“That’s the popular rumor.”
“It isn’t true?”
She shook her head. Telling him the truth would be stupid, but the one thing they didn’t have was a fresh perspective. The man had serious people skills.
“You’ve met quite a few people in Belclare,” she said.
“Are you saying I’ve met your informant?”
“I just told you there wasn’t one. Why are you so curious about it?”
He outlined the steering wheel with his fingertips as they waited for a red light to change. “I’m more curious about how you operate. You’re obviously dedicated to the job and that’s good for the community. These threats are affecting everyone and that doesn’t sit right with me. Cowards who use the innocent irritate me.”
“Right there with you on that one.”
“You must have some ideas on suspects.”
“After what happened to Calder, I suspect the worst. Of everyone,” she clarified. “It’s problematic.”
He turned onto Main and she seized on the distraction, admiring an elaborate new sleigh full of gifts, towed by reindeer in brilliant harnesses and flanked by decorated trees. “Wow,” she whispered. “The tourists are going to eat this up.”
“Wait until you see how the park turned out.”
“Let’s go look.” She twisted around in the seat, hoping to catch a glimpse as they passed the intersection.
“Right after we eat. The decorations will be there all month.”
* * *
RILEY WAS A little surprised Abby didn’t argue more as he found an open parking space in the lot behind the pub he’d checked out a couple of nights ago. He shut off the truck’s engine and pulled the key from the ignition. Before he could reach for his door, she stopped him, her hand light on his arm. He frowned. “What’s wrong?”
“Just think it through,” she answered. “You’ve said you want to stay in Belclare.”
He nodded. “Right. I showed you the signed lease.”
“That’s my point, Riley. Having dinner with me could create long-term problems for you.”
His thoughts turned dark at the implication. A woman with her stellar record and dedication shouldn’t have to put up with this kind of crap. Not from the community and not from the lowlifes who wanted to exploit her concern for that community. “Are you hungry?”
“Yes,” she said, her mouth curving into a soft smile. “But I have plenty of food at home.”
He wondered what she’d do if he just kissed her the way he wanted to. His feelings were unexpected and unprofessional, but that didn’t lessen the desire. Thinking about the way she’d looked at him earlier, he considered capitalizing on a relationship to stay close to her, but if she ever discovered his real identity and purpose it would hurt her. He didn’t know her well, but he could tell she put stock in honesty and even his secrets were lies.
Tell her the truth, a voice echoed in the back of his mind. He wished it were that simple.
She didn’t deserve the shock and pain of discovering what he was. Or rather, what he wasn’t. He didn’t want to give her any more reasons to second-guess her instincts. He didn’t want to be one more source of anxiety and disappointment.
“Well, too bad,” he said resolutely. “We’re here now. It’s not my business what other people think any more than it’s theirs what I think or do.”
“It’s not just what they think—”
“It’s what the people behind the threats will do. I get it.”
“And you don’t care?”
“Oh, I care.” It surprised him how much he cared. About his job, her, even Belclare as a whole. “I’ve been in stressful situations before.”
“Care to elaborate?”
“Not out here.” He shot her another grin, the one he’d learned distracted her. It worked again, as her eyes landed like a caress on his lips. “I’ll be fine, Abby, no matter the fallout.”
She was right. Heads turned as they entered the pub and found a small table near the scarred oak bar. “That thing could use some attention,” he said.
“I think they call it character.”
“Yeah, well, sometimes people forget the ‘care’ part of character.”
A smile bloomed on her face. “Are you set on remodeling the whole town?” she asked after the waitress took their drink order.
“Of course not. Fixing things is just in my blood.”
She seemed to mull over that statement for a moment before firing the next question. “Will your parents visit? I’m sure they’d be thrilled with what you’ve done.”