“It’s me, Jenn,” Jesse said through the small opening. 4 2
H I G H P R O F I L E
“Okay,” Jenn said.
Her voice was small. She closed the door and slid the chain loose and opened it again. Jesse stepped in. Jenn backed away from him. She looked fine. Her makeup was in place. Her hair was smooth. She wore jeans that fit well and a white shirt open at the neck.
“Tell me about it,” he said.
She shook her head. She walked slowly to the window and looked out and then walked back toward the kitchen. She stopped near the kitchen door.
“I don’t want to talk about it,” Jenn said.
Jesse nodded. She walked to the hall leading to the bedroom and looked down it and turned and walked back to the kitchen door.
“Report it to the cops?” Jesse said.
She shook her head.
“I just finally got moved from weather girl to investiga tive reporter. It would ruin my credibility. You know what the press is like.”
“I do,” Jesse said.
“You know the guy?”
“No.”
“When did it happen?” Jesse said.
“Sunday night.”
“That’s four days ago.”
4 3
R O B E R T B . P A R K E R
“Yes,” Jenn said.
She walked to the front door and looked out through the sidelights. Jesse waited. After a time, Jenn turned back toward him.
“He’s stalking me.”
Again Jesse felt it across his shoulders. He was aware, against his hip, of the mild weight of his holstered gun.
“Is he here?” Jesse said.
Jenn seemed to jump a little.
“Here?”
“Did he follow you here?” Jesse said.
“No. I saw him outside my apartment this morning, so went out through the back cellar door and down the alley. I took a cab here.”
“How long has he stalked you.”
