Being one of those people who never actually saw or touched snow before, she was fascinated by the scene outside even as she huddled deeper into her coat wishing she had several blankets also.
As the crisp white flakes flew she saw her path being obliterated. The more they fell the better she felt not even a monster could track her in this type of weather. She would be safe, lonely, but in the end safe was what mattered.
She closed her eye for a few minutes as the horror that sat on her shoulders since the killing rolled away allowing her to breathe deeply for the first time in a week.
“Folks you have arrived safely in Newburg. If you are getting off please wait your turn in the aisle, I will have your bags outside for you. Those of you who are going on, we will depart in an hour. Now would be the time to stretch your legs and grab something to eat. There’s a small diner next to the station that will gladly provide you with a hot meal.
Paige waited until everyone who was interested in getting off disembarked. Taking her time, she grabbed her overhead bag and reluctantly stepped into the frigid weather. What had her life come to? No more swimsuits and solitary days at the beach. What did it matter where she spent her time alone? Hers where the last bags waiting to be claimed. She gathered them up along with her courage and wondered where she would be able to find a room. Soon she would need an apartment and a job. Right now though all she needed was a place to lay her head.
She walked up to the counter in the bus station to talk to the clerk on duty.
“Hi, I’m new in town and was wondering where you would recommend renting a room for a night or two.”
“Welcome to town.” The perky red head smiled at her. “I’m Jennifer and we have a beautiful bed and breakfast two blocks over. Selma owns it. Tell her I sent you, she’ll be tickled pink to have someone stay. Not many come here this time of year with all the snow.”
“Jennifer, I’m Paige and I will definitely tell her you recommended her.”
She took the directions from Jennifer before picking up her bags and walking out into the snow.
Chapter Two
Paige walked down the street, her suitcases rolling behind her. She was glad they weren’t cloth or everything in them would be soaked as she tugged them over the accumulating snow. The town was alive with people going places and children making snowballs as they followed parents down the street. Newburg was bigger than she hoped it would be, but it still had a cozy feeling. This was a long way from a large city.
She passed several shops as she made her way towards Selma’s establishment. Her stomach wanted to stop at the diner as the smell of home cooked food wafted out, but she kept walking. First order of business was a room, then when the bus left she would go back to the diner for dinner. The less people who realized she stayed in Newburg the better her chances of not being tracked down.
Knocking on the door of the bed and breakfast she hoped Selma was in.
“Come in.”
She walked in to see a beautiful young woman with black hair standing on a scaffold cleaning the light fixtures. Paige stopped in her tracks not wanting startle her.
“I wasn’t expecting visitors. Welcome to Selma’s bed and breakfast. How can I help you?”
Paige tried to open her mouth but she was held captive by the woman speaking. She had an aura about her that reached out and grabbed Paige making her feel like she was in a trance like state.
“I was hoping I could rent a room here for a couple of days until I found a permanent place to call home.” She mentally gave herself a shake.
“Perfect. We are always looking for women who want to find a home. Victor come catch me.”
“Darling, when did you start needing help?” a male voice rumbled out of a room close by.
“Since we received a visitor.”
Victor entered the room making Paige gulp. He was huge and handsome. The woman up on the scaffold was perfect for the man who entered. What had her heart beating faster was how he reminded her of the hottie in the alley. The one who starred in both her fantasies and her nightmares. There was no way he could be related to the men she fled from in California.
“Catch me.” The woman launched herself off the scaffold making Paige’s blood run cold as her heart speed up.
Victor laughed and caught her with an exaggerated umph. The woman laughed hitting his shoulder before giving him a quick kiss and sliding down to the floor.
“I’m Selma and this is my husband, Victor, we would love to have you stay with us for as long as necessary.”
“Thank you. I’m Paige and I only need a few days until I can find someplace else. I just need an apartment and a job.”
“I am sure you will find one. You can sign in over here.” Selma walked over to the desk indicating several pieces of paper she had out.