menacing figure lurking in the shadows. Sheâs sure her stalker has tracked her down, but the police think sheâs overreacting. The only one who believes sheâs in danger is the former cop who broke her heart years ago. Melissa is afraid to get too close to ex-fiancé Chris Jamison, who is back in town to settle family business. Because the more she turns to the handsome man sheâs never forgotten, the more her stalker wants Chris goneâpermanently.
âThe stalker youâre running from is here in Florida, Melissa,â Chris said.
The color leached from her face, and she sagged against the side of the car, clutching her stomach and shaking her head in denial. âNo, he couldnât have found me. I was so careful.â
The fear in those wide blue eyes snagged his heart, and at that moment he would have done anything to make it go away. But he didnât want to give her false security. âIt could be nothing. I didnât want to worry you, but I had to let you know.â
She didnât respond.
âMelissa,â he whispered. He rested his hand lightly on her forearm and took the box from her. âIâm here for you, Missy. Let me help.â
She turned slowly to face him. Tears threatened to pool on her lower lashes, but she blinked them away. She was trying so hard to be strong.
âNobody expects you to do this alone. Please let me help.â
She gave two brief nods.
CAROL J. POST
From medical secretary to court reporter to property manager to owner of a special events decorating company, Carolâs resumé reads like someone who doesnât know what she wants to be when she grows up. But one thing that has remained constant through the years is her love for writing. She started as a child writing poetry for family and friends, then graduated to articles which actually made it into some religious and childrenâs publications. Several years ago (more than sheâs willing to admit), she penned her first novel. In 2010, she decided to get serious about writing fiction for publication and joined Romance Writers of America, Tampa Area Romance Authors and Faith, Hope & Love, RWAâs online inspirational chapter. She has placed in numerous writing contests, including RWAâs 2012 Golden Heart®.
Carol lives in sunshiny central Florida with her husband (who is her own real-life hero) and writes her stories under the shade of the oaks in her yard. She holds a bachelorâs degree in business and professional leadership, which doesnât contribute much to writing fiction but helps a whole lot in the business end of things. Besides writing, she works alongside her music minister husband singing and playing the piano. She also enjoys sailing, hiking, campingâalmost anything outdoors. Her two grown daughters and grandson live too far away for her liking, so she now pours all that nurturing into taking care of three fat and sassy cats and one highly spoiled dog.
Not a single sparrow can fall to the ground
without your Father knowing it. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered.
âMatthew 10:29bâ30
This book is dedicated to my husband, Chris,
the inspiration for every hero I create. Iâm so glad you never stopped believing in me.
Thank you to my family, Kristi, Andrea, Kim, Jerry, Mom Roberts and Mom Post. All these years youâve encouraged me to keep the dream alive.
Many thanks to all my writing buddiesâ
my awesome critique partners, Karen Fleming and Dixie Taylor, whose input has been invaluable, and my fellow TARANs (Tampa Area Romance Authors), without whose support I couldnât have done it. And thank you to my friends Jeri Del Ross, Renate Malcolm and Kristen Harris, who never get tired of reading my stories.
And a huge thank you to my lovely editor,
Rachel Burkot, who saw potential in me and gave me this opportunity to do what I love. You are beyond awesome!
Contents
PROLOGUE
Jagged streaks danced across the night sky, bathing the landscape in harsh white light.
Crouched behind the old sedan, Melissa Langston cringed. Each burst of virtual daylight shredded her already frayed nerves. She needed the cover of darkness.
A clap resonated through the air and gave way to a deep, persistent rumble. In the silence that followed, she tuned her ear to the dull thump of muffled footsteps, straining to pinpoint their source. Why couldnât he wear boots? The hard soles would at least warn her if he veered from the sidewalk.
But Eugene always wore tennis shoes.
She held her breath, every muscle a tangled knot of apprehension. He was suspicious. But he hadnât seen her. She was sure of it. Otherwise, he would have come after her.
