First Simon & Schuster hardcover edition June 2012

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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Deaver, Jeffery.

XO : a Kathryn Dance novel/Jeffery Deaver.—1st Simon & Schuster hardcover ed.

p. cm.

1. Women singers—Fiction. 2. Fans (Persons)—Fiction. 3. Obsessive-compulsive disorder—

Fiction. I. Title.

PS3554.E1755X6 2012

813’.54—dc23

2011045777

ISBN 978-1-4391-5637-7

ISBN 978-1-4391-5898-2 (ebook)

Contents

Author’s Note

Sunday

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Monday

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Tuesday

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

Chapter 35

Chapter 36

Chapter 37

Chapter 38

Chapter 39

Chapter 40

Chapter 41

Chapter 42

Chapter 43

Chapter 44

Chapter 45

Wednesday

Chapter 46

Chapter 47

Chapter 48

Chapter 49

Chapter 50

Chapter 51

Chapter 52

Chapter 53

Chapter 54

Chapter 55

Chapter 56

Chapter 57

Chapter 58

Chapter 59

Chapter 60

Thursday

Chapter 61

Chapter 62

Chapter 63

Chapter 64

Chapter 65

Chapter 66

Friday

Chapter 67

Chapter 68

Chapter 69

Chapter 70

Chapter 71

Chapter 72

Chapter 73

Chapter 74

Chapter 75

Chapter 76

Chapter 77

Chapter 78

Chapter 79

Kayleigh Towne – Your Shadow

Afterword

About the Author

Author’s Note

The lyrics to all the songs in Your Shadow, the country-music album at the heart of this novel, can be found at the back of the book. These tunes are referred to throughout and may just contain some clues about the events that unfold along the way. And if you’d like to listen to the actual title track itself, and other songs from the album, recently recorded in Nashville, go to www.jefferydeaver.com for information on downloads.

To most listeners, the title track, “Your Shadow,” is simply a love song.

Some feel differently.

Subject: Re: You’re the Best!!!

From: [email protected]

To: [email protected]

2 January 10:32 a.m.

Hey there,

Edwin—

Thanks for your email! I’m so glad you liked my latest album! Your support means the world to me. Be sure you go to my website and sign up to get my newsletter and learn about new releases and upcoming concerts, and don’t forget to follow me on Facebook and Twitter.

And keep an eye out for the mail. I sent you that autographed photo you requested!

XO,

Kayleigh

* * *

Subject: Unbelievable!!!!!

From: [email protected]

To: [email protected]

3 September 5:10 a.m.

Hi, Kayleigh:

I am totally blown away. I’m rendered speechless. And, you know me pretty good by now—for me to be speechless, that’s something!! Anyway, here’s the story: I downloaded your new album last night and listened to “Your Shadow.” Whoahhh! It’s without doubt the best song I have ever heard. I mean of anything ever written. I even like it better than “It’s Going to Be Different This Time.” I’ve told you nobody’s ever expressed how I feel about loneliness and life and well everything better than you. And that song does that totally. But more important I can see what you’re saying, your plea for help. It’s all clear now. Don’t worry. You’re not alone, Kayleigh!!