SAFE BY HIS SIDE (MANHUNT) Read Free Page A

Lenora said in a matter-of-fact voice.
    He wanted to argue that fact, but there was no use. She had lived with the man for three weeks—she knew his evil, sadistic side. Worse, they’d both heard him promise retribution for her testimony at the sentencing.
    Simpleton was a cold-blooded murderer. Lenora was the only victim who’d survived.
    The one who’d put him in jail.
    He wouldn’t stop until he exacted his revenge.
     

     
    Lenora gripped the edge of the table to steady herself. She could not fall apart in front of Micah.
    He’d witnessed her weak side, seen her at her worst. But she’d worked too hard to overcome her fears and nightmares to allow herself to backtrack.
    But how could she not?
    Robert Simpleton was conniving, smart, a sociopath—and there was no doubt that he wanted revenge against her. It wasn’t if he would show up, but when .
    She had to be prepared.
    The self-defense classes she’d taken hopefully would help, although at the moment, every move and technique she’d been taught escaped her.
    Because the old familiar panic was back, gnawing at her insides like a rabid animal.
    “You should probably shut down the shop for a few days, or at least take off until we catch Simpleton,” Micah said. “Do you want me to drive you some place? Maybe to your mother’s?”
    Lenora’s head was spinning, the instinct to run hitting her. “Not my mother’s,” she said. “I won’t do anything to put her in jeopardy.”
    Micah’s dark brown eyes pierced her. “Is there a friend or other family member you can stay with? Some place Simpleton might not know about?”
    “No.” Her withdrawal and depression after the abduction had cost her all of her former friends. She and Jenny were close now, but on a working basis.
    Even her relationship with her mother had become strained. Her mother wanted to protect her, wanted her to live at home with her. But Lenora had to regain her independence or she’d go insane.
    Still Simpleton wouldn’t know that. He was a monster who preyed on women. He’d use Jenny, even her mother to get to her.
    “If he doesn’t already know about my bridal shop, it’ll be easy for him to find out,” Lenora said, forcing herself to think defensively. “If I can’t convince my mother and friend Jenny to go away, I want protection for them.”
    “Done.” He removed his phone from his belt. “Why don’t you call them and explain while I talk to my superior.”
    Lenora nodded, moving on rote. Jenny was a sweetheart and a great employee. She was also one of the only friends she’d made since her ordeal.
    One who didn’t know about her past.
    Lenora needed her privacy, needed someone who wouldn’t look at her with pity.
    She clenched her hands into fists. God, she hated to dirty Jenny with the details now.
    But if Robert Simpleton hurt Jenny or her mother, she’d never forgive herself.
    Her phone buzzed, and she glanced down, not surprised to see her mother’s number. She must have seen the news and would be terrified. She’d handle her, then her friend.
    But she had to tell Jenny in person, convince her that Simpleton was dangerous.
    Her hands itched to retrieve the gun she’d bought after the attack. She’d vowed never to be as vulnerable as she had been the night he’d taken her. Never to let down her guard.
    When that monster came for her, she had to be ready. And if he tried to touch her, she’d blown his brains out.
     

     
    Micah stepped outside the shop to make the phone call, carefully keeping an eye on the street and doorway in case Simpleton showed up. Odds were that the man already knew where Lenora lived and worked.
    And that he’d come in disguise.
    Photographs of him were plastered all over the news and papers. He’d have to alter his appearance.
    The bridal shop sat on the corner of one street next to a florist and bakery that probably made it easier for Lenora’s clients and her to coordinate their events.
    He punched in the number to contact