"Cross Roads" By Christie Chambless

Jessie Stanton is an 18 year old high school senior, secure in her world and her new found love of 19 year old Tyler Mitchell, her dream guy. Unfortunately, dreams turn to nightmares when Jessie starts to see the dark sadistic part of Tyler that he’s kept carefully hidden away from the world. The more time that Jessie spends alone with him, the more terrified she gets. The more she learns, the harder it gets for her to extricate herself from Tyler’s twisted love.

Caleb Jensen is Jessie’s neighbor, and childhood friend. He’s also 19, and a senior at the same high school. Everybody knows that he’s nursed a powerful infatuation for Jessie, even Jessie. She, however, has never felt anything more then sisterly affection for Caleb. At the beginning of their senior year, Caleb finally sees that he’s been wrong about his own feelings toward Jessie. Upset by his own stupidity, Caleb opens his eyes and really sees for the first time with clear sight, the beautiful girl that’s been patiently waiting all along.

Enter Katie Franklin, Jessie’s best friend, also an 18 year old high school senior. Katie has been waiting for Caleb to wake up and get a clue, and is thrilled when he finally does. As their romance grows, it is tested by the unexpected and tragic loss of Caleb’s father, his only family. Katie is instrumental in keeping Caleb whole through his grief, and helping him start to heal. Their relationship is exactly what Jessie is so desperately trying to create with Tyler. The easy affection that leads to a very deep love, between Katie and Caleb just cannot be forced, however. Jessie finally understands this, but it takes being beaten and knocked down in front of her best friend to give Jessie the nerve to leave Tyler, and stay away. That, and the unfailing support from Toby Jones.

Toby is a 22 year old Shelton police officer, and the older brother of another of Jessie’s friends. He didn’t spend much time with his sister’s friends when he was younger, they annoyed him. However, coming across Jessie now, in his professional capacity, he’s intrigued. To the surprise of everybody involved, a very close friendship blooms between the battered Jessie and her protector. Knowing what she’s been through, Toby is willing to just be her friend, for now.

Jessie has made a determined enemy, though, in Tyler. He is convinced that by reporting the abuse she’s suffered at his hands to the police, Jessie has ruined his life. He’s no longer eligible for scholarships, he has to finish high school being home schooled, and everybody thinks he’s some kind of woman beating freak. He’s determined to get revenge somehow, and he starts his rampage with the girl he tried to replace Jessie with, and her meddling mother. The whole state of Washington’s talking about Tyler Mitchell now, and Jessie’s terrified. Toby and her family have drawn together to protect her, but will it be enough, or will Tyler get his revenge after all?