“How do you know Mason’s birthday?”

She gasped. “I can’t believe you of all people are asking me that!”

“No kidding.” I laughed. Neely Kate was known far and wide for her extensive knowledge regarding everything and everyone around her. But incredibly, she wasn’t prone to gossip. “I can’t believe he’s making us wait.”

“I think it’s romantic. He really cares about you, Rose.”

“I’ve known that for weeks. I don’t need him to wait to prove it.”

“Well, you rushed into sleeping with Joe and look how that turned out.”

I sighed. “That was different. I was sure I was about to be murdered and I didn’t want to die a virgin.”

“Still, I like it. It makes him more chivalrous. If I wasn’t married to Ronnie, I’d go after him myself.”

“I’m eating lunch with him tomorrow. I’ll be sure to tell him he has options.”

She snorted. “It would be a waste of breath. The guy only has eyes for you, Rose. Be sure to kiss him in public, though. He’s turned down so many eligible Fenton County women that rumors have been going around that the poor guy is gay.”

I laughed. “I’ll see what I can do.”

“Call me tomorrow after your lunch. Unless you’re too busy.”

“You’re terrible. Goodnight.”

I turned on the TV and started a new episode from season two of Grey’s Anatomy. After I found out about Joe’s engagement to Hilary a few weeks ago, Neely Kate had brought over the first few seasons. Now I was hooked. But tonight I couldn’t concentrate, remembering the way Mason had kissed me and how much I wanted more. I’d worried that dating Mason would feel like I was cheating on Joe. But I hadn’t given Joe any thought whatsoever just now. I tried to pay attention to who was sleeping with whom at Seattle Grace, which seemed to change from episode to episode, but my mind kept drifting to Mason and our moment on my porch. Finally, I gave up in the middle of the second episode and turned off the TV.

After making sure all the doors were locked, I climbed into bed, missing Muffy so much it took me longer than usual to get to sleep. My dreams made me restless and when I woke up in the morning, I felt uneasy, like something was wrong.

Cracking my eyes open, I glanced around the room. Everything looked fine until I noticed specks of red all over my ivory comforter.

Red rose petals were strewn all over my bed.

Shrieking, I sat up and scrambled backward, bumping into the headboard.

Rose petals were scattered in a path that led from my bed out the open doorway into the hall.

My heart hammering in my chest, I got out of bed and rounded the corner into the hallway, terrified of what I’d find. The petals continued down the hall and led to my sofa, which was now covered in red splatters, eerily similar to Momma’s sofa after her head had been bashed in by Daniel Crocker with her rolling pin. I fought hysteria and swallowed to keep from throwing up as I inched closer, terrified the red stains were blood. A wooden rolling pin covered in red on one end lay on the middle cushion next to a geode with purple crystals, both pinning a piece of paper in place. I carefully pulled the sheet out, my hand shaking so hard I could barely read the handwritten note.

My dearest Rose,

You and I have business that I’m very much looking forward to finishing.

Eternally yours, Dan

Chapter Nine

I stumbled into the bedroom and grabbed my phone off the nightstand, trying to get my fingers to cooperate to dial Mason’s number. But I was having trouble breathing and my vision was blackening around the edges. I will not pass out. After two more deep breaths, my vision returned to normal, but a new thought hit me.

What if Daniel Crocker was still in the house?

My clumsy hand dropped the phone and I fumbled to pick it up as I ran down the hall and out the kitchen door. Standing in the driveway in my spaghetti strap nightgown and barefeet, I struggled to see the numbers on my phone through my tears.

Get it together, Rose.

I blinked and the screen cleared enough for me to find Mason’s speed dial.

“Rose?” He sounded alarmed. “What’s wrong?”

Do not freak him out. I was freaked out enough for both of us. “How did you know something’s wrong?”

“Because you’re calling me at six-thirty in the morning and you’re crying.”

“Someone’s been in my house.”

“Get out of there. Now!”

“I did. I am.” I shook my head. “I’m standing in my driveway.”

“Go to Heidi Joy’s. Or even better, Mildred’s.”

That cleared my head. “I’m not going to Mildred’s house.”

“Did you call 9-1-1?”

“No, I called you. And he’s not here anymore.” I was starting to feel more in control. “He got his point across.”

“Who? What happened?” He sounded breathless. “Never mind. Tell me when I get there. Just go to Heidi Joy’s. Now.”

“Do you want me to call 9-1-1?”

“No. We’re already on our way.”

“We? You’re with the police? At this time of morning? Why?”

“I’m with the sheriff and he’s already got someone on the way. Are you at Heidi Joy’s yet?”

“No, I’m on the phone with you.”

“Go over there!”

“He’s already gone, Mason. I’m safe.” For now.