Abduction. Cynthia Eden

for a few hours. I want to call some contacts at the FBI. You and I—we can talk more later.” She turned and began to walk away.

      “Talk about the case?” Hayden called out to her. “Or about us?”

      She looked back at him. The wind tousled her hair, fanning it across her face. “Both.”

      * * *

      HE WATCHED JILL as she headed toward her car. He hadn’t been certain which vehicle was hers—there were too many rentals in town right then. But she went to the small sedan with quick, determined strides and he smiled.

      But then she stopped. Her gaze lifted and she turned, scanning the street.

      He wasn’t outside so she didn’t see him. He was nestled, all safe and snug, in the little deli. The perfect place to watch. Because the sun could be so incredibly bright, the thoughtful deli owners had gotten the windows tinted. Their customers could see out and enjoy the million-dollar beach view, but folks outside couldn’t peer into the deli.

      Jill couldn’t see him.

      He rolled back his shoulders and let his grin stretch. Did she feel him? Somehow sense him? He’d heard that folks could do that, could tell—instinctively—when they were prey.

      Jill was prey. Very, very long overdue prey.

      She lingered a moment longer, and her gaze slid back to the beach. The sheriff was there, walking slowly toward her. He’d seen them on the beach, too. Talking, like old friends.

      Kissing, like lovers.

      Hayden Black was an interfering SOB. He’d make sure the guy didn’t get in his way again. After all...how could Hayden prevent a threat...

      When he never saw it coming?