Make Willing the Prey (Dreams by Streetlight) Read Online Free PDF

sneak in some night.”
    Sandy shuddered.  “That’s a
horrible thought.  I’ll think about calling the police.  We’ll see.”
    “And if you’d like, I can stay
here for the next few nights.  That will help me avoid Stan, too.”
    “Yes, you can stay here.”  They
smiled and fell asleep on the couch.
     
     

     
    S andy
spent a dreadful day at school.  Each hour, she braced against the coming of
the roses, but none came.  To her relief, she was without a delivery when she
met Jina that afternoon.
    Jina wanted to be dropped off at
her apartment to get a few things, and told Sandy she would hitch a ride to
Sandy’s place within a few hours.  Sandy drove home alone.
    She arrived, and sat down to
quietly grade mid-term tests. 
    A knock came at the door.
    She shook off any thoughts about
the possibility it was S.A.  What silliness.  It was late afternoon, after all,
and what kind of dramatic stalker would show up at any other hour other than
midnight?
    A safe feeling came over her as
she convinced herself that there could be no danger.  S.A. was more than likely
a student with a little spare time, and would have no way of finding out where
she lived.
    “So this is where you live, huh?” 
It was the Gregorelli delivery boy.  He handed her a vase full of red roses and
a single small box.
    Stunned, she accepted the
delivery and closed the door. 
    So he does know where I live.  
    There were a smaller number of
roses this time: it looked to be only dozen. 
    Maybe he’s running out of money , she
thought as she began counting. 
    Thirteen roses.  Unlucky.
    “I’m not playing your game
anymore,” she whispered at the flowers.  She felt a sudden pang of fear, and
realized that deep down, she really did believe in the supernatural.  To dispel
the fear, she said it again, louder, with more confidence, and she felt better.
    “This time,” she said aloud as
she opened gold foil box, “I am not going to eat any more of your goodies.”
    But instead of chocolates, the
box held an incredible gold necklace.  The pendant held a large ruby that
sparkled in the light.  Forgetting the horror of the night before, Sandy almost
melted.  It was exquisite.  It had to be worth more than she could imagine. 
She felt the smooth red stone, and couldn’t help but put the necklace around
her neck.
    As the clasp snapped shut, a
small white card fell from the box to the soft white carpet.  She could read
the elegant script without picking it up.
     
    My Lovely Sandy:
     
    Isn’t this fun?
    Want to play more?
    There’s no backing out,
    Await what’s in store!
     
    S.A.
     
    She jumped when another knock
sounded.  She breathed slowly to try to calm herself, and slowly approached the
door.  The knock came again.  Sandy held her face close to the wood and
whispered, “Who— who is it?”
    “It’s me, Jina.  Open up, Sand.”
    Sandy sighed, and felt silly as
she unlatched the door.  “Jina, I’m sure glad to see you.”
    “What’s with the costume jewelry?”
    “It’s not costume jewelry.  Get
in here.”  She pulled Jina in and quickly closed the door.  “Read this.”  She
shoved the little card into Jina’s face.  “There were thirteen roses this
time.  Thirteen .”
    “Whoa, Sandy.  Pretty freaky. 
Did anything happen?”
    “No.  There was no candy this
time.  No caviar.  Nothing to eat at all.”
    “I think it’s just a loser
screwball who is running out of ideas.  He doesn’t seem like the type that
would actually do anything.  I think you’re safe, especially with me here.”
    “Yes, but he knows where I live.” 
    “Like I said, that’s why I’m
here.  We can wait it out for a few days, and if anything else happens, we can
leave and call the police.  Ok?”
    “All right.  I do feel a little
better with you around.”
    “Good.  Now I can tell you about
Stan.”  Jina unzipped her purple gym bag.  “I think he really wants back
into the band, because when I got