Chapter Two

Salem park

Angelica watched as Kayla eagerly turned the page of the book she was reading. Her first stop in Salem had been the hospital, but on her arrival she overheard nurses telling some of the medical staff that Dr. Johnson was brown-bagging it in the park.

Angelica wasn't interest in Kayla par se but in who might be watching her. There was only one sure fire way to find Steve Johnson and that was by keeping an eye on Kayla.

She had managed to change into her running clothes before making a b-line to the park, the baggy jogging pants made it easy to conceal her gun. If anyone saw her she'd look like just another jogger out for an afternoon run. She tugged her baseball cap down a little lower over her face and casually strolled by Kayla. She hoped Kayla would pay little or no attention to a passer-by.

Angelica knew whoever sent her the patch wanted Steve Johnson. Her presence this close to Kayla would insure anyone watching the ex-Mrs. Johnson knew Angelica was here.

To her surprise Kayla looked up and smiled.

It was a beautiful smile and Angelica could understand why Steve would find her irresistible. Her smile was genuine and it lit up her eyes.

"Hi," Kayla closed the book and stretched, "Beautiful day – isn't it?"

Angelica nodded, "Yes." She pointed to the book, "Is that a good book? I've been meaning to pick up a copy."

"Yes!" Kayla let out a breath, "I love happy endings," she held up the book, "she always delivers one."

Angelica smiled. She was a sucker for a happy-ever-after too.

Kayla stood and offered her hand, "I'm Kayla Johnson."

Angelica took her hand, "I'm Angie Miller." She offered her one of her alias'. Now wasn't the time for truth.

"Nice to meet you," Kayla began grabbing up the remnants of her lunch.

Angelica scanned the park. The shrubbery moved and she caught a flash of black leather. She smiled, rookie mistake.

She looked at Kayla, "Kayla Johnson? You're not Dr. Kayla Johnson are you?" She asked.

Kayla looked surprised, "Yes, I am. I'm sorry have we met before?"

"No, I don't think so. I read about the new clinic opening up near the waterfront area. Your name was featured heavily in the article."

Kayla blushed, "Yes, I grew up near the docks. I like giving back to the community."

Angelica wondered if Steve realized just what he'd lost. This woman was the genuine article. Kind, beautiful and intelligent.

Angelica heard it then. The unmistaken sound of a gun loading.

She grabbed Kayla and threw her to the ground as the first shot screamed by them. She felt the bullet graze her arm as she threw herself on top of a stunned Kayla.

Another bullet plowed into the ground near them.

Angelica reached for the small Israeli Baby Eagle she kept strapped to her ankle, but by the time she drew her weapon the shadowy figure in the underbrush was gone. She quickly replaced the weapon and turned to Kayla.

"Are you okay?" She did a quick once over, but the only blood she saw was definitely her own.

Out of breath, Kayla nodded and grabbed her arm, "Yes, but you're not."

Angelica looked at her torn shirt and the large red stain growing in size.

"I'm okay – it just grazed me."

Kayla was already tearing open her shirt for a better look, but Angelica stopped her.

"Kayla," Angelica stopped. Now was not the time for slip ups, "Dr. Johnson, I'm fine – really." She heard the sound of sirens in the distance, "Just be careful, go nowhere alone."

Angelica jumped to her feet and ran toward the far end of the park.

Someone didn't want her here and they were willing to kill to keep her away from Kayla Brady Johnson. As far as she was concerned that had been their first mistake.

Their second had been missing their target.