Free My Deadly Valentine by Valerie Hansen

tournament. I won’t allow it.”
    “Yes, Mama,” Logan teased. He turned to Rachel with a grin. “She’s been like this ever since our Timmy was born. As protective as a mother tiger.”
    “I can use that kind of protection right now,” Rachel said.
    Jace reached for her hand and she not only allowed him to grasp it, she wove her fingers between his.
    “Something Becky just said gave me another thought,” Jace said. “I’m sorry to suggest this, Rachel, but is it possible that your own father is trying to scare you into listening to his advice and doing things his way?”
    Her first reaction was to take offense. In the space of a heartbeat, however, she realized that it just might be possible. She’d known her stubborn, self-righteous father to go to great lengths to get his way with her mother, so what was to say he wouldn’t lie to keep his grown daughter in line? Then, she remembered her destroyed wardrobe and made up her mind.
    “I started to say I don’t know. But that was when I was only considering the earlier threats and silly notes. Dad is hardheaded but he’d never be as mean as whoever it was who ruined my clothes.”
    “I agree,” Logan said. “I’ve known George Hollister since I’ve lived in Serenity. He may be opinionated to a fault but he’s not vindictive. No. It’s somebody else. Somebody who thinks Rachel has done something bad to them.”
    She shivered. “But who? I wouldn’t hurt a fly. Not on purpose.”
    “We know that,” Jace said. “I’ve discussed it with Pastor Logan and we’ve decided to take turns keeping an eye on you. If you can get me into that house near yours it will simplify matters, but even if you can’t, we’ll manage.”
    “I hate to put you to all that trouble. Maybe Becky could stay with me, instead.”
    It did nothing to calm her fears when both Logan and Jace adamantly rejected that idea. Clearly, neither of them wanted to jeopardize Becky’s safety, which left Rachel feeling exactly like the bait the other woman had mentioned.
    No matter which man was keeping watch, her enemy might outwit him and get into her house or shop anyway. If she came face-to-face with someone so evil, so bent on harming her, would she recognize him for what he was?
    She certainly hoped so, because the way things were going, she was pretty sure it wouldn’t be long before she and her stalker met. Her only true defense was her faith. And the fresh can of Mace in her purse, a secret gift from the pastor’s wife.

    It was another week before Rachel could get Jace to commit to letting her return to her normal routine. He had been visiting the shop so regularly that Eloise had begun referring to him as Rachel’s shadow.
    “I don’t want you going back to your house until Logan and I are all set up,” Jace said in answer to Rachel’s most recent query.
    “Phooey. I need to go home. My potted plants must be dying from lack of water by now. Besides, I’m sick of imposing on the Malloys.”
    “One more day. Just one more. I’ve got my stuff moved into the Duggins place and Logan is almost through setting up the cameras. We’d be done already if we weren’t taking pains to make sure we aren’t seen.”
    “In my neighborhood there’s little chance of getting away with anything,” Rachel countered. “But have it your way.” She began to scowl. “You aren’t going to be watching me inside, too, are you?”
    “Only in the living room and kitchen. Don’t worry. Most of the surveillance will be concentrated on the outer perimeter of the property.”
    “Meaning, if he gets by that, I’m on my own.”
    “Not at all.” He’d been waiting for the right moment to go over the entire plan and couldn’t think of a better opportunity than this. “We’ll set up a code system you can use to let us know if there’s a problem.”
    “How about a nice, loud scream? I can do that.”
    Jace had to laugh. “I was thinking more of a word or two that would fit into normal