Read If Looks Could Kill for Free Online Page B

Lucien said, sounding sincerely interested.
    â€œYeah, Omaha.” She chuckled. “There’s not a lot going on in Omaha.”
    â€œI can imagine.”
    Caylin gazed up into Lucien’s face. His eyes locked on to hers and held them. Beautiful blue eyes. Crystal clear. Honest. Understanding. It was as if he truly wanted to know what was going on in her heart and soul. Caylin thought she was putting on a pretty good act. But if Lucien was acting . . . well, he deserved to be right up there with De Niro.
    What if Lucien was exactly what he said he was? What if this whole Carruthers thing was just a case of mistaken identity?
    â€œYou see, Caylin,” Lucien said, holding her gaze, “it takes a long time to realize that where you stand on the planet really has nothing to do with where you are emotionally and spiritually.”
    â€œI’m not sure I understand,” Caylin said.
    â€œWell, someone who lives in Omaha who is perfectly happy with who they are probably thinks that it’s the mostwonderful place on the planet.” He placed his hand against his chest. “Inside affects outside, you see?”
    Caylin nodded. “I think so.”
    Lucien smiled and placed his hands on Caylin’s shoulders. His ice blue eyes were clearer than ever. Enveloping her.
    â€œThat’s mostly what we do here, Caylin. The people who come to me are lost like you. But that doesn’t mean they’re worthless, or useless, or cast aside. It just means they’re lost. And when you find yourself, you’ll come to think of this place as home. You belong here, Caylin. I can tell. You definitely belong here with us. . . .”
    Caylin stared into Lucien’s eyes. She saw nothing there that hinted at ill will or evil or whatever Uncle Sam was accusing him of. Lucien did this because he cared. Caylin, at that moment, was sure of it.
    His eyes were so beautiful. . . .
    She couldn’t help staring into them. Couldn’t help listening to the calmness of his voice as he made everything seem so much better. The grounds were peaceful, the surrounding countryside beautiful and calming.
    This place really is a utopia, Caylin thought.
    And Lucien was the perfect guide to its spiritual treasures.
    But that’s why he’s so good at what he does, she thought, suddenly feeling very tired. The jet lag and the bike ride were catching up with her. . . .
    So good . . . so very, very good . . .
    â€¢Â Â â€¢Â Â â€¢
    The alleys zipped by at a speed too terrifying to consider. Jo was too busy driving to look. And Theresa was too busy cringing to care.
    â€œAre they still there?” Jo called.
    â€œWhat?” Theresa shouted.
    â€œAre they still there? I don’t have mirrors!”
    â€œI’m not looking!” Theresa’s eyes were squeezed shut.
    â€œYou have to look!” Jo demanded.
    Theresa shook her head. “No way!”
    â€œWay! Just look, for crying out loud!”
    Theresa was frozen, but she forced herself to glance behind them. She was convinced that any movement on her part would send the bike into a violent spin and kill the both of them. But nothing happened.
    Until the samurai sword sliced down into the taillight of their bike!
    The red plastic shattered, spilling out behind them. The swordsman—mere inches off their back end—raised the blade for another strike.
    â€œAre they still there?” Jo called.
    â€œYeah, they’re still there! Gun it!” Theresa screamed.
    Jo hammered the throttle, and the samurai sword swished open air.
    Theresa’s panic suddenly turned to red-hot anger. She pulled closer to Jo and yelled, “I’ve had it with these animals! Get us out of here!”
    â€œJust lean into the turns more,” Jo ordered. “This could get ugly.”
    Theresa nodded and tried to concentrate on the road. But it wasn’t a road. It was a