Page 48 of The Sweetest Obsession

“You’ll die,” he whispers. “Get any closer and you’ll be the next to—”

Holy shit, enough!

“Let.GO!” I screech—and I reach for the rake behind me, grasping it and swinging it around with all my strength like a baseball bat.

The rake slams into his side with more of a punch than I figured this flimsy thing could pack.

His grip loosens as he stumbles away, banging himself into the yard waste bin I pulled out for the leaves and tipping it over. As he windmills backward the big bin joins him.

The clatter and tumble and banging noise matches the chaotic beating of my heart.

Now’s my chance.

I sprint for the door like there’s a rabid coyote on my heels.

I still hear him behind me as he staggers up again.

Dress shoes slapping the driveway, panting breaths, but I have a head start.

I bolt up the front steps and fling myself through the front door.

Then I slam it shut in his face before frantically twisting the lock, pushing myself against it for support, trying to just breathe.

Breathe.

I’m bowed over with my hands braced on my thighs, gasping for air that rips at my throat and lungs.

There’s a terrible second of silence.

I think he’s gone.

Until he slaps his hands against the door so hard and abruptly I almost black out.

“Leave it! Don’t go near them!” he roars. “You’re next—you’re next!”

“I don’t know what the hell you’re talking about!” I shout back. “Go away, you fucking creep! I’m calling the cops!”

Oh, God.

There’s another slamming sound against the door, making it rattle in the frame. I need help right now.

I back away, staring at the frosted inset at the top of the door. Just past the half-moon of glass I can still make out his silhouette.

Phone in hand, I’m panic dialing 9-1-1 when the silhouette flicks away.

He reappears at the window once, his freakishly tall shape so murky past the curtains, but only for a second.

Soon, it’s gone again.

I hold still, frozen by fear until I throw myself at the window and fling the curtains open.

I can’t see anyone now.

Not even his weird, lanky frame running away.

He’s just gone like he never existed.

What the hell? Was he dangerous or was this some kind of sick early Halloween prank by a demented tourist?

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