Deadly Chase Read Online Free Page A

must’ve stolen a key from her somehow, since there was no sign of forced entry.”
    “There was no sign of anything. No evidence.”
    “You don’t have to remind me. We both know his methods. He won’t stop hunting her, but that will work to our advantage. Sierra might not be glad she filed for a restraining order, but at least something good will end up coming out of it.”
    “So it’s Sierra now, not Miss Malone?”
    Chase had never thought of Sierra as Miss Malone, but Jake didn’t need to know that. “I told you I met her in person.” He leaned forward and scratched his itchy, scruffy beard, wishing he could shave it off. Maybe he hadn’t grown used to the extra facial hair after all. “If you had a chance to meet her, you’d understand. She’s…likeable.”
    “Uh huh. Likeable. Right. Gorgeous is more the word I would use judging by her picture.”
    Chase agreed. Since the first moment he’d seen Sierra months ago, she’d blown him away. The attraction was instant, and she’d invaded his dreams ever since. But, there was more to the hold she had on him than physical appeal. Something about her vulnerability made him want to protect her at all costs, but with Sierra’s life at stake, he had to be careful not to allow his attraction to become a hindrance to his ultimate goal.
    Chase cleared his throat. “Listen, I need to let you go. It’s going to be a long night.”
    “Mom will have my hide if you don’t call her.”
    He relented. “All right. I’ll talk to her soon. Although I wouldn’t mind seeing Mom take you down a notch. You’ve been full of yourself since you got that promotion within the National Park Service.”
    “What can I say? I like the outdoors.”
    “I think you like bossing people around. Talk to you later.” Chase disconnected with a slight grin and plucked a Granny Smith apple from a grocery bag. He started to polish it against his T-shirt, then thought better. The filthy, thin cotton material had seen better days. He mentally added burning his shirt to his to-do-list when he returned home. The apple looked clean enough and he shrugged, sank his teeth into the tart fruit, and let his mind wander.
    Although he hadn’t intended to get to know Sierra personally, Chase recognized the advantages. His chances of keeping her safe would increase. He could also gain valuable inside information about Eason—information that might finally lead to an arrest.
    Chase finished the apple, tossed the core into the trash, and stared out the window. The street remained quiet with no signs of pedestrians and only a few passing cars. Tonight he would watch. Tomorrow he would take action. He only hoped his efforts would prove fruitful…this time.
     
     
     
     

3
     
    Sierra glanced in the mirror and did a double take. Kevin’s influence had far reaching effects, and her dyed hair proved a constant reminder that her life had transformed into something unnatural. She stared at the dark strands, missing her lighter brunette color and wondering how long she’d have to live like this.
    She sighed and pushed open the bakery’s back door, stepping into the sunshine. The morning dew had dissipated since she’d come in three hours ago to help her long-time friend. Allie would open the doors at seven, and Sierra had a precious few minutes of solitude before the morning rush.
    Sierra walked across the back lot with shoes crunching on damp, loose gravel and sank onto a wooden bench. The small, grassy area behind the shop had provided her a quiet place to reflect and rest during breaks.
    Last night’s cool breeze had disappeared, and Sierra lifted her face, soaking up warm sun. The scents of wildflowers mixed with car exhaust fumes as early morning traffic remained steady. She glanced toward the Blue Ridge Mountains, missing home and praying she’d be able to return one day. She’d tossed and turned last night, thinking about her brush with death and how Chase had saved her. He seemed so