Deadly Chase Read Online Free Page B

confident, so self-assured, she wondered what had led him to a life on the streets.
    Sierra’s cell phone rang and her heart leapt as it did each time the generic tune sounded. Fearing Kevin had acquired her number, she checked the caller ID. Her sister’s name appeared on the screen, and she relaxed, until she remembered she hadn’t checked in last night.
    “Hey, Piper.”
    “Hey to you. Why didn’t you call me?” Piper’s voice held concern.
    “I…uh…something came up. Sorry.”
    “If you’d call like you’re supposed to, I wouldn’t worry so much.”
    “Please don’t. I gave you my number. You can reach me whenever you want.”
    “You say that, but you ditch your prepaid phones so often I never know if you’ll pick up when I call. I miss you. Come home and stay with us.”
    Longing to see her sister, Sierra was tempted to accept the offer, but she knew better. “It’s too dangerous.” She dug her tennis shoes into the ground, absently shoving aside pebbles.
    “Zeke can keep you safe,” Piper continued, referring to her husband. “You know he’s a triple black belt. Remember last year when he took out those muggers? Both of those guys ended up in the hospital.”
    “I remember, but Zeke is also out of town a lot on business. I refuse to put you at risk. Besides, this is my battle to fight.”
    “You’re not alone, Sierra. Let us help.”
    “You are helping. Have you checked my post office box lately?”
    “I picked up your mail yesterday. You’ve got quite an assortment.”
    Sierra’s heart paused. “Did… he send anything?”
    “No. Nothing from Kevin. But, you did get a credit card statement, a mortgage bill, and something from the Cancer Society.”
    Sierra braced an elbow on her knee and rested her forehead in her palm. No matter how many miles she travelled, complications followed. “OK. I’m glad I put your name on my bank account. Go ahead and write a check to pay the credit card and send twenty-five dollars to the charity. How much will I have left in my checking account after the mortgage?”
    “Enough for another few months.”
    “Pip, I’m going to have to give up my condo.”
    “You can’t let Kevin do this. Why don’t you try the police again? Or, maybe hire a bodyguard?” Exasperation came through her voice.
    “You don’t understand. The police won’t help. And I can’t afford a bodyguard.” Tension coiled inside. Although Allie allowed Sierra to work in the bakery in exchange for letting her stay upstairs, she received no paycheck. Without a source of income, bankruptcy could soon become a reality. She could end up on the streets…or in a shelter like the Hope Center.
    “What about your savings?” Piper pressed. “You could use some for the mortgage and some for protection.”
    Sierra explained, “The money would run out too fast, besides, no one can protect me indefinitely.”
    “We have some savings—”
    “Forget it. I’m not taking your money.” She thought of Chase. A part of her understood why he didn’t want to accept charity. Sierra felt the same way when it came to her own finances.
    Piper sighed. “Kevin has already stolen too much from you. You’ve already lost your job and had to leave town. You’ve got to be low on cash. Should I send you a little from your account?”
    “No, I’m afraid Kevin would find out. He’s got so many connections through the attorney’s office, he could probably trace anything.”
    “I won’t let you starve. I’ll drive it to you myself if I have to.”
    “You can’t drive that far.”
    “Oh. So you are a long distance away?”
    Sierra let out an aggravated sigh. “I’m not telling you where I am.”
    “Can’t blame me for trying can you?”
    “No. I’d do the same if the situation were reversed.”
    “Will you at least keep your cell phone longer than a week this time? I don’t like not being able to reach you.”
    “It’s safer to replace them often.”
    “Then at least promise to call