CHAPTER 24
It was a scratching noise that woke her. The cottage was in inky blackness and at first she couldn’t tell where it was coming from. She raised her head from the cushion and strained her ears against the dark silence. Then she heard it again, a soft tapping coming from the front door.
“Grant,” she whispered, then more loudly, gently shaking him awake. “Grant, wake up.”
He stirred unsteadily into consciousness, unaware momentarily where he was.
“Listen,” she whispered. “There’s someone outside.”
Grant looked at the luminous dial of his Rolex. Quarter to five. He propped himself up on his elbows and listened. The scratching, tapping was distinct and it was coming from the front door.
“Where are the bicycle lamps?” he whispered.
“There’s one under the bed on my side,” she whi
