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a telephone interview with no advance notice.
    Zach made notes on a yellow legal pad as he spoke to Varney. Concentrating on the conversation, he paid scant attention when the front door opened and Ginger rose to greet the man who stepped inside. Ten minutes later, encouraged by what he’d heard, Zach ended the call by inviting Varney to town for an in-person interview. Only when he hung up the phone did he tune in to the conversation between Ginger and the stranger. He frowned when he realized that his dispatcher was cooing.
    The man was tall and athletic-looking, with dark hair and a face that Zach recognized, though it took him a moment of thought to place him. “Coach Romano?”
    Zach followed college sports. Anthony Romano was an assistant men’s basketball coach for the University of Colorado.
    “No, Tony is my brother. I’m Max Romano.”
    “Max Romano,” Zach repeated. “So, you’re not the coach at Western State, either.”
    “No. That’s Lucca.”
    “You share a strong family resemblance.”
    “True, but I’m better-looking,” Max fired back with the ease of an oft-stated claim. “I don’t coach basketball, either. I realize I don’t have an appointment, Sheriff Turner, but I’m hoping you have a few moments to spare? Ginger wasn’t certain.”
    In fact, Ginger knew very well that he didn’t have the time, but obviously Romano had charmed her. “Is there a problem?”
    Following an almost imperceptible moment of hesitation, he answered. “That’s what I’m hoping to find out. I’m on a fact-finding mission for our family. We have some questions.”
    “Questions about what?”
    This time Max Romano’s hesitation was noticeable. “Could we speak privately?”
    Ginger’s eyes gleamed with curiosity, but she took the hint and picked up her purse. “I’ll make the lunch run now, Sheriff. You want your usual from Fresh?”
    “That’ll be great, Ginger. Thanks.”
    As his dispatcher slipped out the door, Zach gestured for Max Romano to take a seat in the chair opposite his desk. “So, what can I do for you?”
    Romano sat, rested his elbows on his knees, and leaned forward, meeting Zach’s gaze with a serious, intent look. He seemed to choose his words carefully as he said, “I’d like to hear your assessment of what life is like in Eternity Springs.”
    For this he needs a sheriff? “That sounds like something better suited to the tourist office. You should talk to—”
    “You. I’m interested in what you have to say.”
    “Why me?”
    “I prefer to speak to the man who lives in the trenches,not someone who’s trained in talking points.” Romano pursed his lips. “Listen, Sheriff, I’ll cut to the chase. My family has troubling personal issues, and we think Eternity Springs might help us.”
    Troubling personal issues? Zach went on guard, though he made sure to keep his expression blank. Personal issues had a way of becoming public issues, which often became his problem.
    “You see,” Romano continued, “my father died earlier this year, and my mother is devastated. They were married thirty-two years, and her heart is truly broken. It’s been suggested to our family that an extended visit to the area might help Mother deal with her grief. Apparently Eternity Springs has developed a … reputation for, well, healing broken hearts.”
    Nothing to concern law enforcement, then. Good . Zach cleared his throat. “Our resident wise woman says this valley has a healing energy.”
    “Celeste Blessing.”
    “You’ve met our Celeste?”
    He shook his head. “Not yet. My sister has spoken with her. Apparently Ms. Blessing is quite the ambassador.”
    “She is,” Zach replied. She was an uncannily good judge of character, too, and Zach’s concerns eased. “What exactly would you like to know?”
    “I’d like you to tell me whatever you think someone moving to Eternity Springs should know. The real story, not the Chamber of Commerce talking points.”
    Zach didn’t have