Chasing Shadows by S.H. Kolee Read Free Book Online Page B

down beside me, digging his car keys out of his pocket. He used the end of one key to burrow between the floorboards, wiggling it back and forth until there was enough room to slip the tip of the key underneath the floorboard. He pushed it up and the board popped out.
    I quickly lifted the board, peering inside the cavity. It wasn't very deep but it was dusty, and I wasn't exactly ecstatic about sticking my hand into a dark hole not knowing what was in there, but I forced myself to plunge my hand in. At first, disappointment struck as I just felt cobwebs and a few other things, whose identity I didn't want to know.
    When my hand closed around smooth leather, my heart jumped. I pulled it out and was rewarded with a leather bound book, the edges worn and the cover faded.
    "I think this is it!" I exclaimed. I flipped through the book, excitement mounting when I saw that the pages were filled with handwritten entries. I quickly read a couple of sentences and confirmed that it was indeed my aunt's journal.
    "I found it!" I was giddy, finally feeling like I was going to get a grasp on how to handle fighting Claudia and the vardogers. I would find the answers that I needed in this book. A wave of relief went through me.
    Simon didn't look as impressed, his eyebrows lifting. "Do you really think that journal is going to help you?"
    "I told you that while I was under hypnosis, my aunt said I would find the answers I needed in her journal. I was starting to think I'd never find it." I clutched the book tightly. "We should get out of here. Claudia might come back looking for me. We can go back to Lenore's house. I think it's safer there."
    Simon nodded, standing with effortless grace and holding out his hand to me. I grasped his hand and he pulled me up fluidly.
    "Thanks," I said, brushing off the dust that I had gotten on my sweater while digging underneath the floorboard. That's why I didn't see Simon rushing towards me. All I felt were his hands slamming me roughly against the wall. My head cracked against it with a sickening thud, the impact making my vision go hazy for a few seconds.
    "Simon! What are you doing?!"
    I whimpered when Simon jammed his arm across my neck, holding me up against the wall. His blue eyes were glinting with madness, his expression a grimace of malice. My thoughts were jumbled, not understanding what was happening. The pressure against my throat was starting to become excruciating, but I just stared at Simon blankly. I wondered if I had passed out and was dreaming now. This couldn't be really happening.
    "This time I'm going to succeed in finishing you off," Simon hissed, so close to me that I could feel his spittle against my face as he spoke. "I'm going to enjoy killing you."

Chapter Six
     
    "Simon!" I gasped, barely able to speak with the pressure against my larynx. My mind wasn't willing to accept what was happening, but my body automatically went into survival mode. I kicked out my legs, trying to make contact with his lower body, but Simon smoothly stepped out of the way, his arm continuing to crush my throat.
    "You're a stubborn little bitch," Simon spat out, his eyes glowing with enjoyment. He was taking pleasure in this, his expression showing growing excitement. "You have to promise to make this fun for me. I like a little resistance."
    My mind shut down as I grabbed at his arm with both hands, digging my nails into his flesh. Simon released the pressure on my throat, grabbing both wrists and slamming them against the wall above my head, pinioning them so I was helpless.
    "Do you know how painful I can make this for you?" Simon was seething, the cruelty on his face taking my breath away.
    "Simon, what's happening?" I wheezed, my throat burning with each word. Fear and desperation were setting in and I didn't understand what was happening. I had no doubt that Simon had been standing before me moments before, his eyes full of love and concern. The person before me wasn't Simon, but I hadn't seen the