That evening, Rachel met with her Lonely Hearts group at her office, defying her partners for one last meeting of the group that meant so much to her. So much had happened since their meeting last week that it seemed like a lifetime ago.
“Well, I did it,” Frank announced. “I finally found a woman who loves bass fishing even more than I do.” He grinned as reached into his paper sack of homemade caramel corn Edith had brought for everyone. She’d even added a cut-out pink heart to each sack with the words, ‘You don’t have to be in love to be happy’ written on it.
“Loves fishing more than you, Frank?” Lacie said, laughing. “That’s hard to believe. Where did you meet her?”
“At a new bait shop near Callahan’s Lake.” His grin widened. “She’s the owner.”
Edith turned to him. “Does that mean you might get free worms for the rest of your life?”
“Fish bait isn’t just about worms anymore,” he said, turning more serious. “There’s plenty of good bait science out there. It all depends on the type of fish, the time of year, and the water environment to determine the best types of bait to use. Now take the wide-mouth bass…”
Everyone groaned at his fish lecture. “Sorry, Frank,” Rachel told him, “but I’m afraid you’re outnumbered.”
Frank chuckled. “Too bad Hank’s not here. He’s someone who would appreciate talking about bait.”
“Where is he, anyway?” Lacie asked Rachel, a knowing twinkle in her eyes. “And are you excited for your Valentine’s Day date with Hank at Rawling’s Steakhouse tomorrow night?”
“We all saw you two on Midge’s show,” Edith told Rachel. “As soon as I heard from Midge that you’d be on, I called everyone in the group.”
“I’m not sure what the plans are yet,” Rachel hedged. In truth, she’d forgotten about their date. Valentine’s Day was the last thing on her mind.
“Well, I hope our boycott isn’t giving you pause,” Edith told her. “It’s been a fun way to approach the holiday this year, but it’s also reminded me it’s time to take some risks.” She set her popcorn sack in her lap, her brown eyes gleaming with excitement. “You’ve told us that taking risks is part of life. That’s why Frank and I and his new lady friend are busy getting ready for our trip.”
“Trip?” Gina echoed.
“That’s right,” Frank affirmed with a chuckle. “Edith talked me into going on a cruise. Peg, the owner of the bait shop, is going too. She loves bait science as much as I do, and we’re going to try some deep-sea fishing.”
Rachel was delighted for them. “All three of you are going on this cruise? That’s wonderful!”
“Yep,” Frank replied, winking at Edith. “It’s a singles cruise for people over fifty-five. We thought it might be nice to meet some new blood.”
“Good for you!” Rachel couldn’t believe this was the same quiet, recalcitrant man who’d been strong-armed by his daughter into joining the Lonely Hearts group. “I’m so proud of you, Frank. And you too, Edith.”
Edith breathed a happy sigh. “I can’t live in the past anymore— and my husband would be the first one to tell me so.” She clapped her hands together. “I haven’t been so excited about anything in years! I’m finally making myself happy instead of waiting for someone else to do it.”
“Me, too,” Lacie announced. “I’m not going on a cruise, but I decided that I’m through waiting around for my boyfriend to come back to me. In fact, I don’t even want him anymore. I’m going back to college, and I’m going to start a new job teaching ballet to beginners. It doesn’t pay as much as my waitress job, but I can’t think of anything that would make me happier.”
“I’m so proud of you, Lacie!” Rachel exclaimed, suddenly realizing her group didn’t really need her anymore. They were branching out and seeking new adventures.
But what would she do without them?
“We owe it all to you, Dr. Grant,” Edith chimed in. “This Valentine’s Day boycott worked for me in a way I never imagined. Instead of waiting for someone to make me their Valentine, I’m going to start looking for someone good enough to be mine.”
“So am I,” Gina announced. “Once this anger toward my soon-to-be ex-husband has passed. I’m still in the rage phase and I wouldn’t be good for anyone right now. But I can finally glimpse a happier future. It’s just going to take me a while to get there.”
“And what about you, Dr. Grant?” Lacie rolled up her empty popcorn sack. “If you’re hot for the veterinarian, I think you should go for it.”
Rachel blushed, then glanced over at Gina. “It’s…complicated.”
“Or maybe it’s fate,” Gina countered. ‘It all depends on your state of mind.”
“Whoa,” Lacie said, laughing. “Turning Dr. Grant’s words back on her. I like it! But she also says you don’t need to be in love to be happy.”
“But it’s a fun place to start,” Frank added.
Everyone laughed, then Gina said, “I know I’m the newest member, but I’m going to miss all of you.”
“Just because the group is breaking up doesn’t mean we can’t get together on our own,” Lacie told her. “We can all meet for coffee somewhere, same day and time, just a different place.”
“Sure we can.” Edith turned to Rachel. “Would you join us too?”
“I’ll plan on it,” Rachel promised. “As soon as the time is right.” She didn’t have to say more because they understood, and then Gina changed the subject.
They chatted for another hour or so before the members slowly trickled out until only Gina and Rachel were left.
“You were quieter than usual tonight,” Rachel said. “Are you all right?”
“No, I’m really not.” Gina sat on the sofa, her head down as she tore little strips of paper from the top of her popcorn sack. Then she looked at Rachel, seated in the armchair across from her. “Because I think I ruined my best friend’s chance of happiness. I know you’re in love with Hank. I see it on your face whenever you say his name.”
“Oh, don’t tell me I’m that transparent.” Rachel leaned forward, her head in her hands. “And I’m not sure know how I feel about him. He lied to me and…”
“He lied by omission and only because Molly and I demanded that he not say anything to you about this job. Because we knew you’d fire him on the spot.”
“And you were right. But it turns out I did need him. Because I saw him today and I think he may have found a lead to identifying my stalker.”
Gina tossed the sack aside. “And you’re just telling me this now! Who is it?”
She sucked in a deep breath. “We think it’s Russell.”
“Your Russell?”
Rachel nodded. “Crazy, right? I really know how to pick ’em.” Then she found herself smiling. “It turns out, you and Molly have great instincts. Neither of you liked him from the start. I’m the one with the advanced psychology degree, but you’re the ones who sensed something was off with him.”
“That’s why they say love is blind.”
Rachel swallowed hard as tears burned her eyes. “I thought I loved Russell until I met Hank. Maybe I still don’t know what love is, because I read him wrong too. He was just doing his job.”
“You don’t know that until you ask him,” Gina said gently. “Or at least go on that date with him tomorrow night. Just the two of you, with no secrets and no agenda. See what happens.”
Rachel was so tempted, but she shook off the idea. “I can’t do anything until I know this crazy stalker nonsense is in my past. I can’t even do the work I love.” She took a deep shuddering breath. “And Hank hasn’t said a word about that Valentine’s date, so I don’t think he’s planning on it either.”
Gina stood up and walked over to her. “Do you know how much I want to shake some sense into you right now? And this is coming from a person who has multiple detailed plans on the best way to kill her husband.”
Rachel laughed, despite her heartache. “How about giving me a hug instead,” she told her friend, rising to her feet and wrapping her arms around Gina. “And please burn those murder plans before someone finds them. It’s time to move forward.”
Gina hugged her back. “I’ll move forward if you will.”
“You’ve got a deal.”
On Tuesday afternoon, Hank sat parked on the side of the road across from Lee Demby’s cabin. He’d learned the hard way not to enter her property without her permission. But he’d been staked out there for most of the day, as well as the evening before, waiting for her to make an appearance. He couldn’t imagine what had kept Lee away from home for so long and he wasn’t planning to ask.
At least Sassy was there. From his vantage point, he could see the mule inside the fenced area that led into the barn. He leaned back against the headrest as a Patsy Cline song played on the radio. He missed the vet clinic and the trips to neighboring farms and ranches. He missed Grandma Hattie’s honey buns which had run out four days ago.
And he really missed Rachel. He might not be able to fall in love, but he couldn’t stop thinking about her. And that was new for him. While he waited, he sent her a text about their Valentine’s Day dinner schedule for tonight: See you at seven?
A loud rumble caught his attention and he saw an old Chevy truck rumbling up the road toward him. Lee sat in the driver’s seat, the top of her head barely visible above the large steering wheel. She gunned the truck as she passed Hank on the road, then swung it into her driveway, the tires spitting gravel in every direction.
A text dinged on his phone and he smiled when he saw Rachel’s reply: Yes. Their date was on—he might still have a chance with her.
He waited a few minutes for Lee to park her truck. Then he climbed out of the cab of his pickup, hoping she didn’t have her shotgun handy.
“Hey, Lee,” he called out, his hands raised in the air as he walked onto her gravel driveway. “You got a minute?”
Lee stood next to her truck wearing a pair of faded overalls and a brown flannel shirt. She swung the truck door closed, but it bounced open again.
Muttering under her breath, she raised one skinny leg and kicked the door shut with her booted foot. “Back to see Sassy? She has that effect on people. They all love her just as much as I do.”
“How is Sassy?” he asked, lowering his hands.
Lee glanced over at the mule. “Better than before. Seems more cheerful too.” Then she looked at Hank. “Can’t say the same for you.”
“I’m hoping you can help with that.”
Lee snorted. “I’m not the cheerful type, so you might want to look elsewhere.”
“How about a barter then?” he said, walking toward her. “You answer a few of my questions, and I’ll provide free veterinary care for Sassy for the rest of her life.”
Lee scowled. “Depends on the questions. Spit ’em out and then I’ll decide if it’s worth it to me.”
He knew going in it wouldn’t be easy. “I’m going to show you a photo of a large insect,” he said, slowly removing the picture from the pocket in his jacket. He unfolded it and handed it to her. “Sassy’s bucket is in the background, which tells me the photo was taken here. Do you know anything about it?”
Lee took it from him. “Maybe. Who wants to know?”
“Rachel. You remember her?”
A smile softened Lee’s brusqueness. “Oh, you mean that pretty redhead you couldn’t stop staring it. Yeah, I remember her. Seem to recall she left you in the dust after you made me drag her out here.”
“You’re the one who called her,” he began, then pulled back. Arguing with Lee wouldn’t get anywhere. Better to be blunt. “Rachel’s in trouble and the photographer of this insect is the reason for it.”
“So he put a bun in her oven?”
Hank’s mouth fell open. “No! The guy might be a nutcase and she’s in danger.”
“Simmer down,” Lee told him. “I don’t know what goes on in you folks’ private lives. All I know is a guy name Russ took this picture and lots more to boot. He’d heard about the infestation at my place from somebody in town, I guess. Seems that kind of critter is usually found in Texas Hill Country.”
“How long was Russell here?”
Lee considered the question. “About three to four days, but I made him sleep in the barn. He was the first one to let me know about Sassy’s digestive problems.” Then she stood a little taller. “And he said my place was one of the best breeding grounds for bugs he’d ever seen.”
“And when was this?”
“Maybe three or four weeks ago. ’Bout the time Sassy started having that gas trouble.”
Now that Lee had confirmed it, he only had a couple more questions. “And that was before your car was stolen?”
“Sure was.” She reached to scratch her grizzled cheek. “You think Russ took it?”
Hank nodded, wondering just how long Russell had been in Texas. “I think it’s a good possibility.”
“Well, if you find him, can you bring him here? As you know, I like to deal with these problems myself.”
Hank smiled, liking Lee more with each passing moment. “I’ll see what I can do.”
Rachel walked into the Craig Clinic on Tuesday afternoon carrying her box of files. She walked up to the reception desk, where Steven sat working on a crossword puzzle.
“Hi, Steven,” she greeted him, startling the young man.
He quickly closed his puzzle book. “Hi, Dr. Grant. I wasn’t expecting to see you today.”
She set the file box on the desk. “I promised Dr. Craig that I’d bring my patient files in today. Can you give them to him?”
He spun in his chair to look at the closed door to Dr. Craig’s office. “Sure, but he’s free if you’d like to take them in yourself. Then you could answer any questions he might have.”
“Okay, I’ll do that,” she said with a smile. “Thanks.”
“No problem.” He got up from his chair and rounded the desk. “I’ll open the door for you.”
Picking up the box, Rachel followed Steven down the long hallway. She passed her own office door, the room dark through the glass panels at the top of the office walls. And it might stay that way for a long time to come.
She shook that thought out of her head and waited as Steven knocked on Dr. Craig’s office door, then cracked it open. “Dr. Grant’s here to see you.”
“Yes, send her in, please.”
Rachel squared her shoulders and walked into his office. She’d come here with a plan, hoping she could convince him that her leave of absence would be short enough that he wouldn’t need to reassign her patients. “Hello, Dr. Craig.”
“Dr. Grant, it’s wonderful to see you.” He reached for the file box. “Here, let me take that for you and please have a seat.” He lifted the box out of her arms and carried it over to the small mahogany table near his desk. “I truly am sorry it’s come to this.”
“So am I.” Rachel sat down in the armchair directly across from him.
Her gaze moved over his large bookcase, where she saw copies of the bestselling book, The Brain Archeologist: Digging for Secrets.
There were foreign copies of the book there too. Dr. Craig’s book had been a big hit twenty years ago. He’d become something of a national expert and a frequent guest on talks shows across the country.
The fame had led to him rubbing elbows with starlets and celebrities and even power political figures. All of it documented in the framed photographs hanging on his office walls.
“Maybe I’ll read your book again during my hiatus. It’s what made me interested in psychology in the first place.”
“Thank you.” He took a seat at his desk. “That’s a high compliment, especially coming from such a talented therapist. The trick to success is to never stop learning.”
“I’m worried that my caseload will be too much for you and Noah, especially with Jenna going on maternity leave soon.”
“Don’t you worry about that,” he said, waving her concern away. “Noah was here in my office earlier today, champing at the bit to take on more patients.”
“I’m hoping that won’t be necessary.” She glanced at the cell phone, still waiting for Hank to contact her about his visit with Lee Demby. Hopefully, she wouldn’t need to rescue him again. Although, it would give her the opportunity to ask him some pointed questions under the gun.
“You were saying?” Dr. Craig prodded.
“Oh, yes. I think we may have a lead on my stalker. A friend of mine is following up on it now. There’s a chance you could reinstate me this week, maybe even as soon as tomorrow.”
“Really?” Dr. Craig said, his pale-blue eyes twinkling. “That is wonderful news. May I ask if it’s someone you know or a stranger?”
“Someone I know, unfortunately.” She sighed. “I won’t say any more about it in case I’m mistaken. But it’s made me rethink a lot of the decisions I’ve made in my life. That’s why I want to reacquaint myself with your book.”
“You’re welcome to take a copy if you’d like. My publisher continues to send me complimentary copies each year. My agent says they’re still hoping to get a second book out of me.”
Her phone dinged and when she glanced down at it, she saw a text from Hank that read: See you at seven at Rawling’s?
“I’d love a copy, thank you.” She stared at the text as she spoke, her heart beating faster. “The one I have is so dog-eared and filled with yellow highlights that it’s hard to read anymore.”
“It’s my pleasure,” he said, getting up from his desk and walking over to the bookcase. He plucked from the center shelf. “Here’s the most recent edition.” Then he scanned the other books in his collection. “Since you’re on leave, perhaps I can find another book to help you pass the time.”
While he was distracted, Rachel furtively typed a response to Hank’s text: Yes.
“Ah, here’s another one you might enjoy. It was written by my cousin.” He carried the books over to Rachel and handed them to her. The top book featured a photo of a dog that looked just like Georgie.
“My uncle raised German shorthaired pointers when I was a youngster, so my cousin is quite the expert on them. And there are some training tips for GSPs in there too,” he told her. “You’ll need them because that breed can get quite rambunctious.” He chuckled. “Of course, that was my experience many decades ago. But I’ve always favored the look of the solid liver GSPs too. Such a regal dog.”
“They’re beautiful,” she agreed, staring at the book cover.
He walked over to the small table and lifted the lid of her file box. “This should keep me busy for the rest of the afternoon.”
Rachel was still staring at the books in her hands. Something didn’t seem right. She got up from the chair and headed for the door. “I’ll leave you to it then. Thank you, Dr. Craig.”
“You’re quite welcome,” he said, carrying the file box over to his desk. “And let me know if they catch your stalker. We can’t wait to have you back on staff here.”
She opened the door, then turned back to face him. “I never told you I had a dog.”
He looked up at her. “What?”
Walking toward him, she held up the cover of the dog book. “I never told you or anyone else at the clinic that I have a dog, much less a liver-colored GSP. So you must have seen her in my backyard. You were the one out in the alley that night when she was barking, weren’t you?”
“I don’t…know what you’re…talking about,” he stammered, perspiration dotting his forehead. “I’m sure you told us about your dog. I can ask Noah…”
The truth hit Rachel like a tidal wave. Her stalker had been a man she’d admired for years. A man who’d given her the opportunity to work in his prestigious clinic. And to learn everything he knew. Walking over to the front of his desk, she planted both hands on top of it and surreptitiously pressed the intercom button with her pinkie finger.
“You’ve got it all wrong,” he told her, his face flushed. “No doubt you’re stressed with everything that’s been happening. You’ve simply gotten a little paranoid.” He pulled a desk drawer open and fumbled inside of it. “Perhaps some medication would help…”
Then she quoted a line she’d memorized from his book. “Guilt can create both emotional and physical manifestations. The physical signs can include perspiration, facial redness and flushed skin, avoidance of eye contact…”
“Okay, enough!” he bit out. “I might have imitated your stalker, but I’m not the stalker.”
Her heart dropped. “I don’t understand.”
He waved one arm toward his bookcase. “I have one book to my name, and now my editor won’t even take my calls. That book I gave you is one of many that I purchased to help keep the sales numbers up.” He shook his head. “And ten of my patients have transferred to you since you joined my clinic. At this rate, I won’t have any patients left to treat by the end of the year.”
Disbelief mixed with pity for the broken man in front of her. “So you’re the one who called the television station and recited that awful verse? And you put that note in my coat pocket?”
He sank down in his chair, burying his face in one hand. “Yes. And I came to your house that night and your dog scared me away.” He gave her a rueful smile. “Even after years of treating offenders, I guess I’m not a very effective stalker.”
“So you didn’t plan to hurt me?” she asked skeptically.
“Of course not! What kind of man do you think I am?” He stared up at her, full of indignation. “I never intended to follow through on any of those silly threats. I knew you missed your family in Philadelphia, so I thought if you got uncomfortable here, you’d just go back home.”
“You just asked me what kind of man you are.” Rachel stood in front of his desk, thinking of all the years she’d idolized him. “I think you’re the kind of man who should retire immediately.”
Then she turned to the intercom box on his desk. “Did you get all that, Steven?”
“I got it, Dr. Grant.”