What was the matter with her? When they came out of this store, he was making his move. He couldn’t wait to see the look on her face when he walked up!

*  *  *

“Hey, Sis,” Douglas Randall muttered. “I’ve just noticed that same damned car again. The last three places we’ve stopped, it’s been outside. Once down the street, the last time across the street, and now there it’s sitting right outside in plain sight.”

“I know,” she said, calmly matching ties to the shirts inside the sacks he was carrying.

“It might be that nut who hurt you. I’ve half a mind to—”

“It’s Cole.”

“It’s who?” Then understanding dawned. “You mean that’s the guy who—?”

“That’s the one.”

“What the hell you suppose he’s doing?”

“Following me.” She held up a tie. “What do you think? This print’s not too fussy and it picks up the mauve pinstripe rather nicely, don’t you agree?”

“Whatever.” Doug shrugged. “I don’t know ties from shoelaces, and you know it. Why do you think I came so far out of my way to get your advice?”

“To check up on me, just like that man out there. You’re both just alike.”

Her calm, matter-of-fact manner was impossible to argue with. Truth was the truth, no matter where you found it.

“Don’t stare,” Debbie cautioned. “We don’t want to ruin his day by letting him find out he’s been—what’s the word?—’made.”’

Douglas looked down at his older sister with undisguised admiration. “You’re something, Deb. I’m sure going to miss you.”

“I love you, too,” she said, and gave herself up to his hug. “Easy,” she cautioned. “I’m still breakable.” And then she sighed at the frown that appeared on her brother’s face. She didn’t want to get him started again. “Come on. This is enough. Besides, you’ll miss your plane if you don’t head to the airport soon.”

“I’ve still got time,” he argued. “I’ll drop you off at the Brownfields’ and then head for the airport from there.”

“No way,” she argued. “You won’t have time. Trust me. We’ll split up here. I’ll take my own cab home. And that’s final.”

“Well, I’m paying. And that’s final.”

She grinned. “You sure grew up mean.”

“Just be glad I grew up,” he said.

“Amen!” Debbie echoed. And they both laughed.

*  *  *

Cole was sick. She’d hugged him! What did she do that for? That did it. He wasn’t waiting for them to come out. He was going in. Hell’s fire! The guy just handed her a wad of money! He frowned as his belly turned another flop.