The Perfect Prey (Jessie Hunt #37)

PROLOGUE

Cynthia Hartley settled in under the covers, watching her husband with a sly smile.

As Richard walked into the closet to put away the two ornate masquerade ball masks in their special hiding place, she readjusted herself in her negligee. The party had been everything she’d hoped for, but she intended to keep the festivities going a little longer.

She was exhausted and knew Richard was too, but thought there might be just enough time for a little fun before they both sank into a deep slumber. He returned moments later and turned off the light. She glanced at the clock on her bedside table. It was 11:42 p.m. She calculated that if she used her time effectively, she could give him a late-night surprise and still be asleep before midnight.

***

Cynthia woke with a start. She groggily looked over at the clock. It read 1:14 a.m. She was confused. Had she heard something that woke her up, or was the sound only in her dream? Too tired to care, she settled her head back into her pillow. She was just drifting off when she thought she saw movement in the corner of the room behind the chaise lounge chair.

She blinked several times, trying to determine if what she saw was real or just a trick of the shadows. But then the shadow moved, and she knew this was not just her imagination. She reached out for Richard as the beginning of a scream started to escape her mouth. But before she could make a sound, the shadow was on her.