To Rhonda, my other daughter who drives me crazy!

Prologue

      He stood beneath the awning of Marsh’s Hardware Store and watched the tall, dark-haired woman as she crossed the street. A rush of adrenaline filled him as he noted the long-legged, loose-hipped walk more appropriate for a runway in Paris than for crossing a dusty street in Cotter Creek, Oklahoma.

      She looked more like her mother every day. He closed his eyes for a moment, remembering the beautiful Elizabeth West. She’d been like nothing this little nowhere town had ever seen. She’d bewitched him, haunted his days and nights until he knew if he didn’t have her he’d go insane.

      Narrowing his gaze he watched Elizabeth’s daughter until she disappeared through the café; doors. He drew a deep, shallow breath, fighting the surge of adrenaline that coursed through him.

      It was as if fate was giving him a second chance. If he could possess Elizabeth’s daughter it would be almost like having Elizabeth. The thought sent a shiver of sweet anticipation through him.

      Yes, fate was giving him another chance, and this time he wouldn’t screw it up. It had ended badly with Elizabeth. He’d lost his temper and she’d wound up dead.

      He’d do things differently this time. He’d get her to want him and he’d try, he’d really, really try not to lose his temper.

Chapter 1

      She felt it again, that creepy-crawly feeling at the nape of her neck, like somebody was staring at her. Meredith West sat up straighter in the booth and glanced around the café; as a chill walked up her spine.

      It was the usual lunch crowd, locals seated at booths and tables sharing conversation along with the Sunny Side Up Café; fare. Nobody suspicious lurked in the corners to give her the odd feeling.

      “What’s wrong?” Savannah Clarion asked.

      Meredith flushed, feeling ridiculous but unable to dismiss the sense of unease that had struck her at odd times of the day and night for the past couple of weeks. “Nothing,” she replied. “I guess I’ve just been a little on edge lately.” There was no way she could explain to anyone the feeling she had of impending doom, of her life exploding out of control.

      “Gee, I wonder why?” Savannah smiled wryly, the gesture causing her freckles to dance impishly across her nose. “It wouldn’t have anything to do with the fact that we’ve just uncovered a huge ugly conspiracy right here in Cotter Creek, would it?”

      As usual, Savannah didn’t wait for a reply, but continued, “Everyone is more than a little on edge lately. I can’t wait until those FBI agents wipe these dusty streets with the bad guys’ behinds.”

      Meredith laughed and smiled at the red-haired woman across from her. How nice it was that her brother Joshua had fallen in love with Savannah, who was Meredith’s best friend.

      The strange sensation that had momentarily gripped Meredith eased somewhat. She picked up a fry and dragged it through a pool of ketchup, then popped it into her mouth and chewed thoughtfully.

      Maybe it was all the craziness in the town that had her feeling so off center. It had only been a couple of weeks since Savannah had almost been killed after discovering that somebody was working with a corporation to buy up as much of Cotter Creek, Oklahoma, land as possible.

      The MoTwin Corporation had conspired to obtain the land to create a community of luxury condominiums and town houses. With the help of Joshua, Savannah had uncovered a plot that involved the murders of half a dozen local ranchers. The investigation was being taken out of the hands of local law enforcement and the FBI was now conducting the case.

      Meredith frowned. “I can’t believe they only sent two agents.”

      Savannah shrugged. “I don’t care how many there are as long as they get the job done.”

      Meredith smiled. “Have you seen them yet? They’re sure not going for subtlety with their suits and ties. They look as much out of place as a palm tree would look growing out of our stables.”

      Savannah leaned back in the booth and eyed Meredith. “I see you’ve been cutting your hair again.”

      Meredith raised a hand to her bangs and touched them self-consciously. “I just did a little trim.”