Page 56 of Bachelor Cop Finally Caught? (Hot off the Press! 2)

“No, thanks. Actually, I just stopped by to get an update on the arson investigation. My uncle is anxious to find out if Eddie Stamps has confessed to setting the fire that killed Truman Kellogg.”

Riley’s uncle, Bud O’Neal, had been one of Truman’s best friends. Another old friend, Stan Holt, had owned the insurance company that had been destroyed in the last fire. Nearly everyone in town had been affected in some way by the string of arsons, Lindsey thought sadly. Could Eddie really have been responsible for all that destruction?

She settled on the couch again while Riley sank into a chair nearby. “Eddie unequivocably denied having anything to do with the fire that killed Truman—or the one that destroyed the insurance company. Of course, as Dan pointed out, the two fires he disavowed are the ones with the most serious consequences.”

“I see. So…are you waiting to interview Dan after his shower?”

She gave him a chiding look. “I think you know very well I’m not here on business.”

“I was trying to give you a graceful out.”

“You mean you don’t have any acerbic comments to make?”

“No. Not about this.”

She was a bit surprised by the seriousness of his tone. “What do you mean?”

Notoriously wary about getting involved in other people’s personal affairs, Riley answered a bit reluctantly. “You know I’m very fond of both you and Dan. I’ve always admired the way you’ve been able to stay good friends despite your professional differences. I’d hate to see anything happen to change that.”

Typically candid with her friends, Lindsey said, “Look, Riley, you have to know I’ve been crazy about Dan for years. I just finally decided it was time to do something about it.”

“You decided? How does Dan feel about this?”

“You know Dan. He’s being very…cautious.”

“I’m glad to hear somebody is.”

Tilting her head, she studied him in bemusement. “It isn’t like you to be so pessimistic.”

The look he gave her in return was apologetic. “I suppose it could work out. But surely even you can see there are a lot of strikes against this relationship.”

“Such as?”

“He’s a lot older than you.”

“Ten years. It isn’t as if he’s twice my age.”

“He was burned very badly by the fiasco with Melanie. He’s still carrying a lot of baggage from that.”

“I know. I can deal with it.”

“And what about you? How do you know that what you’re feeling for Dan isn’t just left-over adolescent infatuation? Last I heard, you had big plans to move to a larger city to pursue your journalism career more ambitiously. You and I both know you’re too good to be writing local-interest stories for the Evening Star. How long do you think it will be before you start getting restless again? I think itchy was the word you used at the party the other night.”

Suddenly aware that the shower had stoppe

d running, and uncertain how long it had been off, Lindsey spoke a bit more softly. “I know what I feel for Dan, and it isn’t infatuation. I don’t think a high-profile reporting career is such a big sacrifice in comparison.”

Apparently Riley had offered all the advice and warnings he intended to give. He merely shrugged and said, “You know where to find me if you need me.”

While she wasn’t pleased with the lack of confidence in his tone, she was still touched by the sincerity of his offer. “I know. Thanks, Riley.”

“Yeah, well…good luck.”

It was obvious that he thought she was going to need all the luck she could get.

He stood. “You know, I think I’ll clear out now. I really just wanted an update on the arson case, but I can get that later.”

“There’s really no need for you to rush off. Dan should be out any minute.”

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