12
PENELOPE STOOD ROOTED in her bathroom, shocked at the enlarged magazine cover photo plastered to the mirror above her wide makeup vanity. Bullet holes marked the center of her forehead, neck, and heart, while blood dripped down her face and throat, splashing onto her chest. It was the most gruesome image of herself she’d ever seen. It was so graphic, she covered her face with her hands and whirled away from it.
At the sound of her scream, Stefan rushed in and wrapped his arms around her, guiding her away from the abhorrent photo. “Stay in the bedroom with Elena and let me check this out,” he said, urgency evident in his voice. As she stepped out, she heard him radio his partner Josh.
This time she did as he instructed while he searched her dressing area, bathroom, and closet. Someone
