She pulled her phone from her jacket pocket, fumbling at the buttons as she tried to run. The mans footsteps were right behind her. She didnt dare to look back.

The metal door to the first-floor apartments came into view. If she could get through there, maybe someone would hear her. She heard the sound of a ringing coming through the speaker of her phone. Maybe shed managed to connect with 911 somehow.

Another few steps and shed be through the door. She reached for the knob, her fingers grasping it and then slipping off as someone grabbed her by her ponytail and pulled her back.

She screamed again as her neck arched backward and the mans blood-smeared face loomed into view.

CHAPTER FIVE

Morgan glanced at the clock. Hed been home for more than an hour. The Scotch in his glass was gone. He should really go to bed. The idea of the empty cold expanse of his mattress repelled him.

All those late nights through medical school and his residency when hed slipped into a bed warmed by Ashleys body, lulled into sleep by her deep even breathing. Hed taken them for granted, assumed they would always be there.

He reached for his phone. Maybe he could convince Ashley that he would appreciate what he had this time around, that hed make her his priority. Hell, hed make himself a priority. His thumb hovered over the redial button. Her question from earlier in the evening running through his head. What would he have done differently? The answer was still nothing. He let the phone drop.

Im an idiot, he said to the empty room.

His phone buzzed as if to reply. He looked at the display. Lexa.

What was she calling about at this hour? He really would have to force her to have more of a life than he did.

He swiped to accept the call. Whats up, Lexa?

Nothing. Well, not nothing. There were noises. Muffled and distant, but still noises. Probably a pocket dial.

Lexa, he called a little louder, hoping to get her attention.

He turned up the volume, trying to figure out where she was and what was going on. Were those footsteps? Panting? Was she running somewhere?

Then her scream echoed through the phone.

Lexa! he called, louder this time. Are you okay? Lexa, answer me!

All he got for an answer was something that sounded like a whimper of pain. Then the call disconnected.

Before he even realized hed made a decision, he was up and running for the door, keys in hand.

He thundered down the stairs, not willing to wait for the elevator, and out into the chilly night air. He ran for his car, entering Lexas address into his GPS as he went.