Twin Targets by Marta Perry Page A

but the peace she’d felt earlier eluded her. Maybe that was gone for good. Maybe her life would never return to what she thought was normal. No. She wouldn’t let that happen. If she lived in fear, even if the bad guys never harmed her, they’d have won. The sound of the door opening set her nerves jumping, but she rose and smiled, welcoming a tide of small children and parents as they flowed into the room. The children’s chatter quickly set the library echoing happily, and a colorful mountain of jackets, hats and mittens rose on one of the tables.
    The distraction was working. She felt herself relaxing, heard her responses to the children become more and more natural. Once they were gathered on the story rug, with parents browsing through the stacks or seated on the small chairs behind the children, she’d regained her usual composure.
    She launched into the first story. The lively, dramatic form that she could never have used with adults came naturally when she told stories to children. This was her element. This was where she belonged, seeing their eyes widen and their small faces light up as they responded to the magic of story.
    By the time the hour neared its end, she was back to her usual self, but far more exhausted than telling a few stories would account for. Apparently passing out from gas had taken more out of her than she’d been willing to admit. She turned a page in the final book. Once this was over, she’d be glad to accept Allie’s offer to relieve her for the rest of the day.
    The front door opened, letting in a drift of cold air before it shut again. She sent a quick glance that direction. It was a man, bundled up to his eyes against the cold. Probably a father, come to pick up his child. She finished the tale of Curious George’s adventures, the children clapping when the little monkey triumphed as always.
    “That’s all for today, boys and girls. Thank you for being such a great audience. Don’t forget to check out some books for Mom and Dad to read to you at home, okay?”
    They surrounded her, eager to comment on the story or share something new that had happened at home. The man who’d entered late came toward them. She expected him to pluck a child from the group, but instead he stared at her. Her heart sank. He wasn’t going to mention her problems in front of the kids, was he?
    “Eloise!” He barked the name, startling her.
    “I’m sorry?” She made it a question. Surely he wouldn’t call a small child with that tone.
    “You are Eloise, aren’t you?” He moved closer, nearly stepping on one of the children who’d sat down to pull on boots. His hazel eyes were as cold as ice, as if he didn’t even notice. “I saw you react.”
    “My name is Jade. I don’t know any Eloise.” Except the one in the children’s books, and he didn’t look like anyone who read children’s stories.
    Apprehension shivered down her spine. She pushed children toward their parents. Get the children out of here , her mind screamed. Nothing must happen to them.
    “That’s right,” he said, smiling thinly. “Get the kiddies out of the way. Then you and I will go someplace quiet and have a little talk.”
    She took an instinctive step back, putting her palms out as if to fend him off. Like a snake striking, he grabbed her arm.
    Please, Lord. She took a breath, trying to think. The children—that was what was important now.
    “Mary Louise, will you take the children out the back door, please?” She made her voice clear and calm as she spoke to the mother she knew best. She met the man’s eyes. “I’ll talk to you. Just let them go.”
    Mary Louise hesitated for just a moment, her face white as she took in the situation. Then she began shepherding mothers and children toward the back door. Finally they were out. She could breathe again.
    “Let’s go, Eloise.” His grip tightened painfully on her arm, compelling her to move with him toward the front of the library.
    “My name is not