As BK severed the connection, Dave closed his eyes.

Colossal mess didn’t begin to describe the state of his life.

Much as he wished he could ignore BK’s demands, that wasn’t realistic. At this stage, all he could do was try again with Lorraine tomorrow.

But her attitude and comments today suggested she wasn’t going to change her mind. She wanted her money back as soon as possible.

Dave took his foot off the brake and accelerated toward the main road. If only he could push the gas pedal to the floor and speed away into oblivion, where BK could never find him.

Unfortunately, that wasn’t an option. Kimberly needed him.

So tonight he’d put together a new presentation, polish his sales pitch, and give it another go with Lorraine.

If she didn’t change her mind?

Who knew what BK would do?

One thing for sure.

It wouldn’t be good.

“Sheriff?” Eleanor gave a single rap and opened his office door. “Can I disturb you for a minute? I think this may require your immediate attention.”

Tamping down a sigh, Nate set his cell back on the desk. What hadn’t needed his immediate attention in the past twenty-four hours? Since Grace’s visit yesterday, he’d been going nonstop, the promised call to set up their dinner date still on his to-do list. And now, just when it seemed he had two minutes to squeeze it in, Eleanor was on his threshold with yet another urgent matter.

Perhaps he could quickly dispense with whatever business she had, send her on to lunch, close his door, and have five minutes of blessed peace to call Grace.

“Of course. Come in.”

She entered, carrying a pink message slip. “A rather strange call came in to dispatch, and I thought you’d want to handle it yourself.”

If Eleanor, with all her experience and common sense, had reached that conclusion, he wasn’t about to dispute it.

“All right. What do we have?”

“The caller’s voice was muffled, and he or she wouldn’t leave a name or number, but they did provide contact information for a person they suggested you talk to regarding the deaths of Mavis Templeton and Fred Wilson.”

His antennas went up.

Could this be confirmation that Grace’s suspicions were legit?

He skimmed the name on the slip of paper Eleanor handed him. It didn’t ring any bells.

“Do you happen to know this Dave Mullins?”

“Yes, I do. He sells investments and insurance. Has for many years. He’s a very respected member of the community. But he’s had his share of tribulations. Four years ago, his only son was killed in the Middle East. Three months later, his wife was hit by a car and suffered a traumatic brain injury. She was in a coma for weeks. The poor thing recovered, but she needs assistance with daily living. Dave has been her knight in shining armor. A wonderful example of the ‘in sickness and in health’ wedding vow. He’s stuck by her every step of the way.”