Free Night's Touch by Amanda Ashley Page B

but evil poured out of him like thick black smoke. It engulfed the woman, then snaked along the ground, licking at Anton's ankles. Terror held her in place as the smoke's cold black breath drew closer. She had to get away! If the smoke touched her, she would die! She tried to scream but no sound emerged from her throat. Eerie laughter rose from the midst of the smoke. She looked to her father for help but he seemed unaware of the danger. She had to get away! Heart pounding, she opened her mouth, terror releasing the scream that had been trapped in her throat…
    And woke to the sound of her own screams ringing in her ears.
    Sitting up, she glanced around, relieved to find herself in her own room, in her own bed. She was relieved that it had only been a nightmare, though it had been the most realistic nightmare she'd ever had. For some reason, a nightmare she'd had as a child popped into her mind. It was a dream she remembered clearly, even after all these years. In her dream, she had gone into her parents' bedroom early in the morning and climbed into bed between them. She had tried to awaken them, but they hadn't moved, hadn't been breathing. Terrified to think that they were dead, she had run back to her own room and pulled the covers over her head. When she told her father about it later, he had assured her that it had only been a dream, but for the longest time, she had been convinced it had actually happened.
    But dreams were dreams and couldn't hurt you. Shaking off the last vestiges of her nightmare, she got out of bed and headed for the bathroom.
    She felt better when she emerged from her shower fifteen minutes later, her hair freshly washed. She dried her hair, applied her makeup, pulled on a pair of jeans and a sweater. She stripped the sheets from her bed, carried them downstairs, and put them in the wash.
    As usual, the house was clean and quiet. She went into the kitchen in search of food, but she wasn't really hungry, so she opted for tea and toast.
    When she finished eating, she washed her dishes, then sat at the kitchen table, wondering what to do the rest of the day. Cara usually worked on Saturday, but the library was closed today while the floors were being refinished and wouldn't open again until Tuesday.
    Maybe she would drive into town and take in an early movie, or maybe she would go shopping—not that she needed anything. She had enough clothes and shoes to outfit a dozen women. Still, she liked shopping… and one of her favorite stores was located on Seventh Street, only a few blocks from Vince's garage.
    Happiness bubbled up inside her at the thought of seeing him again. Before she could talk herself out of it, Cara grabbed her keys and her handbag and hurried out the door.
    Di Giorgio's car followed her down the driveway.
    She had butterflies in her stomach when she pulled up in front of Vince's garage. It was a large corner building, with the entrance on Seventh Street. She sat there a moment, wondering if he would be happy to see her. Maybe he wouldn't like her dropping in unannounced when he was working. Well, there was only one way to find out.
    Taking the keys from the ignition, she got out of the car. There was a side door that led to an office. The door was closed. She discovered it was locked when she tried to open it. Maybe he was in the garage.
    She walked around the corner to where the service bays were, but this door was closed, too. Perhaps he didn't work on Saturdays, or maybe he was out picking up car parts or out to lunch.
    Shoulders slumped in disappointment, she returned to her car. She waved at Di Giorgio as she slid behind the wheel, then drove to her favorite dress shop where she picked out a slinky black dress for her next date with Vince, whenever that might be, and a pretty pink silk dress to wear Sunday night.
    She drove by the garage again when she finished shopping, but it was still locked up tight. Heaving a sigh of disappointment, she motioned for Di Giorgio to pull up