Tina checked the message on her phone. It was from the sheriff. He left a number and asked for a call back. Tina dialled the number and asked to speak to the sheriff.

“Miss Miller, we got a lead on your case.”

“Yes?”

“It was definitely arson. The examiner from the fire department said your store was burned down deliberately.”

“I see…” Tina said faintly.

“Miss Miller, you still there? I need you to come down here so we can ask you a few more questions. Hello? Miss Miller?”

“Thank you,” Tina said automatically, turning off her phone. She stood up just as Bette returned with two cups of coffee on a tray with a bowl of sugar and a couple spoons. She took one look at Tina and set the tray down on a table. “Tina? What’s wrong, what happened? You look as white as a sheet.”

“I need to go. I’m sorry.” Tina heard the quaver in her voice and tried not to cry.

Bette came closer and gently sat Tina back down on the couch. She sat next to her. Tina took a couple breaths and collected herself. She had done enough crying lately.

“Is it about your shop?”

Tina nodded. “The message was from the sheriff. He said it was arson.”

Bette’s jaw dropped slightly. “Wow. Do they know who did it?”

“He didn’t say. He wants me to answer more questions.”

“It’s insane. Who would want to do that? It makes no sense.”

“It would if you knew the whole story.”

Bette paused, then said, “You don’t have to tell me, Tina. But if you have an idea about who could have done this, you need to talk to the police.”

Tina shook her head. “I tried so hard to leave all that behind,” she sighed. “I thought if I got far enough away…”

“Tina,” Bette said gently, “If you think someone is here in town that’s stalking you, you have to tell the police. For your own safety, it’s the only way.”