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apologize.”
    He chuckled. “It isn’t the place for a skirmish, you know,” he teased.
    She grimaced. “Sorry, Harley. I don’t like him, that’s all. He’s too full of himself.”
    â€œHe’s just bought that huge ranch,” he reminded her. “He must live on a higher level than most of us. I guess he thinks he’s above normal courtesies.”
    She only nodded. She hadn’t liked the antagonism in the tall man’s eyes when he’d looked at Harley.
    They got their tickets and found seats as far away from Jared Cameron as Sara could possibly manage. Then she lost herself in the beautiful musical landscapes created by the themes of Claude Debussy. Harley seemed to enjoy the concert as much as she did. It was nice to have something in common.
    On the way out, they noticed Jared Cameron speaking earnestly with Police Chief Cash Grier, who’d shown up just after the concert began and stood at the back of the room. Sara wondered what they were talking about. But it was none of her business.

    It was ten o’clock when Harley dropped her off at her home. She smiled up at him. “Thanks, Harley. I had a really nice time.”
    â€œSo did I. Want to go to a movie next Friday?”
    Her heart jumped pleasantly. He liked her! She beamed. “Yes. I would.”
    He chuckled. “That’s great!”
    He hesitated. So did she. Her experience of men was extremely limited. Her upbringing had been strict and unrelenting on the issue of morals. Her past wasn’t widely known around Jacobsville, but her reputation was rock-solid. It was why she hadn’t dated much. Harley knew that. But it didn’t seem to bother him overmuch. After a minute’s deliberation, he bent and brushed his mouth briefly, softly over hers. “Good night, Sara.”
    She smiled. “Good night, Harley.”
    He jumped back into the truck, waved and took off down the driveway,
    She watched the truck disappear into the distance, frowning as she considered that brief kiss. It hadn’t touched her. She liked Harley. She’d have loved having a steady boyfriend, just for the novelty of the thing. But she hadn’t felt anything when he kissed her. Maybe you just had to work up to those feelings, she told herself as she unlocked her door and went inside. It was early days in their relationship. They had plenty of time to experiment.

    It was the week after the concert before her nemesis placed another order. This time he did it on the telephone, and to Dee, who got to the telephone first early Monday morning.
    â€œWhat a selection,” Dee exclaimed when she hung up. She read down the list, shaking her head. “Greek and Roman writers of the classics, some science fiction, two books on drug interdiction and two on South American politics. Oh, and one on independent contractors. Mercenaries.”
    â€œMaybe he’s thinking of starting a war,” Sara offered. “In some other country, of course.” She pursed her lips and her eyes twinkled. “Maybe he’s anxious to skip town because he’s so fascinated by me!”
    Dee looked at her over her glasses. “Excuse me?”
    â€œIt’s just a theory I’m working on,” she said facetiously. “I mean, I’m growing into a femme fatale. Harley Fowler can’t resist me. What if my fatal charm has worked its magic on Mr. Cameron and he’s running scared? He might feel a need to escape before he gets addicted to me!”
    â€œSara, do you feel all right?”
    Sara just grinned. “I never felt better.”
    â€œIf you say so. I’ll get these ordered.” She glanced at Sara. “He wants you to take them out to him on Saturday.”
    Sara grimaced. “He just likes ruining my weekends.”
    â€œHe hardly knows you, dear. I’m sure it’s not that.”
    Sara didn’t answer her.

    On Thursday, Harley phoned with bad news.