AN: This chapter is just for you, Dee and HulkWillSmashForYou. I appreciate both of you! And just because I can, I'm posting two chapters at once. Thanks for making my day(:
The light streaming through my window is what ultimately wakes me. Annoying, because when I roll over to check the time it is only 7:02. By the time I had finally fallen asleep last night, I had seen 12:30 come and go, despite how tired I had been.
"Ugh," I sigh pulling the pillow from the other side of my bed over my eyes. Maybe I can get another hour or two if I stay like this. But, the moments pass, turning into minutes, and then 8:00 rolls around. There appears to be no hope at more sleep, so I pull myself out of bed.
Coffee first, then a run. If I'm up, I might as well do something positive. I change out of my pajamas while the coffee is brewing and my senses thank me as I walk back down the hall and smell the delicious dark roast. I can't help but take a small swig immediately and am irritated at my hurry when it burns going down.
I listen to the news as I empty the rest of my mug taking my time. The piece of toast I'm eating feels good on my stomach, and I roll my eyes as I remember thinking last night that a third beer was a good idea. I throw my hair up in a ponytail, grab my apartment key and head out the door, making sure to lock the door behind me.
On my way down the stairs, I put my phone in the pocket of my compression leggings. When I get to the street, I start running toward a nearby park with nice trails.
About a mile in I suddenly realize I feel as though I'm being watched. I slow slightly, just enough that I can casually look around. Upon spotting nothing, I kick it back up a notch and laugh at myself. After another few minutes, I am still getting the uncomfortable feeling of someone staring. I get to the side of the trail and bend down to tie my shoelace as an excuse. I look all around and still see nothing. Not one to ignore my gut, I run another hundred yards or so to where two trails merge and take a short cut back to the park entrance.
When I reach the safety of my apartment, I immediately lock the door behind me, try to convince myself nothing is off, and head to shower to get ready for the day. I start to feel irritated that I let my imagination ruin my run, but quickly remember what we learned in training about trusting our gut. I'm about to step into the steamy shower when my phone rings. I walk back into my bedroom to the nightstand to check it, but it's a blocked number so I ignore it, turn off the ringer (just long enough to shower in peace) and step in, letting the hot water calm my muscles and my mind.
BREAK~
The man smiles at the sight of this FBI agent, Maggie, nearly squirming as she stops again to tie her shoe. He takes another photo with his camera and takes down a few notes about the time and place. He pulls back farther into the bushes, gathers the rest of his supplies, and heads toward her apartment to continue observing her routine. He is good at what he doesn't do a just waiting for the perfect opportunity. She won't catch him, and this may be the opportunity he was looking for.