Chapter 14

Jessie walked into her room and froze. Propped against the pillow on her bed she found a creepy little doll with a pin stuck through its heart. An envelope was in front of it with her name written in big, bold, black letters across the front. Breathing rapidly she grabbed the doll and threw it forcefully against the wall. It dropped into the trashcan, the perfect place for the ugly little thing. Jessie turned the envelope over in her hands. She hesitated a moment and then tore it open.

“Jessie, Jessie. I’m so disappointed in you. You’re not smart. I thought you’d have it all figured it out by now. Adriana was my way to get to you. I’m changing the game. I wonder how Matt will do when he’s not just looking for one, but maybe two. We’ll see. I’m the Game Changer. Look over your shoulder; I’m often right behind you. Too bad you never see me, though—you’ve looked right at me. Now don’t panic yet, it’s not quite the right time. By the way, I bring warm regards from some old friends. See you soon!”

Jessie took deep breaths trying to calm herself. She pulled her dress off the hanger and sat on the edge of the bed. Matt would help her figure it out.

She slipped into her new blue sheath, ran a brush through her hair, and added a pair of sapphire blue heels. Silver hoops and a necklace that her mom had given her completed her look. She could hear male voices. Matt was here. She sighed. She put the note in her purse to give to him after dinner, opened the door, and there he stood. His eyes appraised her, revealing his approval. She had to hold herself back from running to him and throwing herself into his arms. Boy, oh boy, did he look good.

She walked over and stood beside him. “I’m glad you’re here.”

“I’m happy you’re glad. I didn’t want to interfere with your girl time vacation.” He smiled down at her. “How are you holding up?”

“I’m doing okay, just a little angry.” She clenched her lips tight.

“He’d better give up now. I know you well enough to know you’ll hunt him down, stay on his trail, and bug the hell out of him until he screams uncle.” He grinned at her.

She gave him a tentative smile. “Are you saying I’m a nuisance?”

“Nope, I’m saying you’re a damn good reporter and a great partner.” He leaned close to her and spoke quietly so only she could hear. “Beautiful dress by the way. It makes it almost impossible to keep my hands off you, and I’m in the same room with your grandmother. I bet you did that on purpose.”

“I didn’t, but I’ll file it away for future reference on how to best torture you if I need to.” She laughed at his expression and went to stand behind Sadie’s chair.

“Coward.” He mouthed the word and winked at her when she looked his way.

****

After dinner and a walk through the downtown area, Matt finally found himself alone with her in the courtyard. Sadie at his request had maneuvered Jeremy and Katie inside to look at something. He stood, stretching out his hand to pull her out of the chair. He pulled her in close to him with one quick move and kissed her. She was a perfect fit. He took a step back so he could see her face, his arms still holding her loosely. He would never tire of looking at her. He could hear the intake of her breath. His heart raced at the sound. With the tip of his finger, Matt traced where his lips had just been. “That, Jess, is for looking so gorgeous tonight.” He released her but held her hand. “I guess we’d better get down to business. I’m not sure how much time we have until the others rejoin us.” He stroked her face, kissed her cheek, and let her sit down.

“I have something for you.” She opened her purse, pulled out the envelope, and pushed it toward him.

“Another note?” His brows rose. “When did you get this one?” He watched her carefully, his hand fisted.

“When we came home today, it was sitting on my bed with a doll.” Her hand clutched her purse tight.

Matt saw no fear when he searched her face. “Where’s the doll?”

“It fell into the trash when I threw it against the wall. It seemed like the perfect place for it.”

“Jess, you know better than to do that. Go get it,” he snapped, his hand clenched at his side. “It’s evidence.”

“I know.” She looked away. “It was my reaction to knowing that he was in my room again. How’s he getting in our suite? I don’t feel safe at all.” She sounded defensive.

“Do the others know?” He grabbed her hand as she stood up.

“I haven’t told them yet. We were trying to spare Katie.”

“They need to know.” He stood still, holding her hand. “Let’s go tell them together. I don’t think you should be alone here anymore. This guy is obviously close. He’s found a way to come and go freely in your room. He has to have a room key. There is no evidence of a forced entry on any of the doors or windows.”

“How did he know which is my room? Unless, of course, he can see me.” A look of disgust crossed her face.

“Don’t go there. He could know by having looked at the clothes in the closet. But I’ll have your room checked just to make sure.” He pulled her close as she shivered. “Will that make you feel better, sweetheart?”

“Yes, but to tell you the truth, I’m mad. I want to get him. If I’m afraid, I can’t imagine what Adriana has been up against.”

“That’s my girl. Like I said before, he’d better just surrender.” He placed his hand on the small of her back and guided her toward the door.

Matt held the doll that Jessie gave him, turning it over to look at it before placing it in a bag along with the note. They joined the others in the living room. “I think we need to talk.” Matt made eye contact with each of them. “The suspect has been in your suite again to leave this doll and a note on Jessie’s bed. I’m concerned about how he’s getting in.”

“Are you kidding me?” Katie jumped up. “Do something.”

“It’s not that simple Katie,” Jessie reminded her. “They at least have to have an idea who they’re dealing with.”

“He must have passcode access. What do you want to do about it?” He looked at Sadie. “Jeremy and I can stay here with you, which would mean you would have to double-up. To be close to the doors, I’ll sleep on the couch. Where everyone else goes, I’ll leave up to you. Or you could move, but I think he would find a way to follow.” Matt started to pace.

“By all means stay here.” Katie grabbed Jeremy’s hand, which he quickly freed, Matt noticed.

“What do you think, Sadie?” He wanted her support and choice. “I hate to interfere with your vacation but I admit I’m concerned. This new note leaves little doubt he’s going to try something soon.”

“Of course, you must stay here. My granddaughter’s safety is all I care about.” Sadie gave him a worried look. “Do you think we should stay here or just go home?”

“Honestly, I believe this guy will follow you back home. We have to be careful. I’m hoping he will overplay his hand, and we’ll trap him.” Matt squatted down to be eye to eye with Sadie. “Jessie understands the procedures of working a case. She’s good at what she does. She’ll be smart, and I’ll do everything I can to keep her safe.”

“Okay then, let’s move Jessie into Katie’s room. How’s that sound?” Sadie frowned. “We’ll throw him a little curve.”

“Now you’re thinking.” Matt smiled at her.

Sadie quirked an eyebrow at him. “Where do you think my granddaughter got her talent from?”

“No doubt in my mind, from you, of course.”

Sadie stood up. “You tell us what to do and we’ll do it.”

“For now, Jeremy can stay here while I go to the police station. Jeremy, you might want to get your luggage from the car. I’m not sure how long it’ll take. They’ll need to put this into evidence.” Matt pulled out his keys.

“We can move Jessie’s belongings into Katie’s room, and I’ll call for clean sheets. Jessie dear, you go with Matt so the two of you can talk about the other night, and we’ll get things ready here.” Sadie stood up, grabbed the phone, and called the desk to request more sheets and towels.

“You know you’re a lot like her, don’t you?” He closed the door behind them.

“One could only hope.” She smiled at him as he grabbed her hand.