Watch Me Die

by Erica Spindler

Genres: Women's Fiction; Mystery

Synopsis

In Spindler's thrilling new psychological drama, one woman's journey to recovery becomes her worst nightmare...

Before Hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans, stained-glass restoration artist Mira Gallier had it all: a thriving business doing work she loved and an idyllic marriage to the perfect man. But the devastating storm stole her beloved husband — his body swept away by floodwaters, never to be found.

Now, after years of pain and turmoil, it looks as if Mira is finally on the verge of peace and emotional stability. But her life, like the magnificent windows blown to bits by Hurricane Katrina, is about to be shattered once again. And this time, it's not a killer storm she faces, but a psychopath who will stop at nothing until he possesses her, body and soul...

First, church windows that she restored are vandalized, and the priest who looked over them brutally murdered. Spray-painted across the glass are the words: He Will Come to Judge the Living and the Dead. Then, New Orleans is rocked by a terrifying chain of murders that all seem to be linked to Mira. The police, led by homicide detective Spencer Malone, are following a string of clues left by the killer on each victim — and beginning to wonder if the murderer isn't Mira Gallier herself.

As Mira begins to unravel under pressure from all sides — and fear for her life — it's unclear whom she can trust. And when a man from her past appears out of nowhere, sparking something long forgotten in her heart, he quickly becomes the police's new prime suspect. One by one, the people in Mira's life are targeted, until it's clear that the killer has been saving her for last...and that there's nowhere left to run.

A Macmillan Audio production.

Release date: June 21, 2011

Publisher: St. Martin's Publishing Group

Print pages: 352

Sample

CHAPTER ONE


New Orleans, Louisiana
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
1:48 A.M.

He had been alone so long. Among the living but not of them.
Until now.
Mary had come back for him. They'd been together all those many years ago, separated by his father's will and the whole screwed-up, broken-down world.
But that was the past. She was again within his reach, and this time they would not be torn apart.
It had begun.
He climbed the stairs to his grandmother's bedroom, treading softly, careful not to wake her. Moonlight crept around the edges of the closed drapes, creating bright knifelike slivers on the dark stairs.
He knew these steps so well he could climb them blind. How many hundreds of times had he carried up a tray of food or drink first for his mother, struck down while still so young, now for his grandmother?
He peeked in at her sleeping form. She lay in her bed, head propped up on pillows, coverlet tucked neatly around her. He wrinkled his nose at the smell—of age and illness. She'd become so frail over the past months. So thin, not much more than skin and bones. And weak. Hardly able to lift her head.
Unable to fight him off.
He frowned. Now, why had he thought that? He loved his grandmother; he owed her his life. When his mother had passed, she'd sacrificed everything to raise him. For these past twenty-two years, she had supported and guided him. She had believed in him. In who he was and who he was meant to be.
He shook his head, clearing it. He had told her about Mary's return. They'd argued. She'd said terrible things about Mary. Ugly, hateful things. Each word had pierced his heart.
But in this, his love for Mary, he would not be swayed.
He crossed to the bed. The jagged moonlight fell across her torso and onto him. He lifted his hands into the light, spreading his fingers.
Blood staining his hands.
The blood of the lamb. Splattering on impact.
You're troubled.
He blinked at the clearly spoken words. He looked behind him at the empty room, then down at his sleeping grandmother. "Who's there?" he asked.
You know me. I am the one who's always with you.
"Father," he whispered, "is it you?"
Yes, my Son. What troubles you tonight? It has begun. You should rejoice and fear not, for through the Father the Son will be glorified!
"One of your Holy ones, Father. I had to. He came upon me so suddenly—"
A martyr. He will be remembered, sanctified for his role on this day of new beginning.
At his Father's words, certainty washed over him. Renewed purpose and peace. "Yes, Father. It is indeed the day you foretold and the one I have awaited. I'm in your hands, Father." He bowed his head. "I am your servant. Direct me."
Leave the old one now. Remember, only one can stand beside you.
"Mary."
Yes. Her moment is coming as well.
He eased one of the bed pillows from behind his grandmother's head. He gazed down at her, drinking in her face, emotion swamping him. What would he do without her?
Tears stinging his eyes, he plumped the pillow and bent and carefully replaced it, cautious not to awaken her.
He pressed a kiss to her forehead. "Good night, Grandma. Sleep well."


Copyright © 2011 by Erica Spindler