“SO IF BLUE SPRINGS IS A QUIET LITTLE FARMING COMMUNITY,” ELLA SAID, “THEN WHAT BRINGS YOU TO ECHO CREEK?”

“Ah.” He leaned over and, with a finger to his lips, whispered, “It’s a secret.”

Ella feigned a look of grave seriousness. “In that case, you’d best not be telling me, or anyone else, your business. Otherwise it won’t be a secret any longer.”

“Quite true. The best way for people to keep a secret is if they don’t know it.”

The dirt path ended, and they were on the main road. Ella stopped walking and glanced both ways to see if anyone was coming. “This is the main road to town.” She pointed to the left. “Walk about a quarter mile or so, past those three houses, and you’ll be in the center of town.” While facing him, she took a few steps backward. Her house was the second house in the other direction, just after the unpaved lane that led away from town. “I wish you success in your business. . .” She paused. He had never properly introduced himself. “I’m sorry, I never did catch your name.”

He gave her a broad grin. “That’s because I didn’t tell you.”

“Is that part of your secret?” she asked.