Unfinished Business Read Free

obscured by a hood but she was certain he was looking at her.
    She shrank back out of sight, heart fluttering. This was getting seriously weird and she was all alone. What should she do now?
    Chancing another peek out of the window, just to make sure she wasn’t letting her imagination run away with her, she saw the figure was still there. This time he had the audacity to give her a little wave, the gesture somehow menacing.
    Tearing herself from the window she rushed to the door and locked it then called Mark.
    “Slow down Sarah, I can’t tell what you’re saying,” he replied when she gabbled a frantic explanation down the phone.
    “There’s a man outside the shop and I think he’s waiting for me. I’m scared to leave.”
    “You think he might hurt you?”
    “I don’t know. Maybe. He’s been following me about.”
    “What?” he exclaimed loudly down the phone, causing her to wince.
    “Please come and get me. I’m alone.”
    “I’m on my way. Stay in the shop and keep the door locked. If you think you’re in any danger then call the police.”
    “I will.”
    Reluctantly she hung up, not wanting to break the connection.
    Turning out the lights she crept back to the window to peek out. The man was still there. Because of the hood it was impossible to discern any features or even guess how old he was. All she knew was that his intentions were not good. The figure stared back at her calmly, not in the least bit disturbed about being spotted.
    The hairs prickled on the back of Sarah’s neck and she backed away from the window. While she waited for Mark to arrive she paced, praying he hurried up.
    Time ticked by interminably slowly and when she heard the rumble of a car engine she returned to the window and spotted Mark’s Audi pulling up at the kerb right outside the shop. She unlocked the door to let him in, her hands shaking.
    He hurried inside. “Are you okay?” he said anxiously as she locked up behind him.
    “I suppose. I just want to go home,” she replied, suddenly feeling very tired.
    He grasped her hand and she smiled up at him, reassured by his broad six foot one frame.
    “Where are the girls?” she said.
    “I left them with Carol. I didn’t want to bring them here.”
    Sarah nodded approvingly. Carol had been their next door neighbour for seven years and had babysat the girls plenty of times.
    “I’ll go and have a word,” he said, nodding at the figure still leaning against the car, watching them. It hadn’t escaped his notice that the car was a blue Astra.
    “No, don’t,” she said, grabbing his hand.
    “I’m not letting anyone scare my wife.”
    “He might be dangerous. Leave him to the police.”
    Mark glared through the window at the stranger, who still hadn’t moved.
    “Please Mark.”
    He wrestled with himself but when he looked into his wife’s pleading eyes he was decided. “Okay, let’s go. Just walk straight to the car and get in, no dawdling.”
    Sarah swallowed hard and nodded. “I need to get my things first.”
    “Okay but do it quickly.”
    He kept his eye on the stranger as Sarah snatched up her jacket and handbag. The man didn’t move, he just continued to casually lean against his car, watching them.
    “Ready?” said Mark impatiently.
    “Y…yes.”
    He nodded, staying close to her as she unlocked the door and they stepped outside. It was still broad daylight but it was early evening so rush hour was over and the street was quiet. Mark hovered by Sarah’s shoulder as she locked the door and pulled down the shutter. Keeping one arm around her waist he ushered her to the car and held the door open for her to get in. He slammed it shut behind her and threw the stranger a black look before jumping into the driver’s seat.
    “You said he’s been following you?” Mark said as he started the engine. The man still had his hood up, making it difficult to see his face.
    “I’ve seen his car about a lot but I thought it was my imagination. Now I know