The Christmas Stalking by Lillian Duncan Page A

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 out 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