Eyes that Bind

By A.M. Holloway

Savannah is lovely this time of year……… until……….

            An attempted hit-and-run forces Emma Clair and Colton to meet on the side of a Savannah street. Colton and Emma Clair harbor secrets, but they need each other. After a little persuasion, she relents and shares her harrowing tale about a stalker. Now, Colton questions the hit-and-run accident. Was it deliberate? Was the driver aiming for Emma Clair?

            Colton, an Atlanta Police Detective, confirmed Emma Clair's stalker never made it to prison. He's on the run. Can Colton and his team save Emma Clair from her stalker, or will he die proving his love for her?

• Language: English
• Publisher: A.M. Holloway
• Release date: Feb 16, 2024
• ISBN: 9781735915289

Book preview

Prologue

Freedom. Finally.

Emma Clair traveled to Savannah, Georgia, in hopes of some regrouping. She opted to stay in a Bed-and-Breakfast within walking distance to shopping and a park. Fresh air and sunshine is what Emma Clair needs. She sits on a park bench close to her Bed-and-Breakfast with the sun shining on her back and a slight breeze on her face. As Emma Clair surveys the area, she knows this trip is the start of her new life.

While reflecting, she understands life can change instantly, not once in a lifetime, but twice. First, she lost both parents in the same car accident. After their deaths, she left her corporate job to pursue her dream job of becoming an author. Second, eight months ago, she reports her first stalking incident to the police. Depending on her tour location, the police reports litter several southeastern states. The police didn’t investigate until something terrible happened. Well, it happened when her stalker held her hostage in a Georgia bookstore, and now, her stalker is in prison.

Criminal trials are miserable. There is no other way to describe them. During her stalker’s trial, Emma Clair endured several months of pure torture. She survived endless hours of questioning from the police and multiple lineups. Atlanta Police set up elaborate lineups, including criminals and imposters, and the stalker was front and center on two different occasions. This guy looks like any other American guy except for his unforgettable eyes. He stands at average height and weight, sandy brown hair with cobalt blue, cat-shaped eyes. Wonder what makes him tick? Emma Clair sat through the trial and tried to answer that question. She never got her answer, but Emma Clair endured the trial. Now, she is exploring a new start.

Chapter 1

This park boasts tall trees with broad, low-hanging branches with tons of moss interspersed on the limbs. The park flowers send an appealing fragrance into the air. It’s a magnificent creation from God. Emma Clair heads back to her B and B to try her hand at writing. Her publisher waits for her book, and she has written nothing usable in months. As she walks along the sidewalk, she notices a man staring at her from the crosswalk. Wonder why he’s staring at me? Do I recognize him? Emma Clair contemplates.

Then the ear-splitting sound of squealing tires ushers Emma Clair back to the moment. She didn’t realize she had been staring at the man across the street. The sounds grew louder. Just when she noticed the squealing tires were meant for her, someone pushed her out of the way. In shock, Emma Clair couldn’t scream. When she gathers herself, she notices the nice-looking man lying in the street. Oh, no. please be alive. Please, God, help him. She prayed as she ran to the man’s side.

Can you hear me? Are you hurt? Emma Clair asked in an anxious tone.

Yes, I can hear you. I think I’m okay. Did you recognize the driver?

No, my focus was on you. My name is Emma Clair. She reached down to help the man stand.

I’m Colton. Colton Cramer.

Let’s get you out of the road, Colton. Oh, here comes the police and an ambulance. By the expressions on their faces, they have questions for us.

The police car and the ambulance pulled alongside the curb where the incident occurred. Colton faces the officer, waiting for the barrage of questions. He glimpses Emma Clair standing beside him, thinking he wants to get more acquainted. But first things first. The officer asks them to explain the circumstances of the accident. Neither one recalled much. The awful screeching noise and Colton saving Emma Clair, then the car speeding away. Neither one recognized the vehicle or the driver.

The ambulance attendants tried to persuade Colton to go to the hospital for observation. Colton said he had been through worse, and he would handle it. Emma Clair heard this comment, and she glanced at Colton, trying to determine what could be worse than being struck by a car.

I’ll help you get to your place. You need rest and pain pills. The medicine will slow down the soreness.

Colton stares at her with a puzzled look. I don’t live here. We’re staying in the same place. I saw you come in yesterday. Colton gives her a sideways glance.

Oh, sorry. Emma Clair replies, feeling foolish. Colton saw her, but she didn’t see him. Wow. How did she miss him? He’s tall, lean, wears blue jeans, cowboy boots, and his black t-shirt hugs his body in all the right places. She tries to help him walk, but her lack of height makes it awkward. They gaze at each other as he wraps an arm around her shoulder, and she places her hand on his chest. Sparks fly between them with mutual attraction.

Colton and Emma Clair hobble to the B and B. By the time they reach the front walkway, the owners are privy to the ordeal as they wait at the door for the pair. Colton tries to brush the experience off by saying he was okay, even though his body aches from the contact with the ground and car.

Emma Clair helped him to his room and provided water and pain relievers. She says, I’ll check on you soon. If you need anything, I’m across the hall. She leaves Colton and walks to her room with her head down.

A bouquet of roses greets Emma Clair when she enters her room. Someone placed them on her dressing table in her absence. There was no card tucked into the flowers, which she found interesting. Did the owners provide this special touch? She sits down on the window seat and ponders the accident scene. She can’t describe the car or driver- no matter how many times she tries. Her mind had been on Colton. Emma Clair questions the hit-and-run. Was it meant for her? Was she the reason Colton almost got killed?

After a few hours of rest, Emma Clair checked on Colton. She tapped on his door. Then she hears, It’s open.

Unsure of her next move because of the gruffness of Colton’s reply. Seconds passed when Colton opened the door. Come on in. I won’t bite. Colton grinned as he limped to the bed.

I stopped in to see if you were hungry. I’ll be glad to bring you supper. Emma Clair offered.

I asked the kitchen to bring me supper. I didn’t want to intrude on your stay. Colton explained.

With a head shake, you’re not intruding. If anything, I caused you unwanted grief during your trip. Someone from the kitchen appeared at her side. Here’s your food. I’ll let you enjoy it. Emma Clair stepped away from the door before Colton replied as the kitchen staff entered his room for his food delivery. She went in search of her supper.

Emma Clair prepares for bed. While wrapping her robe tight around her waist, she hears a soft knock at her door. She’s not ready to face Colton again, but she can’t ignore the knock, either. So, Emma Clair opens the door slowly and peeks up into the gorgeous eyes of Colton.

Those eyes take her breath away. Colton’s eyes are whiskey-colored, with gold flakes floating through them too. Emma Clair opens the door wider. What are you doing out of bed? You should be resting.

I’ve been reflecting on the accident. I don’t think it was much of an accident. Do you?

I’m not following you, Emma Clair stammers.

Colton looks at his feet, then raises his eyes to meet Emma Clair. It seems a little strange. It’s as if the driver waited until you got to a certain spot on the road. Then he struck. Are you sure you didn’t recognize the car or the driver? He asked with his eyebrows bunched.

No. I, um, didn’t have time. When I realized the driver aimed the car at me, you pushed me away. It scared me to death when I glanced back, and you were lying on the road. Emma Clair reaches up to whisk away a tear that escaped her eye, but Colton reached it first. His thumb touched the tear, stopping its downward motion. Then he pulls her into his chest, and they embrace.

Colton steps away from the embrace and shuffles back to his room without another word. Emma Clair watches her life saver walk away. After her encounter with Colton, she climbs into her tall bed, props up on a mountain of pillows, and loses herself in thought. Does Emma Clair tell Colton the reason she’s in Savannah? Was this incident just a coincidence? She doesn’t believe in coincidences- does she?

Sleep didn’t come easily for Emma Clair. Because of her tormented dreams, she tossed and turned all night until dawn. When the sun peeks above the horizon, it gives Emma Clair hope for a new day. She dresses and heads downstairs, thinking a walk before breakfast would clear her mind.

As she passes through the front door, she smells breakfast cooking and hears bacon sizzling. Emma Clair’s stomach reminds her she needs to eat. But she continues walking down the front walkway toward the sidewalk when the first sensation strikes. The nagging suspicion someone watches her. Emma Clair tries to shake it off as she walks toward the park.

Emma Clair continually peeks over her shoulder as she feels someone is close. They’re invisible, but they’re there. She makes her way to her favorite bench. It’s funny how she labels it her favorite after enjoying it yesterday. Who’s sitting on my bench at this hour of the morning? I was hoping for some alone time. Wait, it can’t be. What are you doing here? Emma Clair asks.

I’m trying to work a few kinks out of my body. What about you? Colton replies sternly.

I can’t believe you’re even mobile. I would be curled up in a ball if a car had struck me.

Colton grins at that one. Yea - well. I’m a little sore, but nothing that won’t heal in time. You never answered me. Why are you here so early in the morning? Colton pushed.

I thought exercise would help clear my mind because I need to sort out ideas. Emma Clair gave Colton a vague answer, hoping he would stop with the questions.

Ok. I’ll give you space as soon as you tell me why you’re hiding. I don’t want to be mean or forceful, but I can tell you are holding back from the accident. So, let me know when you are ready to fess up.

Emma Clair shrugged her shoulders and started. I guess now is as good a time as any. Here is the condensed version. I traveled to Savannah, hoping to refocus my life. For the last eight months, I tried escaping a stalker. The guy started out friendly enough. First, he appeared at my local book signings. Then he showed up at weird places such as the grocery store, the oil change place, restaurants, and so on. After two months of this, I made an official report with the local police. Later, the stalker made appearances at book signings in different states. Florida seemed to be his favorite as he popped up in several stops in Florida and a couple in Alabama. It wasn’t until he pointed a gun at me that the police did something. But it turns out they were too late. The guy took me hostage in a bookstore, and he held me for three hours before the police talked him down. Then, the police arrested him and sent him to jail. The trial followed. Now, he sits in prison. That’s my story. If my captor weren’t in prison, it would concern me he might be the driver of the car that hit you.

The whole time Emma Clair spoke, Colton’s gut grew tighter and tighter. His emotions pass from mad to complete and utter anger. He turns to face Emma Clair, then he asks, You’re sure he’s in prison, right?

Yes, my attorney advised they would sentence my stalker on all charges, and he suggested I leave town once the jury received the judge’s orders, so I didn’t have to face the press. So, that’s why I’m here. I escaped before the judge announced the sentence. Are you suggesting he might not be in prison? Emma Clair questions Colton as she wrings her hands together and looks around.

What are his name and the county of his conviction? Then, I’ll confirm his incarceration.

His name is Dylan Ekker- Fulton County, Georgia. How can we find him?

I’m an Atlanta Police Department Detective, trying to find an alternative path in life.

Emma Clair tilts her head, then questions Colton in return. Now, it’s your turn, Colton. What’s your story?

"It’s not pretty, but I owe it to you. My partner lost his life in the line of duty. I can’t seem to come to terms with his death. It was so