“Less and less. He’ll remain on the suspect list, but after interacting with him, I don’t think he’s a kidnapper or a killer. As his wife said, he loves his girls too much. And during our last conversation, he seemed concerned about what may have happened to her. Unless he’s a stellar actor, he’s not our man.”

“Then who is?”

“I’m no closer to that answer than I was the day I stepped onto campus. However . . . I’m convinced my attack and the attempt on your life are connected to each other—and to the ring you’re investigating. Since the barn is a drop spot, and we know from the earring I found that Stephanie was there, I suspect our investigations are also connected. I think answers on one front will lead to answers on the other.”

“I agree. Let’s stay in touch until our study session Tuesday.”

“Tuesday’s not happening. There’s an assembly in the afternoon that overlaps our tutoring gig.”

“Then I’m doubly glad I stopped by today.”

She began toweling her hair dry. “Anything else?”

“Case related?”

Her hands stilled as she watched him. “Yes.”

“No.”

“Fine. I’ll walk you out.” She rose and dropped the towel on the chair.

“Not yet.” He stood more slowly.

She angled toward him, keeping her distance. “I’m not kissing you again, Zeke.”

“I didn’t ask you to.”

“No—but it’s on your mind.”

“I’ll take the Fifth—but our last kiss was pretty spectacular.”

“Also confusing.”

“Confusing—or illuminating?”

“I’ll stick with confusing.”

“Why did it confuse you?” He stayed where he was. One step toward her, this conversation would be over.

She played with the damp ends of her hair—but she didn’t shy away from his gaze. “It makes me want what may not be in my best interest.”

That was honest.

“Meaning me.”

“Yes.” She shoved her fingers in the pockets of her jeans, never breaking eye contact. “You seem determined to have this conversation, so let’s have it. I cared for you once. More than I’ve ever cared for any man. I gave you my heart . . . among other things. I believed you loved me. And you walked away.”

“I didn’t want to. Leaving you was the hardest thing I’ve ever done. I hoped when I told you the background you might be able to understand why I took the job.”