Finding Elizabeth Read Free Page A

them about us, Katarina?”
    “Don’t be an idiot. Stop stalking me. There is no us—and don’t call me that!”
    Eric downed the last of his drink and raised his glass. “Join me.”
    Katherine ignored him. “The caretaker would
not
have let you in. Get—the—hell—out!” She enunciated clearly so the twit wouldn’t misinterpret.
    His attempt at a suave grin merely made him look a sloppy fool. Katherine dumped her purse and boutonnière on the coffee table, wanting her hands free just in case she needed to slap him.
    Eric’s sleazy grin churned her stomach. With an index finger, he raised a chain dangling with keys to the downstairs security door, and her front door.
    “Where did you get those keys?” she hissed.
    “You gave them to me. They’re mine—remember?” His eyes darted to the table. “Hey! Where are the yellow roses I bought you?” He pouted like a petulant child.
    “I thought they were so lovely I had to share them with everyone.” Her tone was sarcastic.
    Eric swiped the bourbon bottle from the side table. With effort, he pushed himself off the sofa. Katherine squared her shoulders, daring him to get close enough so she could smack him around a little.
    “We have plans—big plans, remember?” He crossed the room, but stopped just beyond arm’s length.
Pity
, thought Katherine.
    The stench of bourbon was repulsive. “You stink! Where on earth do you get the notion that I’m the least bit interested? Just because you come backstage, unannounced, with a token,” she took a step closer and thumped his shoulder hard. “Just because we’ve had coffee, twice.” She thumped him again. “I barely know you.” Another thump and Eric’s expression changed to one of disbelief. Unfortunately, it didn’t last long. In a flash, his arrogance returned. Katherine pressed on. “As for your plans—tell someone who cares, because I don’t!” She turned her back on him and, with a creepy feeling up her spine, strode to the front door, opened it and waited with her hand out. “I never gave you a set of keys. Give them to me and get the hell out of my apartment.”
    Eric grinned. “I have your attention now, don’t I?” He leaned in for a kiss.
    “Touch me and you die,” Katherine threatened, her voice deep, her eyes narrow, menacing. “And here’s another thought. If I scream fire! doors will open across the landing and all the way down to the ground floor. You don’t want that, do you?” His eyes became wary and his laugh had lost its arrogant edge. “I didn’t think so.”
    “You need me. You’ll come around and I’ll keep these for when you do.” He tossed her keys in the air.
    Katherine made a grab—and caught them. Eric hadn’t anticipated her swift reaction. His lips twitched.
    “No one else will want you. I’ll make sure of it,” he said.
    “Do
not
threaten me, you ignorant jerk.” Katherine shoved him out and slammed the door. She rammed the safety chain and bolt in place. Tomorrow, she would get the caretaker to change her locks, the sooner the better. Surely he’d have time; Christmas was still two weeks away. She rang the police, who took all the details and asked her to come by in the morning to make a signed statement. The officer suggested it would be wise to stay with a trusted friend. Katherine decided that unless Eric had another set of keys there was no way he could get into her apartment. This was getting scary. Never mind the bad publicity. She would have to get a restraining order out on him. Meanwhile, for her own peace of mind she would leave first thing in the morning. Her stay in the family cabin would start earlier than planned, that was all.
    Katherine wedged a chair under the doorknob. The stench of bourbon hung in the air. Feeling violated, she shuddered, headed for the bathroom and stripped quickly, throwing her clothes in the corner. She stepped into the shower and lingered under the relaxing stream. Later, warm and dry, she sank into bed and