“As long as it comes from an animal. The vegetarian steaks we ate last week wouldn’t be considered food in most countries.”
“I’m stretching your comfort zone.” Caleb pointed to the sign hanging from under the veranda. “If you’re looking for fresh bread, you won’t find it here.”
“I’m surprised the building hasn’t sold.”
Caleb shrugged. “Sapphire Bay is busy with tourists for six months of the year. The rest of the time it’s quiet. You’d have to be sure that customers will buy your products year-round to keep in business. Are you thinking about buying the building?”
Gabe smiled. “Not me. I’ve got too many crimes that need solving. Do you know anything about barbecues?”
“Are you kidding? My dad was the barbecue king of Milwaukee.”
“Good. You can come with me to the general store. Allan gave me some pamphlets about the different barbecues he sells. I think I know which one I want, but it might have too many features for what I need.”
“You can never have too many gadgets on a barbecue. When was the last time you used one?”
Gabe added up the years. Where had the time gone? “I was living with mom and dad. It must be at least twenty years ago.”
Caleb’s eyes widened. “It’s just as well you asked me to help. Everyone should own a barbecue.”
Gabe’s phone rang. He checked the caller display and frowned. His agent was supposed to contact him today, but he was too early. “I’ll just get this call.”
“I’ll meet you inside the store.”
“Sounds good.” Gabe held his phone to his ear. “Hi, Eric. I thought you were calling me in two hours?”
“You need to hear this now.”
“What’s happened?”
“I received another letter and set of photos from the stalker.”
Gabe sighed. “I was hoping you’d tell me the police have arrested him.”
“Not yet, but he’s given them a lot more to work with. He recreated the first murder scene inTaken.”
Fear crept along Gabe’s spine. “What do you mean, ‘recreated’?”
“He staged everything. From the blood splatters to the position of the furniture.”
“What about a body?”
“Not this time, but the police aren’t taking any chances. They want you to hire a bodyguard.”
Gabe frowned. They’d talked about bodyguards three months ago, but that was the last thing he wanted. “It will only draw attention to me. It’s not like I’m living in Brooklyn.”
“Come home, then. At least if you were living here you’d have more people looking after you. It’s better than staying in the middle of nowhere.”
The people around Gabe would have taken exception to Eric’s description of their town. “Sapphire Bay isn’t big by anyone’s standards, but I can keep a low profile here. Is Kevin Knoppfler still the lead detective on my case?”
“He is. He wants you to call him.”
Gabe was grateful for what Kevin was doing. Finding the stalker wasn’t easy, but he was doing everything he could to stop the craziness from continuing.
“How’s the book coming along?”
He pulled his thoughts back to Eric. “It’s on track. Did you get my feedback on the cover design?”
“I did. It’s with the graphics team.”
