Stalked: The Stalker Series, #1

By J. Patterson

Left alone at the altar, Janet Reynolds found her world collapsing, her heart torn apart. Navigating through dark, hope-deprived days, Janet strove to persevere, immersing herself in her reporting job at Derby's sole newspaper. Once a source of joy, her work turned into a tedious routine, until the day she crossed paths with local entrepreneur Sean O'Malley. His grand dreams, coupled with his warm heart, reignited a spark in Janet, making her believe in the possibility of love again. But their blooming love story was overshadowed by a menacing threat lurking in Derby - a murderer targeting women bearing an uncanny resemblance to Janet.

As Sean and Janet's bond deepened, so did their fear for each other's safety. When they turned to the police for help, they unraveled shocking secrets about their city. Amid the turmoil and terror, their love persisted, offering Janet a glimmer of hope for a happier future.

• Language: English
• Publisher: J. Patterson
• Release date: Nov 10, 2023
• ISBN: 9780151947478

J. Patterson

J. Patterson, a freshly minted author, has made her literary debut with the gripping novel, "Stalked." But she isn't stopping there. She is currently penning her second book, "Kidnapped," a sequel that promises to continue the chilling narrative established in "Stalked."  Jacquelyn's writing journey began in high school, where she honed her craft through the creation of short stories and poems. Over the years, she filled countless notebooks with her tales, sparking the inspiration for her debut novel.  Her stories, set in her hometown, are grounded in familiar locales, giving them an authentic touch. However, the characters that populate her narratives are purely fictional, born from her vibrant imagination.  Her writing style has been shaped by a diverse range of influences, including the Gothic family sagas of VC Andrews, the suspenseful thrillers of James Patterson, the horror masterpieces of Stephen King, and the supernatural fantasies of Charlene Harris.  Currently, Jacquelyn is enjoying life in Arkansas, where she shares her home with her future husband and son. As she continues to write, readers can anticipate more captivating stories born from her unique blend of suspense, realism, and character-driven narratives.

Book preview

PROLOGUE

AS HE RAISED HIS BLADE into the air, illuminated by a silver moonlight, he felt as if two different forces were wrestling within him. The logical part of his mind was telling him that killing this person was necessary for the creation of something beautiful. However, another part of him felt an immense wave of guilt rush through him as he plunged his blade deep into the woman’s flesh. He could feel the barrier between morality and recklessness crumbling beneath him, yet he still found himself unable to resist the dark thrill of taking a life.

He stood there for a moment, the weight of what he had done sinking in. His victim lay before him, lifeless and still. The moonlight that had illuminated his blade now cast an eerie glow over the scene. The air was filled with the metallic scent of blood.

But as he looked at the body, he couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction. He had created something beautiful. Something only he could appreciate. It was a work of art.

He wiped his blade on his victim's shirt and carefully sheathed it. Then, he crouched down next to the body and began to rearrange its limbs. He pulled an arm and a leg there until the body was positioned just so.

He stepped back and admired his work. Yes, it was stunning. He had always known he was destined for greatness, and this was proof.

He turned and left the scene, feeling both exhilarated and scared. He knew he would have to be careful from now on, but he couldn't resist the temptation of creating another masterpiece.

Weeks passed by, and the thrill of his first kill slowly faded away. The voices in his head that once tormented him with guilt and shame had now been replaced by the whispers of an insatiable desire to create more art.

It became an obsession. He roamed the streets at night, seeking out his next victim. The people around him were nothing more than mere objects to be used in the creation of his masterpieces.

CHAPTER 1

THE RELENTLESS BLARE of the alarm clock shattered her dreams and dragged her back to reality. She lay there, listening to its tinny song for a few moments before forcing herself up. It had been nine months since everything changed, but the shrill sound of that clock still cut through her heart like a knife. No longer did sleep bring solace; instead, it was just another reminder of what she had lost.

As she rubbed the sleep from her eyes, she wondered if this day would be any different. Would something extraordinary happen today? Something to take away the sharpness of loss? But deep down, she knew it was just a fantasy - a desperate hope that kept her going.

She sat on the edge of the bed, feet dangling over the side, and let out a deep sigh. The day ahead loomed like a mountain, and she felt unprepared to climb it.

Janet Reynolds' slumped shoulders, weary eyes, and expressions of bewilderment seemed to radiate a silent scream - her past had left scars so deep that they threatened to swallow her up. People moved away from her as she walked down the street, sensing something was off about her.

The Monday morning sun shone through Janet's bedroom window, but she was oblivious to its warmth. She looked at her reflection in the bathroom mirror; it was a pale ghost of her former self - marked by grief and sadness. The dirt spots on the walls were a reminder of how messy her life had become, and she wondered when it would all be tidied up. Her listless hands reached for her toothbrush as the thought crossed her mind that maybe there was no hope for salvation.

Janet’s legs buckled as she slumped against the doorframe of her bedroom. Exhaustion from another sleepless night hung on her bones like a leaden weight, each passing moment draining away any last bit of hope she held onto for a better tomorrow. She surveyed the pristine white room, her heart heavy with sadness when she noticed how the decor hadn't changed since he left — not that it mattered; nothing could fill the emptiness in her life now.

An unwelcome memory sparked in her mind, filled with faces that had smiled at her before they knew his absence. They praised her and offered well wishes even when their hearts were empty. But it was only when things fell apart that their true feelings were revealed, proving yet again how little she mattered to them. It was like a festering wound uncovered beneath the surface, leaving behind an ever-growing infection that could not be treated.

With a heavy sigh, Janet pushed herself upright and stumbled into her icy cold bedroom. A sense of resigned acceptance had replaced her usual enthusiasm for life — she was now damaged goods, and she wouldn't let anyone try to fix her.

Janet opened her closet door and stepped back, overwhelmed with emotion. She reached out to grab the first garments she felt - a pair of slacks and a breezy blouse. The fabric was light but felt heavy in her hands as she held them up against her body. Her heart sank when she realized how much they sagged from where they'd once clung snugly at her waist; the pain of what had happened and all that had been lost since the incident seemed to take physical form in these clothes. Janet sighed deeply – she could only wear a size 16 now, though this time last year, it had been a size 12.

The realization brought her to face herself in the mirror and feel another lump forming in her throat as she confronted her reflection. It seemed like every day got another wrinkle – a reminder of all the days, weeks, and months of joy and contentment she’d missed due to her circumstances. Her smooth skin was now rough, redness filled the areas around her eyes, and tears had left deep indentations on both cheeks. Another sigh escaped her lips – thirty-one years old, but ages older than she remembered feeling.

Janet Reynolds’s hands trembled as she unscrewed the lid of a small white jar. The thick lotion oozed out like tar, and Janet smeared it onto her face without bothering to massage it in. She felt disgusted with herself for being so weak and vulnerable and for allowing her life to spiral out of control.

Scooping up her brush, Janet yanked it through her red hair in an attempt to restore some semblance of order to her world. With each tug came a slight wince of pain, but oddly enough, Janet found solace in the task. It made her feel like maybe things weren’t completely hopeless after all.

After drying herself off, Janet looked up at the large mirror. Her brown eyes stared back at her, still beautiful despite her deteriorating self-esteem. A wave of shame washed over Janet as she noticed the gentle curve that had replaced her once-toned figure - one that was barely noticeable beneath her baggy clothes. She quickly wiped away the excess moisture from her body and covered it up with an old t-shirt and sweatpants before reluctantly walking out of the bathroom, dreading the day ahead.

The sky glowed a deep blue, and the sun was starting to peek over the horizon. Her eyes were heavy with the night's residue of sleeplessness and sadness. She grabbed her favorite black mug, filled it with coffee, and took a sip, its bitterness an awakening on her tongue. She carefully made her way out of the house, stepping over creaky floorboards and turning the deadbolt behind her as she left. The cool morning air felt like a gentle hug against her skin, and she stood still for a moment, breathing in deeply and allowing its freshness to sweep away all of the heaviness within her.

Two years earlier, Janet Reynolds strutted down the streets of Philadelphia amidst a symphony of colorful conversations and laughter. Her glossy black hair cascaded down her back in perfect curls, and her dark eyes shimmered with delight like two pools of melted chocolate. She was barely five feet tall, but everyone around her seemed to take notice of her graceful presence.

It was Monday morning, but not just any other mundane Monday. Janet couldn't stop thinking about Gary Anderson, the man she had met at a party on Saturday night. He had swept into her life as unexpectedly as a summer breeze, and suddenly, everything seemed to have come together perfectly; it almost felt too good to be true. After years of searching for the one and moving to Philadelphia for a new career as a journalist, Janet felt like she had finally found what she'd been looking for.

The streets were alive with commotion: honking horns, screeching brakes, and the sound of people shuffling to their destinations. As Janet continued walking, a stillness cloaked the city like a fog, and her vision blurred out everything but Gary’s chocolate eyes and gentle hands.

Journalism had been her lifelong dream, one she found in high school while working on the school paper. But when college ended, it seemed as if her friends' departure had taken all the vibrancy out of Philadelphia. So, she was thrown off balance when George unexpectedly asked her to his party. After years of working together at The Tribute newspapers, they weren't exactly close yet; his offer opened up new possibilities for Janet.

Hey Janet, George said with a mischievous twinkle in his eye as he leaned over the cabinet that separated their cubicles at work. Wanna come to a party at my place this weekend? It’s my birthday. She hesitated briefly before responding; after all, it was just a harmless party, and the only thing she had planned for the weekend was cleaning her apartment. Of course, George, I’d love to, and happy birthday in advance.

On Saturday morning, she nervously wrapped her gift in pretty pink paper and headed out to get dressed. She chose her best casual outfit - dark blue jeans that hugged her curves perfectly and a green silk blouse that accentuated her hourglass figure. The blouse was one she had found on sale in the thrift store a few weekends ago and had been saving for a special occasion. After making sure her hair was secure in an elegant bun and lightly applying makeup to enhance her natural beauty, she took a deep breath and stepped onto the bus that would take her to George's house. With each passing moment, her anticipation grew; not only would she see her co-workers there, but also the newlyweds and their glowing new marriage.

When she arrived, she spotted George's wife at once; they exchanged warm greetings before getting ready for the party. Soon, the backyard was filled with laughter as music played by a speaker set up in one corner - a perfect backdrop against which Janet felt like she finally belonged.

Janet was weaving her way through the crowded room when something peculiar caught her attention. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed a man sitting in a dark corner in the shadows. He was tall with broad shoulders and a strong jawline that was slightly illuminated by the candles on the nearby tables. His eyes never left her - they followed her every move as if he had been waiting for her to arrive. She couldn't help but smile as their eyes met - it seemed like both were equally bored at the party. His voice reeked of confidence and good humor. Please, don't go, he said softly. Janet couldn't deny his charm, and something instinctive made her stay. I can see you're just as bored as I am, he said with a captivating smile. Well... I don't really know a lot of people here, she admitted shyly. Neither do I, he replied with a comforting smile.

Janet Reynolds couldn't peel her eyes away from Gary Anderson as they talked into the night. He asked for her number with a charming smile before saying goodbye, and she eagerly agreed to meet him at a cozy cafe on Sunday evening.

The conversation flowed freely as Janet basked in his presence, the excitement of being around someone new giving her a sense of renewed energy. His eyes twinkled when he spoke, and his laughter filled the room; Janet couldn't believe how quickly time flew by during their date. When it was time to go, he gave her a gentle hug before wishing her goodnight.

The following day, Janet woke up feeling refreshed and full of life. She entered work with an extra skip in her step and a glowing complexion. Her co-worker George noticed this at once and rolled his chair over to get closer. Hey, George! Good morning. Awesome party, said Janet with a smile.

Really? I got a distinct impression that you were bored!

Well, that changed after meeting Gary, Janet replied, her cheeks heating up at the mention of his name.

Gary? Gary Anderson? he asked with surprise.

Yes, that, Gary.

George's face was etched with worry as he looked at Janet. Be careful, he warned. Gary can be...hard to read.

Janet felt a jolt of curiosity but decided she'd find out for herself. Gary proposed the next week beneath a night sky sprinkled with stars and a full moon. She couldn't keep the grin from spreading across her face as she accepted, and ever since then, her watch was perpetually set to the time when he would call.

He was an impressive 33-year-old architect whose designs had graced Philadelphia's skyline, and his brown eyes were so kind that they made her heart flutter. When he declared his love for her, Janet felt like she was soaring in the sky - the joy was so intense it made her head spin. With Gary by her side, nothing seemed impossible; he was perfect husband material.

Samantha, his best friend from childhood, meant everything to him, and Janet could feel the strength of their bond as he told her about it. There was no denying it anymore - she had already fallen deeply in love with this honorable man.

She felt her heart soar as she dialed her mother’s number. Despite the fact that grief had taken her father at a young age, Janet knew her mother was the only family she had left to share on this momentous occasion. She remembered all the time her mom had been both a protector and supporter throughout the years, feeling relief at knowing she wouldn’t be alone in sharing the news.

Mum, she said breathlessly into the phone, I'm engaged!

Oh darling, came the joyous reply, followed by a wave of laughter, Congratulations! When can I meet him?

Of course, Mom, Janet responded with a smile, I'll bring him over for dinner soon.

When Janet told Gary about meeting her mom, his face lit up with excitement. She was the woman who had given birth to the love of his life, he said - and they both looked forward to it with anticipation.

Janet felt a pang of sympathy for the solemn young boy standing in front of her. His eyes were misty with emotion, and his shoulders slumped with sadness; she wished she could somehow reach out and heal him from his hurtful past. She stepped forward, cupping her hands over his trembling shoulders and gazing into his watery eyes. With conviction, she promised him a new home—one that would become their own once they wed. Gary's face lit up, tears spilling down his cheeks as he embraced her tightly. Janet slowly swayed back and forth, singing an old folk tune until the burdensome weight finally left his body, and he fell asleep in her arms. At that moment, she made a promise to herself to create something more substantial than either one of them had ever dreamed: a family all their own.

Janet carefully zipped up her dress and felt its luxurious fabric settle around her. She glanced at the full-length mirror, thinking of how much joy this wedding would bring to both their families. The Chateau was grand and elegant; from the crystal chandeliers in the lobby to the ornate gardens on the grounds, Janet understood why they had chosen it for their special day. The crisp autumn air danced through the window, making her feel calm and peaceful.

When an urgent knock sounded from the other side of the door, Janet knew it was time. She inhaled deeply as she grabbed her lace mantilla and stepped into the hallway. Her best friend Samantha stood there, dressed in a tailored black suit, hair swept away from her face. They beamed at each other as they linked arms and walked together towards the church where so many happy memories had been made before them. Today would be one for history books.

A single tear trickled down Janet’s pale white cheek as she tried to steady her trembling hands. She tugged at the strings of her wedding dress one last time before making her way through the misty-eyed guests in the church foyer. Searching for a comforting presence, she scanned each face for a familiar smile or a sign of encouragement—to no avail. Her stomach churned with apprehension as she checked her wristwatch every few seconds and desperately hoped that Gary would change his mind—but just as the chapel doors creaked open, a piece of paper glided to the ground near her feet. As Janet bent down to read, her world crumbled around her. The note read, I am so sorry, but I am not ready to be married. I did not think this through earlier. Forgive me -Gary. A deafening silence filled the room, followed by murmurs amongst the guests as they quickly began to disperse and leave Janet standing alone on the altar.

CHAPTER 2

Janet's hands shook as she ran her fingers over the invitation for their wedding that she had spent months on. Every little detail was perfect, or at least it had been until Gary announced he didn't want to get married anymore. Everywhere Janet looked became a reminder of what could have been: the cafe where they met and shared coffee every Saturday, the street corner where he kissed her goodbye each morning, and even her bed – the only place he ever stayed in Philadelphia.

As Janet stood in the doorway of her home, tears rolled down her cheeks, and she tried to take in every last detail. The movers moved around her like a blur, packing up her furniture and boxes of her possessions. With one hand, she wiped the tears from her face, and with the other, she hugged herself tightly, trying to create a sense of comfort that was no longer there. She thought about the life she had planned, Gary, and the future they would have shared here. But now, as she watched everything being taken away from her, Philadelphia no longer felt like home.

When Janet arrived at Derby for her mother's funeral two months later, she was already heartbroken over the loss of Gary. Still, soon, the pain became too much to bear as she received news that her mother was terminally ill and only had a month left to live. All at once, Janet felt like all hope in repairing her broken heart had been taken away from her. Each night after that felt like an eternity until finally when it seemed like she could no longer carry on, her mother passed away.

Janet remembers the day so vividly. Janet was trembling as her mother's delicate hands cupped her face. She could feel the fragility of her mother's skin, cold and paper-thin. The room was shrouded in a blanket of sorrow - Janet felt like the world had crashed down around her. As she clutched her mother's hand, her mother spoke softly, You have been through so much these past few months; I know it has taken its toll on you. But never forget that you are strong enough to survive this and thrive once again. Her mother paused, wiping away Janet's tears with her thumbs before continuing, It is time for me to go now and for you to pick up the pieces of your shattered life. There will be moments of darkness, but don't give into them - look towards the light instead. Janet watched as her mother fought back tears before saying her last words, Remember my love for you and never give up on yourself, no matter how hard things get. Promise me that you will try to open your heart again someday.

After the burial, Janet set off with a heavy heart and yet determined to start over. She got a job with the local newspaper, writing obituaries and delivering papers door-to-door. She ate comfort food and cheap candy bars for meals as she battled her inner demons and tried to make sense of her new life.

The house she had grown up in was sold, and she moved to an apartment building across the tracks from Derby, Pennsylvania. The town felt slow and stale; old brick buildings lined the streets, and rusting train carriages sat abandoned at the station. Time seemed to have passed by Derby without notice, leaving it forgotten and stuck in the past.

Janet trudged through her days at work, head down and alone, unable to make an effort to reach out and make new friends. Despite all that kept her from feeling content, she was alive - and for now, that would have to be enough.

At the sound of a knock on her door, she felt as if she’d been struck by lightning. Her hands shook as she opened the door to reveal Gary Anderson—the man who had left her in tears at the altar six months earlier. His eyes were still an endless blue, but Janet felt nothing when they met his gaze. She could almost feel the ghost of his last words echoing between them as they stood there in silence.

She looked into Gary's eyes with an expression of cool detachment despite the hurricane of emotions swirling within her. His hands were clenched together tightly as he stood on her doorstep, and his gaze was pleading. Yes, may I help you? she finally said her voice level and emotionless. He gave her a timid smile before asking if he could come in. She carefully opened the door and stepped aside to allow him entry.

Janet observed the man in front of her. He was dressed in a rumpled suit, and his hands clasped together as if in prayer; he had aged since she last saw him, and the lines around his eyes spoke of sleepless nights. The room seemed to shrink with tension as he gathered up the courage to speak again.

Please, we need to talk, he said. Janet's mouth tightened into a thin line, and her gaze narrowed in disbelief. You can say all that you have to say right there, she said icily.

His Adam's apple bobbed up and down as he nervously stammered his explanation. His words tumbled out of him in a desperate rush, but the truth was evident in his face. He knew there was no way to undo the damage he had caused, yet Janet kept her gaze steady on him, urging him to continue. When he finally paused for breath, she waited with baited anticipation until he mustered enough courage to whisper one final plea. I still love you, Janet, and I hope you still feel the same. I want you back, darling.

Janet's mouth fell open before curling into a suspicious smile. Her laughter echoed through the room like an earthquake, shaking the very air around them with its intensity. She leaned forward, eyes blazing, and gestured wildly with her hands as she explained why his idea was absurd and impossible.

Janet's body shook with rage as she spat her words. Red blotches flecked her face, and her hands were balled into fists, knuckles white from the pressure she was exerting. She stepped forward and jabbed her index finger in Gary's direction. Gary Anderson, she said, voice raw and trembling, I want you gone. Get back to whatever pit of darkness you crawled out from and stay there! I'm done with you; our story finished the second you decided to walk away from me. You ripped my heart to shreds and left me lying broken on the ground, so don't expect forgiveness.

Janet looked into Gary's eyes and saw something she hadn't seen in years: a spark of the old fire that had once burned between them. His voice was soft but confident as he said, You swore that you would be my family. She felt her heart sink at the memory of all the promises he'd made over the years-promises he'd never kept. Janet refused to engage any further and replied firmly, Goodbye, Gary. Now get out!

She flung the door shut with a loud crash, her breath coming in short gasps and her heart pounding like a thunderous roar. Her hands trembled as she grabbed ahold of the doorknob and felt the tears streaming down her face as the reality of what had happened sunk in. She slid down to the ground, handling all of her energy drain away from her body and out of her veins, replaced by a cold numbness that threatened to take over. The sorrowful sobs were torn from her chest as she wept for herself, Gary, and for everything they could have been but never had the chance to be – hopes, ambitions, words spoken in haste that could never be taken back. A silent plea was sent up to God or her mother, anything to ease the agony that filled every inch of her being until it felt like an unbearable pressure on her chest. The doorbell chimed once again, and Janet Prepared herself. She heaved herself off of the living room floor and peered through the window blinds.

There he was, the pizza guy—his face framed by a neon glow from his boxy delivery bike as he wheeled it back to its parking spot. She didn't have an appetite for food any longer; all she wanted now was sleep.

She stumbled from the living room to her bedroom, trying to outrun the ache in her body and the pain that seemed to be throbbing in her chest. Fighting off tears, she crawled into bed only to toss and turn until morning.

The sun rose slowly, casting a warm glow over the world. Janet heard its rays beckoning her to rise from beneath her blankets, but she stayed in bed a little longer as dread filled her mind. Finally, with a deep sigh, she dragged herself out from beneath the warmth and put on her favorite sundress. As if on autopilot, she opened the door – and there it was: a letter, tucked away behind the doorframe. Her heart raced as she bent down to scoop up the envelope. She paused, fingers trembling, before finally opening it up to read: Janet, I love you. I know now that I never wanted to hurt you. All I wish for is another chance to make you happy -Love, Gary.

A red-hot anger burned in her chest as she read Gary's letter. She balled up the paper with shaking fists, feeling the heat of her fury pulsing through her veins. She had told him to leave her alone, but here he was again. Enough of this nonsense, she thought to herself. No more giving him a chance - it was time to put an end to their past once and for all.

Clenching her jaw, she took a deep breath and marched towards her office. It was Friday; she could put aside these thoughts for now and indulge in some distraction and leisure. If only she could forget about Gary for a while, the painful memories from their relationship would have no power over her.

Mark Branek's rubber-soled shoes squawked