Free Too Many Secrets by Patricia H. Rushford Page B

where she’d have a straight shot at Ryan’s house.
    Her hand touched something fleshy. She tried to scream, but the sound caught in her throat and came out sounding like a
meow
from a sick cat. Jennie yanked back her hand and dove through the screen of willow branches.
    She went down. The attacker sprawled on top of her. Jennie couldn’t move. Or breathe.
    â€œOne false move and you’re dead.” The voice was raspy, but recognizable.
    â€œRyan?”
    â€œJennie!” he gasped. “What the heck are you doing here?” He rolled off her and groaned. “You scared me half to death.”
    Jennie was hauling in air, still waiting for her heart to stop pounding when Ryan jumped to his feet. He reached down to give her a hand up and pulled her so hard she crashed into him. “Hey, take it easy. What’s with you, anyway? I thought you’d be glad to see me.”
    Ryan brushed off his clothes, then stood staring at her. At least she thought he was staring. It was a little too dark to tell. “I am. I mean, I’m glad it was you and not that guy I saw the other night. I just didn’t expect you to be prowling around in the middle of the night. You could have been hurt. Does your mom know you’re here?”
    It wasn’t exactly the middle of the night, but Jennie didn’t bother to correct him. She also ignored his remark about her mom. Jennie huffed. “You think I expected you? What are you doing lurking around out here, anyway?”
    â€œI came over because I heard a car and saw the entry light on. I thought maybe that guy I’d seen the other night was back.” Ryan sighed and started toward Gram’s house. “Let’s go inside,” he muttered. “It’s cold out here.”
    â€œWait! I think someone’s in there.” Jennie explained about coming in and smelling a man’s cologne. “I was coming over to get you.”
    He looked at her for a second, then said, “Wait here. I’ll check the house.”
    â€œI’m going with you.”
    â€œJennie, if he’s still in there …”
    â€œWe’ll be stronger as a team.” She grabbed his arm and pulled him forward.
    â€œWell, at least let me go ahead of you.” On that point, Jennie didn’t argue. They may have been close in height, but he was definitely stronger. She rubbed her backside. By tomorrow she’d have the bruises to prove it.
    They searched the house, but whoever had been there was gone. Their search ended in the kitchen. “I don’t like it.” Ryan checked the lock on the back door. “You shouldn’t be staying here alone.”
    â€œI’ll be fine.” She said it more to convince herself than Ryan. Even though they hadn’t found anyone in the house, Jennie didn’t want Ryan to leave. “Want some hot chocolate or something?” she asked.
    â€œSure.” Ryan pulled a chair from the table, spun it around and sat down. Propping his arms on the chair back, he rested his chin on his hands. “Ah … I’m sorry I flattened you out there. I mean … you could have been hurt.”
    â€œIt’s okay.” Jennie filled two cups with water and stuck them in the microwave. “I should have called you. Actually, I was going to have you pick me up, but the Pecks offered me a ride.”
    â€œHmmm.” Ryan stretched and yawned. “If I wasn’t so tired I’d be mad at you. Why’d you come down here at this time of night, anyway?”
    Jennie winced. “I hadn’t planned on that.” She told Ryan about her plan to drive down and how Mom and Michael messed things up.
    â€œServes you right,” he said in a tone that sounded a little too parental. “I think you better call your mom in the morning and have her come get you.”
    â€œForget it.” Jennie set the hot chocolate on the table. Ryan turned around to face the table