Familiar Strangers Read Online Free PDF

calm down and listen.” She took several deep breaths, trying to control her own fierce temper. “What do you think would happen if we told Regin he’s loose? I’ll tell you what she’d do. She’d hide, that’s what. She would hide from him, us, the government, and everyone else. So Elliot came up with a plan to keep her safe and under surveillance without her knowing,” she hurried on. “He’s got a friend that owns his own security firm. He mostly handles corporate crimes, embezzlement, fraud that sort of thing. The man’s an ex-Navy SEAL, tough as nails, and he’ll guard her with his life. Not to mention the fact we’ve got the perfect place to hide her without her knowing what’s going on.”
    He wasn’t about to be put off with so little information. He wanted to know who this man was and what he was going to do to keep his best friend safe. “Look, Tatum, I appreciate what you and Elliot are trying to do, but it won’t work. Duchess will take one look at this guy and guess everything, not to mention the fact Shawn Townsend’s escape will be all over the news.” How did she expect to keep this from Regin, he wondered? He quickly received his answer.
    “Well, ah, the FBI has agreed to keep this out of the media for at least a week, but they can’t or won’t guarantee anything more.”
    “The Anniversary.” he whispered as his eyes fell on his desk calendar. “That fucking bastard’s coming after her on their anniversary.” Fear clutched at his stomach, but he forced it away. He needed to be sharp for Regin’s sake. After Regin was safe, then he would let himself feel.
    “So,” he continued, “we have six days to catch a serial rapist and killer before he catches Regin.” He was making plans and rearranging his schedule. Nothing was more important than his friend.
    “God, Damon, I didn’t realize it was so close. I’ll make sure to tell Galen. He is setting everything up as we speak. I’ve got Regin set up on an island off the coast of Louisiana called St. Ann. From everything he’s told us, it’s perfect for her needs and it would be close to impossible for anyone to sneak on without him knowing. I know you’re going to drop everything and run to her, but you have to get yourself together before you do. If she senses something is wrong, she won’t let up till she knows the truth. If she finds out the truth, she’ll make a run for it.”
    He hated to admit it, but he agreed. The minute Regin found out Townsend was out, she’d run like hell to keep anyone else from getting involved or possibly killed.
    He ran an irritated hand through his black hair, trying to summon the patience to stay calm and controlled. Taking a deep breath and calling for tolerance he never had, he asked questions. “Who is this Galen? What’s the name of his company? I want to check him out for myself.”
    He picked up the discarded pen and made a list of everything she was telling him. He had made plans before the phone hit the receiver.
    He was going to Louisiana to check out Galen Matthews himself.
    ***
    Regin Neff was in love.
    She had been on St. Ann Island for ten minutes and knew she’d found home. The island itself wasn’t large, but big enough to hold the main house and guest cottage. It was the cottage she gave her heart to.
    Everything about the place seemed familiar and comforting. It was about two thousand square feet with two large bedrooms, two baths, and an open living room with a rock fireplace flowing into a small but fully furnished kitchen.
    The outside was painted white with cheerful blue trim. A wide porch circled the house leading to the backyard where steps led down to the rough water of the Gulf.
    She couldn’t imagine a place she’d be happier or more at ease. The house was perfect, the water was wonderful, and the music of the bayou enticed her to unwind.
    This was going to be the best six months of her life. She would have no worries except sleeping late, learning to fish, and