Suddenly, Harvey began operating a leaf blower inside my head. “You’ve got to get control of yourself.” I said this aloud but, as soon as the words left my lips, the phone rang again. Pulling it from my pants pocket, I sat on the bed and looked. Same number. Suddenly, a dry sensation invaded my mouth. I felt partially paralyzed . . . like the day I had my tonsils out and made the slow climb out of anesthesia. I couldn’t answer because I couldn’t speak, and yet, I was just as afraid to hear the message. Four rings. A generic voice requesting a reply, and then . . . .

“I know you’re listening, Beth. Not to worry, sweetheart. We don’t have a date tonight. That will come later. Good-night again.”

This excerpt finds Beth alarmed over the possibility of someone being in her apartment:

Holding the flashlight like a weapon, I quietly stepped inside the guestroom and looked around.  Everything appeared to be in order. The computer had booted itself up again and the desk chair was positioned just as I had left it.

My bathroom is too small for anyone to hide, but I did jerk back the shower curtain, thinking about Janet Leigh in Psycho. Finally, I crossed the threshold into my bedroom and looked around and then, even though I know there’s not enough space for anyone under the bed, I dropped to my knees and took a look. Boxes . . . no body.

Take a peek inside the first chapter of Uncharted Waters.

Have you ever felt as though you were being watched or invaded? If so, you will identify with my protagonist, Beth Davidson.

Consider the opening lines: "Glancing out the breakfast room window, I noticed an unfamiliar black car in front of my apartment. The male driver appeared to be staring directly at my door. My mind jumped to Donnie, but I knew this was wishful thinking. Donnie drives a truck and hardly knows I'm alive."

By the end of the day Beth has experienced more disturbing events and declares, "And later, after I crawled into bed, a worm of worry crept under the cover with me."_