Love Inspired Suspense December 2015, Box Set 2 of 2 by Margaret Daley Page B

the case, then to the general store for the supplies. I came out and my tires were slashed.”
    â€œDid you say anything about what happened at Betty’s cabin to anyone?” Rachel finished the last of her sandwich and relaxed back, trying to ease the tension gripping her, not just from nearly dying in the fire but from Jake, too.
    â€œI mentioned it to Randall at the police station and told Sean that you and Linda were at the house cleaning it up. Anyone in earshot could have overheard that I was getting supplies and going to Betty’s cabin to help you. When I couldn’t get hold of you two at Betty’s or your house, I left Max’s Garage and headed that way.”
    Lawrence slapped his hand on the table. “That’s it. Someone heard and didn’t want you to go. You need to make a list of who was at the store and station besides Randall.”
    â€œWell, except for Randall, Officers Bates and Clark were at the station. It was just the people at the store and frankly, I can’t remember all of them. There were some who I couldn’t even tell you their names. Marge was behind the counter, and I saw Celeste and Brad.”
    He saw Celeste? Why didn
’
t he say something to me?
Rachel balled her hands in her lap.
How did he feel? Is he still in love with her? I hate being shut out of that part of his life.
    â€œLinda, I was going to stop at the church on the way back to Betty’s, but forgot all about that after my tires were slashed.” He looked toward her aunt. “Sorry about that. But I did talk to Sean in the store about using a larger venue at the fishery for the memorial service. He reminded me how many people Betty had known and would want to pay their respects. The church won’t be able to hold all of them.”
    Aunt Linda began taking the empty dishes to the sink. “Thanks for letting me know about the church. I’ll call our pastor this evening and get his take on where to hold the memorial service. Betty wanted to be cremated. We can sprinkle her remains in Bristol Bay. I think Tom would let us use the Blue Runner. In fact, I’m sure he would insist.”
    â€œWhat did Celeste have to say?” Rachel finally asked, not wanting to talk about her but wanting to know how it went with Jake. At one time she and Celeste had been friends, but after Jake, that had all changed.
    â€œNothing. She and Brad were eating. I’m not even sure they saw me.”
    Lawrence rose and headed for the sink. “I’ll help you clean up, then you might offer me some of that pie left over from last night.”
    â€œAnyone else want a piece?” Aunt Linda asked as she handed Lawrence a dish to dry.
    Rachel groaned. “I think I’ll pass.”
    Her aunt gave her a puzzled look. “But it’s your favorite. I was counting on your helping me finish it today.”
    â€œI need to go on a diet after today, trying to squeeze out of that window.”
    â€œI’ll take an extra big piece,” Jake said.
    Rachel leaned closer to him and whispered, “Are you okay with seeing Celeste?”
    He lifted one shoulder in a shrug. “I knew I would see her eventually. She doesn’t mean anything to me.”
    Rachel wasn’t convinced by his casual tone. He’d walked away from Port Aurora, his grandfather—her—all because of Celeste. “I’m here if you need to talk to anyone about her.”
    â€œShe’s my past. Let’s leave her there.”
    But are you over your past?
Rachel gritted her teeth to keep from replying. An uncomfortable silence fell between her and Jake. She took the last sip of her cold coffee and stood. “Do you want a refill?”
    â€œYes, thanks.”
    She grabbed Jake’s mug and headed for the stove when her aunt stepped back from the sink, put her hands on her hips and said to Lawrence, “Jake is going to do what?” Her voice rose.
    Rachel’s gaze flew