Chapter 24

Sarra watched the T ball team attack the snacks. Two of the moms handed out juice boxes and peanut butter crackers., while the kids giggled and munched.Sarra made her way to the coach to remind him that they were going to visit Abby's aunt so Abby would miss the rest of the weeks practice.

When Sarra's phone rang her heart stopped she forced herself to look at the number.

Boise

"Hello" Sarra said sticking one finger to her ear. Abby was climbing on the monkey bars with another kid with thier hats dropping on the ground as they lay upside down.Sarra strode while she talked to Mrs Jenkins. yes. Sarra had received a package this morning and the latest two dolls arrived safely No they still haven't seen the second pair but sarra was certain they would show up.

Abby ran and grabbed Sarra around the waist. They nearly fell.

"Mrs Jenkins I have to go."She said laughing and putting a finger over her lips to Abby."I will let you know as soon as I get a chance to look at the new doll."

She had barely hung up when Abby grabbed her arm."Come on mommy you promised we could feed the ducks.I saved them my crackers." she said holding up her package.

Sarra sighed its there tradition at this park. she trailed Abby to the pond. Abby climbed down over some rocks to the edge of the water and shook the bag of crackers. No dummies the ducks started toward them.

"Hey a deep voice said."What did the first duck say to the second duck?"

Sarra whirled toward the voice.Brian Fuller strode down to the bank.

"Mommy look!! Abby cried scrambling back up the rocks to greet him.. Her faced beamed "I don't know what?

"You quack me up."

Abby screwed her face into thought" You are not really good at jokes, Mr Fuller.'

"Everyone is a critic."

"Wanna feed the ducks with me?"

He chuckled "Maybe in a few Min's i need to speak to your mom."

"OK" she turned towards the ducks."Mommy can I go over to the bench and feed them?"

Sarra looked around the park a jogger was running by gave her a friendly wave several families a couple of teenage kids playing a Frisbee.and of course Brian Fuller. He won't let Abby get hurt.

"Go ahead." She said."But don't get to close to the water."

She and Brian watched her go

what keeps you from sleeping Sarra?

Omg I she almost told if had Evan not showed up appeared on her doorstep, she might have risked everything just for one more kiss, just to sink her body into his and let him be strong.

She glanced up Brian eyed the lake, a muscle twitching in his cheek

"You had something to talk to me about?"

"shooting range?"

Sarra's jaw dropped. Then she pulled her self back together "There is nothing illegal about practicing marksmanship at a lawful shooting range."

"No its only illegal to practice it on people.." He looked straight in her eyes."Even obscene phone callers."

she blanched and Brian saw it . His whole body seemed to turn to stone.

"Jesus its true."He said staring at her "My god you are waiting for him?"

"N-NO."

"You want him to find you."

"I don't want him to" she snapped "But he is going to and I have to be ready."

He grabbed her shoulders "Dammit you are in over your head. This man is a killer."

Nausea clenched her belly Oh god he knows. he knows about Ann Hadley but the sanity crept back in and she remembered what Dayna said

They don't even know Brandon James name. They had been trying to get it from Sarra If they didn't know who he was they couldn't possibly know about Anna Hadley's murder, or that Sarra was there the night she died. The one who got away.

Unless this man is a killer Unless he isn't talking about Anne.

Sarra swallowed it was like choking down sand."What? When? she whispered.

"When what?"

"When did he kill someone?"

Brian's face met hers confused Sarra felt the shell of armor give a little and she knew that tiny crack was all he needed to force his way in. But it couldn't matter anymore."Please" she said/"I need to know when."

"Wednesday night, the night he called you from seat____

"Oh my god"

"And last night"

"What?" Sarra stepped away reeling. she stumbled looking at Abby and the ducks even as she struggled to get both of her lungs and her mind to function." OH NO NO OH NO OH GOD.!!"

"Sarra" he said catching her arm.He hot in her face."The man who's calling you is dangerous. if he has you believing anything diffren____

"He dosen't"!

He went still

Hold on Think protect Abby Wednesday Last night Not Anne Hadley so many years ago. Someone else This week now.

She closed her eyes Tears squeezed out.Oh Abby I'm sorry I'm so sorry.

"For the love of god Sarra tell me what_

"His name is Brandon James! Its me he wants." Tears spilled down her cheeks "Why would he kill anyone else? Its me he wants and Abby."

"What do you mean, Its you_____

Abby screamed