My Deadly Valentine by Valerie Hansen Page B

agreed.
    There had been only a few brief instances when she had acted afraid, especially when she’d taken a look at the latest communication from her stalker. The rest of the time, if he hadn’t known the circumstances, Jace would have assumed she didn’t care that much.
    “I’m glad I phoned Eloise and filled her in. I was sure she’d decide to close the store for a few days but she says she’s game to hang in there if I am. We’re going to have to keep our coats on all day though. It’s going to stay chilly now that the heater’s disconnected.”
    “Why don’t you just call and make an appointment with a repairman to take care of it tomorrow morning?” He smiled. “I know. Don’t tell me. You can’t arrange anything on a Sunday.”
    “That’s pretty much it,” Rachel replied. “But I will call someone tomorrow unless Eloise has already taken care of it. You may think I know a lot of people in this town but I’m a newbie compared to Mrs. McCafferty. Her kin have lived around here for six or seven generations.”
    “I hadn’t thought about the town being that old.” He glanced across the square at the brick, three-story, county courthouse. “Guess I should have figured it out by looking at the architecture, huh?”
    “And reading the carved text on the monuments on the courthouse lawn,” Rachel said. “They mention Civil War battles taking place right here.”
    “I’ve heard Harlan call it ‘The War Between the States,’ instead.”
    “That’s not as politically correct but it is a lot more locally acceptable. Arkansas was part of the South.”
    “South. Right. That’s why I expected to find hot weather down here.”
    He saw Rachel shiver before she said, “Hot, like the place where my stalker wants to send me?”
    “Don’t let it get to you.” He escorted her to his truck and held the door open while she climbed in. “We’ll solve the mystery before long and everything will get back to normal.”
    Although she smiled and nodded, Jace could tell she wasn’t convinced. Neither was he. Whoever had been harassing Rachel was either very clever or amazingly lucky because the sheriff’s office hadn’t been able to unearth much in the way of clues.
    Jace was deep in thought as he pulled away from the curb and they headed for Rachel’s house. At least she didn’t live on one of those far-out pieces of property that was totally isolated. She had neighbors on both sides of her as well as across the narrow, tree-lined street. That was good. The only thing better would be if he were one of those close neighbors.
    “You’re awfully quiet,” she remarked. “What are you thinking about?”
    “You. This area.” Leaning slightly forward over the wheel, he peered at the passing homes. “It looks like a good place to live. Is everybody pretty friendly?”
    “Very. There are a lot of retired people nearby so I see them often, especially once spring comes and they start gardening.”
    “And all the houses are occupied?”
    “You mean near me, right? Yes. Except for the Duggins place. Floyd died a couple of months ago and his kids haven’t decided what to do. I suppose they’ll eventually sell the property and split the profits.”
    “Really?” Jace’s mind was spinning. “That gives me an idea. Why don’t you get in touch with them and tell them I need a place to live? I wouldn’t have to have a lease or anything. Just be sure to stress the fact that I’m Harlan’s deputy and can look after it for them. Renting to me has to make more sense than letting it stand vacant and taking the risk that vandals will trash it.”
    Rachel laughed lightly. “Now you’re starting to think like a local. That’s a wonderful idea. It’s probably even furnished.”
    “And I’d be closer to you, too, so I could keep an eye on your place at the same time.”
    It amused him to see the arch of her brows and her lopsided smile so he added, “Well, I could. And any time you needed company, I’d be