The Christmas Stalking Read online

  Table of Contents

  Title Page

  Copyright

  Dedication

  Praise for Pursued

  1

  2

  3

  4

  5

  6

  7

  8

  9

  11

  11

  12

  13

  14

  15

  Thank You

  THE CHRISTMAS STALKING

  Lillian Duncan

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales, is entirely coincidental.

  THE CHRISTMAS STALKING

  COPYRIGHT 2012 by LILLIAN DUNCAN

  All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission of the author or Pelican Ventures, LLC except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews.

  eBook editions are licensed for your personal enjoyment only. eBooks may not be re-sold, copied or given away to other people. If you would like to share an eBook edition, please purchase an additional copy for each person you share it with.

  Contact Information: [email protected]

  Cover Art by Nicola Martinez

  Harbourlight Books, a division of Pelican Ventures, LLC

  www.pelicanbookgroup.com PO Box 1738 *Aztec, NM * 87410

  Harbourlight Books sail and mast logo is a trademark of Pelican Ventures, LLC

  Publishing History

  First Harbourlight Edition, 2012

  Electronic Edition ISBN 978-1-61116-238-7

  Published in the United States of America

  Dedication

  To my wonderful husband, Ronny. Through good times and bad, you make me smile.

  Praise for Pursued

  This is one of the best Christian fiction books I’ve read—definitely the best suspense/drama book I’ve read in the Christian genre. Lillian Duncan is a good writer, and her strong character is evident throughout the book. ~ Chad Young, author

  Duncan’s story was deliciously romantic and breathtakingly paced. Her characters were wonderfully portrayed and I was drawn into Reggie’s plight from the moment an ex-English teacher businessman drops her firm over a misplaced word. Those readers who enjoy some great kissing in between bullets and prayers will enjoy Pursued. ~ Lisa Lickel, author

  1

  Holly Stone needed a place to hide. Well, not Holly Stone, but the persona she had become—Destiny, Nashville’s brightest country music star. Her sultry voice and trademark long, blonde hair had made her famous—her only goal in life.

  Unfortunately, along with the notoriety came unwelcomed attention from a stalker. Not just any run of the mill crazy, but one who mailed her a dead cat. That had been enough for her. She skirted the security team’s suggestion, attended a charity concert in her blonde wig, and then two-stepped it out of town.

  Now, her car’s headlights flashed on the welcoming sign for the Village of Serenity and Peace, better known by the locals as plain old Serenity. Legend said a group of monks hid behind their cowls and founded the little town in the wilds of upstate New York.

  What better place was there than where she’d spent so many wonderful summers with her grandparents? She could ditch the wig, hide, and celebrate Christmas. Of course, she would spend this Christmas just the way she had last year—alone.

  Serenity still loved to celebrate Christmas in a big way. Strings of multi-colored lights wound their way through the garland that decorated old-time light poles like antique gas lanterns. Christmas bulbs framed every window in town, adding to the festive look.

  A few people scurried down the streets, braving the cold, probably on their way home.

  Home. She wished she had a real home with real family and friends. Not just business associates. Her choices had made her rich and famous, even if she was a bit lonely at times. Especially at the holidays.

  Her gaze focused on the snow-covered streets. Why had she thought coming to upstate New York in December was a good idea?

  She shivered.

  The stalker wouldn’t be able to find her here. Though she’d spent summers in Serenity with her grandparents, she had never listed the place in her official bio. No reason for anyone to look for her in this tiny Adirondack town.

  The sparkling lights dimmed as she drove to the outskirts. Slowly, she weaved her way through the darkness of the rural road.

  Lights from a following car glared.

  Her stomach lurched. Was it her stalker?

  Stop being ridiculous and paranoid.

  He couldn’t have followed her. She’d spent the past two days making sure of that. But the lights continued to shine in her rearview mirror even as she pressed her foot to the accelerator. She didn’t want to take the chance of leading a psychopath to her remote cabin.

  A blue and red light show flashed on the snow bank.

  Great. Just what she needed.

  But a ticket was better than being followed by a stalker.

  She squinted at the flashing police lights as she pulled the car beside piles of packed snow.

  She hit the button and the window moved down. A gust of icy wind froze her flirtatious smile into a grimace.

  “Ma’am, I need to see your license and registration.”

  She stared up at the officer. No expression. No smile. All business. Here came a ticket.

  “Why?”

  “Excuse me?”

  Yikes. That was Destiny talking, not Holly Stone. “Oh, nothing, Officer. Sorry. Hold on.” She pulled out the rental agreement and her license and handed them to the officer, glad she’d taken the time to get a license in her real name, with her natural hair color.

  “Holly Stone?”

  “That’s me.” Sort of.

  He stared down at her for a moment—almost a glare. Then his blue eyes twinkled and a hint of a smile played across his lips. “My, my, my. It couldn’t really be the little Holly Stone I used to play tag with in the woods, but she did have red hair and a temper to match. Just like you.” The voice held a familiar taunt.

  Holly looked closely at the man.

  His vibrant blue eyes contrasted against his tanned skin and curly black locks.

  “There is no way you’re that bully, Robby Trenton. He was a short, fat thing.”

  “I was not fat. I was stout. I hadn’t hit my growth spurt yet.”

  “Well, you certainly seemed to have hit it, now.”

  “Six two. You really are that Holly Stone?”

  “One and the same.”

  “What are you doing here?”

  “I thought I’d spend a few days at my grandparents’ cabin.”

  “Your family still owns it?”

  “I never had the heart to sell it after they died.” Another gust of wind slammed into her face. Numbness was settling in. “It is so ridiculously cold. How do you live here all the time?”

  “Well, it’s only cold in the winter. Still not a skier, huh?”

  “The only skiing I do is on the water. Give me beaches and sunshine. You can keep the snow and ice. That’s why I only came up to visit in the summer.”

  “Hey, how about going to the diner for a cup of hot chocolate to warm up? We can catch up on the last fifteen or twenty years. How long has it been since we’ve seen each other?”

  “That’s sweet, but I’ve been driving all day and I’m exhausted.”

  A look of disappointment flickered across Robby’s face. “Sure, I understand. I’m just going to follow you o
ut to the cabin so I know you get there safely. These roads can be tricky if you’re not used to them.”

  “You don’t have to do that.”

  “Not a problem, Holly. I do it all the time for tourists.”

  “Is that what I am? A tourist?”

  He grinned. “And a very welcomed one. Drive careful. Good to see you again.”

  “I guess you’re not going to give me that ticket.”

  “The only ticket I’m giving you is for a rain check for that cup of hot chocolate.”

  “Sounds like a plan.” An old friend who still remembered her would break the monotony of being stuck in a cabin while her security team and the FBI hunted for the stalker.

  And hopefully found him.

  Robby followed as she drove down the dark country roads. Who would have thought chubby little Robby would turn into such a hunk? Who was she kidding? A guy that good-looking had to be married.

  After her father died, her mother had gone back to work, so in the summers, Holly would come to the cabin to be spoiled by her grandparents. She ran through the woods with the other neighborhood kids and biked to town for treats.

  Pulling into the drive, she stared. Her grandparents’ cabin looked different than she remembered.

  Smaller, more rustic.

  Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea. Isolated in a country cabin in the middle of winter?

  Too late, now.

  She’d stay a day or two, and if it was unbearable, she’d leave for warmer climates. But for now, no one knew where she was and that meant the stalker couldn’t find her.

  Holly pulled up to the cabin and when Robby flashed his lights, she waved him on. She tugged her shawl over her shoulders and hurried to the cabin. Her little shawl was no match for the frigid, icy winds. With half-frozen fingers, she fumbled with the door key.

  Once inside she built a blazing fire in the cabin’s fireplace. The crackling warmth filled the cabin.

  Holly allowed the tension to drain from her.

  2

  Holly peeked out the cabin’s window.

  A world of pristine white made her flinch as the brightness of the early morning sun twinkled on the snow. The trees looked as if they’d been frosted with white icing.

  Beautiful.

  She appreciated the scene, despite the cold. Especially since her cabin was nice and toasty, thanks to the fire and the wood someone had chopped and stacked. She would have to send a Christmas gift to the real estate manager. He’d gone above and beyond the call of duty.

  What was she going to do all day? Taking a walk was out of the question. Too windy. Maybe she could write a few songs. But she wasn’t really in the mood.

  Perhaps a drive to town?

  Grabbing the shawl off the sofa, she realized just how ridiculous the inadequate covering was. She would need some sensible clothing while she was holed up in this frozen winter wonderland.

  She smiled.

  Shopping was a good way to spend the day.

  She sloshed her way to the rental car. Her feet turned numb as the icy slush seeped through her shoes.

  Wishing for sunglasses, she squinted at the snow-covered countryside as she drove. It was more desolate than she remembered. Or maybe she was so used to Nashville and wall-to-wall people that she’d forgotten what it was like to live in a rural area.

  ****

  Holly struggled towards her car, arms full of bags. It would feel good to take off her ruined shoes and put on a pair of warm wooly socks.

  Serenity’s gazebo had been transformed into a huge nativity scene. On both sides of the giant manger stood decorated pine trees.

  Her ears tingled from the chill, even though she’d only been outside a few minutes. She juggled packages, trying to reach into her bag.

  “Looks like you could use a hand.”

  Holly’s stomach lurched, and she turned. “Robby. Are you stalking me?” Visions of the dead cat in the box popped into her mind’s eye. Brushing away the memory, she smiled up at him. “You keep turning up.”

  “Just like a bad penny, but that’s my job. I get paid to help damsels in distress. Can you believe that?” He held out his arms. “Here, give those to me. What are you’re looking for, anyway?”

  “Thanks, I’m looking for my keys.” She handed him the shopping bags, and then rummaged in her purse.

  “What did you do, buy out the stores? They’re going to love you.”

  “My shawl wasn’t exactly the right clothing for the season. So I bought a few things to keep me from freezing to death while I’m here.”

  “How long are you staying?”

  “I’m not sure.” She opened the trunk, and let him dump the bags in it.

  She reached into a shiny red bag and pulled out a lavender mohair stocking cap. Holly tugged it over her head, making sure her ears were covered, and then pulled out matching gloves.

  With her hands protected, she unzipped the garment bag and lifted out a plaid ski jacket. Stuffing the shawl into the bag, she zipped into her new coat. “Now, I look like I belong.”

  “Hardly. Your beauty puts the locals to shame.”

  “Is charm school part of the police academy curriculum?”

  “I’ll tell you all about it when you have that hot chocolate with me.”

  She pointed at the snowflakes falling. “Maybe later, Robby. I’ve got other errands to do and all this snow makes me nervous. I’m not used to driving in it.”

  “No way. It’s either hot chocolate or that speeding ticket.” He pulled out his ticket book and arched his brows at her. “Take your choice.”

  “You wouldn’t.”

  He winked. “What’s it going to be?”

  She sighed and held her hands up in surrender. “Fine. It’s not like I can’t grocery shop later. Lead the way.” She picked up a boot box, tucked it under her arm, and then slammed the trunk closed.

  He took her elbow as they walked across the street. “Wouldn’t want you to fall.”

  “And I thought southern men were the only ones with charm. Doesn’t it ever stop snowing here?”

  He put his palm up. Little white flakes decorated it. “What, this stuff? It’s not snow; it’s barely a sprinkle. The weather guy is predicting a snow storm sometime next week. Just in time for Christmas.”

  “Wonderful.” Hopefully, her stalker would be in jail by then, and she’d be back where the weather wasn’t so brutal.

  He held open the diner’s door.

  She was greeted with the scent of fresh-baked bread and bacon. After another deep whiff, her smile grew and her mouth watered. Her stomach rumbled. She’d skipped breakfast.

  A grocery store was next on the list, since the cabin’s cupboards were empty.

  Holly looked up at Robby. “I don’t think a cup of hot chocolate’s going to do it. I just realized I’m starving.”

  “I could eat a bite myself.” Robby unsnapped his jacket. “They make the best breakfast in town. Of course, they make the only breakfast in town. But still the best.”

  A waitress rushed over. After a smile and a curious glance at Holly, she tossed two menus on the table. “Hey, Chief. How’s it going?”

  “Not bad, Renee. How’re things with you?”

  She motioned at the filled tables. “Can’t complain. Coffee? And your regular?”

  “Not today. Make it two hot chocolates, and I’ll wait for the lady to order.”

  “Are you from around here?” Renee looked at Holly.

  “Not really.”

  “Mmm. You look familiar.”

  “I can’t imagine why.” Holly cringed, hoping Renee wouldn’t recognize her.

  “It’ll come to me. I never forget a face. Be back in a minute with the hot chocolates.” She turned away, but then turned back. “Marshmallows?

  They both nodded.

  As the waitress walked away, Holly made a mental note to avoid the diner. The last thing she needed was to be recognized. She glanced at Robby. “Chief, huh? You didn’t mention tha
t last night.”

  “It’s no big deal. We only have four full-time officers, including me, and a few part-timers.”

  “Still that’s quite an accomplishment.”

  “I’m happy with my life.”

  She didn’t know anyone who was truly happy, including herself. There was always another album to make, more awards to win, bigger offers to find, and larger venues to fill. “That’s nice. Married? Kids?”

  “Not yet. Still looking for the right woman to be mama to my children. How about you?”

  “Married once. Big mistake.”

  “That bad?”

  “And some.” At least the man had deserted her in Nashville.

  “Well, you must have bounced back from it, and from the shopping bags, I’d say you’re doing well for yourself.”

  She leaned forward, her arms of the table. “Maybe. Or maybe I just maxed out my credit cards. You never know.”

  Robby laughed. “I guess that’s true. What do you do for a living?”

  “You don’t know who I am, do you?”

  “Know—”

  “Ready to order, yet?” Renee asked, placing steaming mugs of hot chocolate in front of them.

  Red, green, and white marshmallows swirled amidst the rich brown chocolate. Ho. Ho. Ho. Maybe it would taste better than it looked.

  “I want a short order of pancakes with real maple syrup. And two sausage links.” She averted her face. She’d thought her new hair and no makeup would make her unrecognizable, but now she wasn’t so sure.

  “Make mine a regular order of pancakes along with bacon and sausage, and add a couple of scrambled eggs and some toast.”

  Renee’s eyes narrowed. “Are you sure that’s enough for you? “ She turned to Holly and rolled her eyes. “Wish I could eat like that.”

  Holly nodded with a smile.

  “So, ready to tell me your secret yet, Renee?” Robby asked.

  A smile played across the waitress’s face. She winked at Holly, and then looked back at Robby. “What secret?”