Free Sandman by Morgan Hannah MacDonald Page A

walked back out of the bedroom and checked the living room, then stuck her head out the back door.
    “Godzilla!” she said in a whispered shout. “It’s three o’clock in the morning!”
    She spotted him as she rounded the corner of the house. He was at point, growling at the hedge dividing the property. The hairs on the back of her neck stood up, and she circled herself with her arms.
    Meagan inched her way toward him. “Godzilla?” A twig snapped somewhere in the dark ahead. She snatched his collar with her right hand. “Come on, boy, there’s probably a skunk in there ready to spray you this very minute.” She tried to remain calm, but her voice was shaky.
    The dog ignored her. A low growl continued at the back of his throat. Whatever Godzilla had cornered wasn’t moving now. Meagan tugged on the collar, but he wouldn’t budge. A loud bark made her jump, and she pulled at him harder. “Come on, you’re going to wake the entire neighborhood.”
    She grabbed onto his collar with both hands. It took a few good tugs before she was able to get him to move. She kept a hand on him all the way into the house. He fought her the entire time as he tried to whip his head in the direction of the hedge.
    Meagan yanked the dog into the house, slammed the door and locked it. She sank to her knees and hugged him close. She didn’t know why she was letting herself get all worked up. It was probably just a possum.
     
    ***
     
    The man remained hunched in the bushes, his knife tucked in close. Sweat trickled down his face and back, even though the night air was cool. He’d just reached out to grab the fucking dog when she rounded the corner. The stupid animal had no idea how close it was to becoming fish food.
    She spoke to the beast as if it were fucking human. He hated animals, had no use for them. When she advanced toward him, he jerked back into the shadows and heard that damn snap. She heard it too. He saw the fear in her eyes. It made him hard. She was so close he could smell her pussy.
    That robe she wore barely covered her rust-colored mound, and when she moved he caught a glimpse. The cold air made her nipples hard, and they strained against the silky fabric. Fuck. The pain in his groin grew unbearable. He wanted her so bad, he could taste it. Taste her. That motherfucking dog had to go.
    He’d been ready to pounce when she pulled the dog away. Two more seconds. Just two more fucking seconds, and the dog would’ve been dead, and he’d have her all to himself.
    He wanted to savor every minute with her. She was special, a thoroughbred. He would make her his own.
    He would be back.
     
     
     
     

THIRTEEN
     
    The next night Thomas arrived at Malone’s house around five. The invitations for dinner came often, but he usually declined. Malone’s wife, Gail, had a tendency to try and fix him up with all her friends. Either she’d run out of friends, or she’d finally given up, because tonight she promised he would be the only guest. He was more than happy, to say the least. Gail was an excellent cook, and it had been too long since he’d had one of her meals.
    Malone had two kids, five-year-old Mandy and Danny, who turned eight today.
    Before he knew it the door burst open and Danny rushed out. “Uncle J.J., I missed you!”
    Thomas set his package down and squatted to give the boy a hug. “It’s great to see you too, Sport.” He handed Danny his gift.
    Danny ripped off the wrapping paper and squealed. “Thanks, Uncle J.J., you’re the best!” He disappeared into the house with his prize.
    “Happy Birthday!” Thomas called after him.
    Gail walked out from the kitchen drying her hands on a dishtowel. “What did you do, J.J., get him another video game? We can’t drag him away from that damn machine as it is. You do know that’s considered contributing to the delinquency of a minor. I’m going to have to have my husband arrest you.”
    She stood up on her tiptoes and kissed him on the cheek. “Glad you