#SuspenseMonday 

Debra Webb
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Deputy Chief Jess Harris knows her time is running out. Somehow she must protect the people she loves and any more innocent victims from the serial killer obsessed with her.

Is sacrificing herself the only way to stop this evil?

Don't miss the latest installment of this thrilling series!

Excerpt

Chapter 1

Sixth Avenue Flower & Gifts

Birmingham, Alabama

Monday, August 30, 10:30 a.m.

Ellen Gentry was mad as hell. She had worked at this floral shop for five years and not once had she called in sick. If her name was on the schedule, she was here—unless, of course, she was in the hospital or the morgue.

Apparently, she was the only employee with proper work ethics. Too bad her paycheck didn't reflect her dedication. She'd had to run around like a chicken with its head chopped off to fill this morning's orders all by herself. Nearly every one had been for an anniversary—not that she was complaining about that part. Anniversary arrangements were good for business and almost always included generous tips. Husbands, even the not so nice ones, typically went all out for that special celebration. A big old bouquet of flowers could get a guy out of hot water faster than almost anything.

Ellen placed the final arrangement in the walk-in cooler and breathed a sigh of relief. "Done."

It wasn't brain surgery, but her work gave her a sense of accomplishment. Speaking of surgery, she wouldn't mind snagging a doctor. There were plenty of them in Birmingham. She smoothed a hand over her hair and straightened her apron. These black slacks and white blouse were her favorites. They fit exactly right. She'd added a nice little red scarf as an accent. Looking her best wasn't just something she did for work. It never hurt to showcase her assets especially since all those husbands would be coming in to pick up their orders. Married guys were always telling their single friends about hot chicks they ran into. She looked pretty good even if she was about to turn thirty. There was still time to land a husband.

"Before all the good ones are gone," she grumbled. Or maybe they already are.

Time for a break—if she could find her drink. A quick survey of the counter and she spotted her Coke Zero right where she'd left it behind the cash register.

As she guzzled what she fondly called her coffee in a can, a frown scrunched up her brow. Why was that child still standing on the sidewalk outside the shop? The traffic was lighter now that the morning commute was over, but there were still plenty of cars whizzing along Sixth Avenue.

Ellen tossed the empty can into the trash and wandered to the door. The little blond haired girl had been standing in that same spot for going on an hour. Where in the world were her parents?

Some people were so stupid they didn't deserve to be parents. Ellen pushed through the door and the bell jingled overhead. The hot, humid air enveloped her instantly. It was going to be another scorcher. A few steps outside the door and she was already sweating.

The little girl didn't turn around. She stared out at the street as if she were lost. Was someone supposed to pick her up? Had a parent dropped her off and then driven away? How crazy was that?

"Hey there." Ellen crouched down, putting herself at eye level with the little girl who couldn't possibly be older than four. "What's your name, sweetie?"

The child turned to Ellen and then drew back in fear. Her little face was red from crying. "Don't be afraid," Ellen said gently. "Where's your momma?"

The child just stared at her without saying a word. A piece of plain white paper had been folded and fastened to her pink dress with a big safety pin. Ellen reached for the note. Surprisingly, the child held still as she removed it.

This was totally spooky. Ellen's heart beat faster as she unfolded the paper. The words there were formed with letters cut out from the newspaper and pasted together. "What in God's name?" She read the lone statement again.

Take me to Deputy Chief Jess Harris.

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