Mara's Choice by Anna Jacobs

Author:Anna Jacobs
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Allison & Busby
Published: 2021-08-15T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Fourteen

When Mara and Hal went into his house, the relaxed pleasure of the evening was spoilt abruptly because they found that someone had smashed one of the big canal-side windows. It was badly crazed from what looked like repeated blows.

‘Stay back!’ he called out as they took in the damage.

She studied the broken window. ‘Did they actually get inside? There isn’t a hole in it.’

They both studied the area, then he said, ‘I don’t think they did, but I’ll just check the other rooms to be sure they didn’t break in some other way. Be ready to run outside and yell for help if I find anyone lurking. I warn you now, I’m not the world’s best fighter.’

He was brave enough to take on the dangerous job of searching the house, though, she thought, praying he’d be safe.

He called out as he moved quickly in and out of the downstairs spaces. ‘All clear here – and here. No sign of entry or damage downstairs. I’m going upstairs. Yes, all clear here as well.’

Then he rejoined her. ‘You were right. They don’t seem to have got inside. Mum said when she moved in she’d had the security beefed up. I wonder if she had special toughened glass fitted or a film put on it, or whether it was like that already. Whatever, it looks as if it did its job. I think I’d better call the police.’

‘And we shouldn’t touch anything.’

They were told to wait for some officers to arrive. He put the phone down and looked at her ruefully. ‘Damn! I was looking forward to kissing your socks off.’

The thought of that made it hard for her to breathe evenly for a few seconds. ‘Another time, maybe.’

‘Definitely.’

She glanced out towards her own house. Something had been bothering her and she suddenly realised what. ‘That’s strange.’

‘What is?’

‘There are no lights on next door. I know Aaron and Emma weren’t planning to go out because earlier on they were discussing which film to watch tonight. And it’s far too early for them to be in bed. I might just nip across and see if everything is all right.’

He grabbed her arm. ‘Not on your own, you won’t. In fact, you and I shouldn’t do anything till after the police have had a look round, both inside and out. Apart from your own safety considerations, you might disturb some evidence out there.’

She stilled, still worried, but he was only being sensible. She’d never had anything to do with a break-in before and now she’d been involved in two attempts.

When she nodded, he let go of her arm and she stayed where she was.

She hated the thought of someone invading another person’s home and stealing their possessions. Didn’t such thieves realise how cruel they were being towards their victims? Or were they so horrible they didn’t care? If so, they were only half-price humans as far as she was concerned.

All she could do as they waited was keep looking next door in case Aaron and Emma had come back.

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