“Yes, Big John Hammer, that’s his name, or has been since he legally changed it.” Angelica meticulously placed the clothing for a viewing. “He’s running for governor of California. His fan base is fervent.”

Elle looked harder at the grainy photo of the handsome man and his tall, perfectly proportioned and groomed wife. “They’re a handsome couple.” She didn’t mean it as compliment: they were artificial, created by plastic surgery, hair plugs, Botox, hair color and beauty expectations.

“I’ve met them.” Angelica seemed to be carefully choosing her words. “She’s an ornament who always says the right thing.”

“That seems like a good gift to have.” Elle felt sure she herself wasn’t so blessed.

“It is.” Angelica sounded as if she knew that for a fact.

Another customer came through the door, a middle-aged man in shorts and flip-flops, carrying a backpack slung over one shoulder.

“Hm.” Angelica stepped in front of Elle and shielded her from sight. “Let’s step over here.” She moved behind a tall display cabinet with lit shelves of butterflies with agate wings.

“Those are beautiful!” Elle almost pressed her nose to the glass, then realized it was Angelica Lindholm’s glass and she should not smudge it.

“Sadie and Hartley’s Rock and Mineral Emporium markets them. The butterflies are popular, and the display sends people to their store.” Angelica lowered her voice. “About Big John Hammer. He’s not quite...right.”

“Right?”

“He’s a vast ego in an expensive suit.” Angelica seemed compelled to tell Elle about a man she would never meet. “He’s a time bomb set to go off, and when he does, none of us want to be anywhere in the vicinity.”

With astonishment, Elle said, “You’re afraid of him!” She realized she’d been too loud and lowered her voice to match Angelica’s.

“He wanted my endorsement. I don’t give endorsements. Politics is bad for business. When I said that—”

“He threatened you?”

“Some people worship him. Men who are...bullies like him. There have been incidents where people have spoken out against Big John Hammer. They were intimidated. Taught a lesson.”

Elle was appalled. “Surely you have security?”

“I do. But not a bodyguard. I hired one for a while, but nothing’s happened and—” she gestured around the quaint store “—it’s Gothic. It doesn’t seem as if...”

“No. It doesn’t.” Governor of California. That was powerful.

“You never heard me say any of that,” Angelica said.

“I understand. But why are you confiding in me?”

“Your Adam Ramsdell and Big John Hammer are acquainted.”

“Friends?” That didn’t sit with what Elle had seen of Adam. “No.”

“No. Not friends. They went on a trip together.” Angelica tweaked the stacks of clothing. “No one truly knows what happened between them. We do know two people died. Adam was held responsible. He won’t speak up for himself, but I don’t believe—”