Pursued Read Online Free Page B

if she knew no one would be out there. Still, there was the small matter of the phone call. A wrong number, McGrady , Jennie reminded herself. Just like you said. Or maybe B.J.’s accomplice?
    Jennie settled an arm on Lisa’s shoulder. “You have to admit B.J. has a few pounds and inches on you. Which is why I think she should stay up here with Allison, while you and I have a look around.”
    â€œNo way.” B.J. glared at Jennie. “And I was beginning to think you had some brains.”
    â€œLisa knows this neighborhood as well as her own. She and I will be able to tell right off if there’s a car or person who doesn’t belong here.”
    B.J. stood her ground, and for a moment Jennie was afraid the girl would deck her. She didn’t. Instead, she backed off, a smirk on her face that read, I’ve got you right where I want you.
    Jennie ignored it and motioned for Lisa to follow. When they reached the bottom of the stairway, she paused. Should she tell Mom and Michael about the phone call and Allison’s suspicions? If there was someone out there, Michael would be able to protect them. No, her inner voice objected. You don’t need his help. You don’t need him at all. Besides, there’s probably no one out there anyway…This is just a game B.J. has cooked up to give Allison and her folks a bad time.
    Putting a finger to her lips, Jennie signaled Lisa to slip out quietly. They crouched low and tiptoed past the living room where Mom and Michael snuggled on the couch, watching an old movie on television. Jennie tried to ignore her frustrations with Michael and concentrated instead on getting out of the house unnoticed.
    Jennie and Lisa reached the entry and carefully let themselves out. Once the door was closed, Jennie suggested they separate.
    â€œNot a chance,” Lisa whispered, grabbing hold of Jennie’s sleeve. “I think we should go together.” Jennie started to object, then agreed. She had to admit, if there was someone hanging around out there, they’d be safer as a pair.
    They began to circle the house. As they approached the back, Jennie held an arm out to stop Lisa. “Shh. I think I heard something.” Jennie peeked around the corner into the backyard. She’d never noticed it before, but if someone wanted to spy on her, they could easily do so from the massive maple tree that stood only a few feet from the house. Someone could climb the tree and look directly into her bedroom window. The limbs swayed now with the evening breeze. Or was the movement caused by something or someone else?
    The stalker could be there right now, fully hidden by the heavy foliage. She eased back and rubbed her arms to chase away the chill. Stop it, McGrady! No one’s up there. This thing has got you spooked. You’re doing exactly what B.J. wants you to do.
    â€œWhat is it?” Lisa whispered. “Did you see something?”
    Jennie shook her head and took a deep breath. “No. I…” she started to tell Lisa about the tree, then stopped. “It’s just the wind.” No sense worrying her , Jennie decided. No sense taking chances either. If someone was hiding in the tree, she had no intention of getting near it. “There’s no one back here,” she said. “Let’s check the other side.”
    They doubled around to the other side of the house. Nothing seemed out of place or unusual. “Let’s go back in,” Jennie suggested.
    â€œNot yet.” Lisa pulled on Jennie’s arm, urging her onto the sidewalk. “I think we ought to go around the block. The guy could be parked somewhere nearby.”
    Jennie shrugged and walked along. “Okay, but we’re wasting our time. If you want my opinion, B.J. is behind this whole thing.”
    â€œThat’s impossible. She was with us tonight. She couldn’t have made that phone call.”
    â€œI know, but it’s possible the call was