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Griff paid the bill. With a hand to the small of Rachel’s back, Griff guided her to the exit and stepped out first, holding the door for her.
She paused before walking through, one eyebrow cocked.
He gave her a twisted grin. “I know. You can open a door all by yourself. But my mama taught me to treat all women with respect and care.”
Her smile spread across her face. “I guess I can’t fault your mama.”
“And it’s only what a fiancé would do for the love of his life,” he pointed out.
“I wouldn’t know. I’ve never been engaged.”
“Until now,” he amended.
“Right.” She stepped across the threshold, let the door swing shut behind her and shot a quick glance around. “I don’t like lying to people. It goes against what my parents taught me.”
“They taught you right. But I’m sure they’d forgive you in this case,” he said as he settled his hand once again at the small of her back. “Where to?”
Rachel looked left then right. “Back to the sheriff’s office to see if they lifted any prints and what was in the box. Then I’ll spend some time digging into the databases again.”
They walked the short distance to the sheriff’s office and stepped inside.
Sheriff Faulkner and Deputy Dalton stood around the reception desk, staring down at the blue box covered in dark dust.
“Well, did you get any prints?” Rachel asked.
The sheriff frowned. “Not a single one. Not on the box or the contents.”
Griff and Rachel moved forward.
“What was inside?” Rachel asked.
Dalton lifted a silver chain with a heart-shaped pendant. “You have a secret admirer.” He handed the necklace to Rachel.
She held up her hands instead of taking it.
“It’s okay,” the sheriff said. “Like I said, not a single print on the box or its contents.”
“He’s not stupid,” Griff said.
Rachel took the necklace. On the face of the heart were the words,I LOVE YOU.
“Turn it over,” Dalton said.
As Rachel flipped the heart over, Griff leaned over her shoulder and read the engraving on the back.
UNTIL DEATH DO US PART
Rachel stiffened. “That’s not at all creepy, is it?”
“Threatening, if you ask me,” the sheriff said.
“And in keeping with a man who would strangle a woman with a wedding veil,” Griff added.
Sheriff Faulkner nodded. “My thoughts exactly. By the looks of that necklace, I’d guess you’re his next target.”
Rachel’s lips pressed into a line. “That could be a good thing.”
“There isn’t anything good about being a killer’s next target,” her boss said.
