Love & Shadows

Chapter3

Brody watched Alice walk up to Kiara's door. She was ready for this vacation. And knew Alice needed it as much as she did. She was worried about Kiara and this damned stalker. Brody was worried too. She knew that sometimes if stalkers couldn't get to the person they wanted, they went after people close to them. And she'd kill anyone who laid a hand on Alice. She hoped their getting away would get the stalker off Kiara's scent too. She knew that meant he would probably find someone else to stalk, but she couldn't help it, she wanted her family safe.

She watched Alice and Kiara embrace and grinned. She'd never met two sisters closer than the two of them. Alice grabbed Kiara's bag and made her way to the car. Kiara clung to her laptop bag like a lifeline. She never let anyone carry it. Brody was sure there was some sort of invisible tether between Kiara and the laptop. She climbed out and opened the trunk of the car and greeted Kiara with a hug.

"So, you ready for this?"

"Not really, but Alice promises a good time."

"She always does." Brody laughed and nudged Alice. "She also always delivers." Brody winked and ducked Alice's hand ready to smack her shoulder. "Ready? Everything packed?"

"Yes. Come on, I'm ready to have sand between my toes and a margarita in my hand!"

"Me too, actually," Kiara admitted. While lying awake, she'd found herself looking forward to the time away. And hope that she'd get her book going blossomed in her chest. For the first time in a long time, she could feel the itch of her fingers starting.

"I'm so happy to hear that. This is going to be so much fun!" Alice leaned back in her seat after settling into the car. "I made us a road trip playlist. Settle back and enjoy."

"We have a short flight to the island, and then all sun, sea, and rest." Brody winked at Kiara. "How's the book coming?"

"It's not. I have started, but it's like the words are just stuck and, for the first time, I feel like the characters aren't communicating with me. Hopefully, this time away will help me get in touch with them. Sandra is going to have a heart attack if I don't get something to her soon."

"Sandra has a heart attack every time you start a new book. She needs a vacation." Alice shook her head.

"She does. But I don't think she's human." Kiara shifted her laptop closer to her. "I don't want to disappoint her or the readers."

"You couldn't. It will come, it always does." Alice turned in her seat to look at Kiara. "You've been dealing with a lot, she should rather try and take care of you, instead of ignoring the problem." Alice smiled, "Okay, on that note. You are now Kiki, I am Amy and this hunky woman is Brady. I booked us under false names and the resort security will be keeping an eye out. Just in case that bastard tries to follow us."

"Were they willing to help?" Kiara couldn't believe it.

"Yes, they were very helpful and understanding. They said they would give us a list of the people we should expect to be around, so you don't freak out if you see someone hanging around. I explained that you are busy with a book, and will probably be in your cabin or around it a lot."

"Thanks, Alice." Kiara felt relief wash through her. "How many of those activities did you book for us?"

"A few." Alice grinned. "But it's optional, so if you don't feel like it on the day, or you find yourself in the middle of a chapter, Brody and I will adventure on our own." She squeezed Brody's thigh and smiled up at her.

"Yes, baby." Brody grinned back and met Kiara's eyes in the rearview mirror. "Just don't forget to take a moment and enjoy the fresh air. It might also help clear the cobwebs."

"Yes, I plan to. I'm looking forward to the time away. It was really nice of you guys to include me."

"Anytime, sis." They settled into silence, listening to the music.

Kiara wondered if the stalker knew she was leaving the city behind for a while. She hoped not. She needed to believe that he had no idea where she was headed. A few weeks with no worry and just focusing on her book was what the doctor ordered. She decided on the spot that no matter what, she was going to try and forget about the stalker for a while and just enjoy her time. There was no way he could know anyway, they'd decided the night before to go. How could he know? She inhaled and exhaled, then pushed the stalker as far back in her mind as she could. The music washed over her, and there was a niggle in the part of her brain that held her imagination. She smiled, and there it was.

He bent over and pretended to stretch. His eyes strayed over to Kiara's house. It was dark. Her house had been dark for a while, but this was different. He straightened and smiled, nodded a greeting to a woman who jogged past him. Where was she? She never left the house after dark anymore. So where was she? Frustration built in his gut as he looked around the neighborhood. Something was wrong, he could feel it. She wasn't home. Damned his need to work, he could have watched her all night last night and seen where she'd gone during the day. But no, he had work to take care of. He narrowed his eyes and thought about his next step. His plan to leave her a clear message was already in place. He'd stick to the plan, and find a way to find out where she went. If she thought she could run from him, she was wrong. He'd find her. Anywhere.