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.Now, who do you see yourself spending the rest of your life with?”Kyle, Jessica immediately thought.But when she looked at her aunt, she just shook her head, not able to speak for the sorrow she felt.“Oh, Jessica.You need to have faith that everything will work out as it should.”Jessica allowed a small smile to form on her lips, trying to believe her aunt, although inside she doubted things would work out at all.Not wanting to talk about her love life anymore, she changed the subject back to the letters.“Ellen, I was wondering, did you happen to mention the letters to anyone here?”Ellen looked sheepish.“I may have said something to some of the other ladies here.”“You didn’t.”“You have to understand.It can be quite boring here.Sometimes we share things we shouldn’t, just to make life a little more interesting.And you have to admit, those letters were pretty darned interesting.”“How many people did you tell?”“A few.But let’s face it, they probably told others.” A look of regret came over Ellen’s face.“I’m so sorry, dear.I had no idea someone would come into the house and steal them.” She looked thoughtful.“Do you think it’s safe to stay there now?”“They got what they wanted.I doubt there’s any danger now.”“You’re probably right.Just be careful though.Okay?”“Of course.”As Jessica drove through town on her way home, a large sign in front of a used car dealership caught her eye.Harrington Motors.Why didn’t I notice that before? I’ll bet Douglas owns that place.On impulse, Jessica pulled into the parking lot.As she climbed out of her car, a salesman immediately approached her.“Can I help you?” he asked.Not sure what she was trying to accomplish, Jessica smiled and said the first thing that came to mind.“My aunt wants to get a new car, so I’m just seeing what you have on the lot.”“I can help you with that.” He held out his hand.“My name’s Kevin.”She shook his hand.“Jessica.”He asked a few questions about the kind of car her aunt wanted, and Jessica made up answers, then she followed him around the lot, looking at different cars.He stopped at several, trying to sell her car after car, but she resisted each time, telling him she wasn’t sure if the price was low enough.What am I doing? She thought.I have work to do.I don’t have time to waste looking for a car I don’t need.She glanced around the lot, thinking of an excuse to end this exercise, and saw a man coming out of the main doors.He looked familiar, but she couldn’t place him.“Who’s that?” she asked the salesman.He stopped the spiel he was giving and turned to see who she was asking about.“Oh.That’s Mr.Harrington.This is his dealership.”“Oh.” She tried to hide the surprise she felt to see the man who was the child of William and Teal.The salesman suddenly called out, “Mr.Harrington, can you come here a minute?”As Jessica watched Douglas Harrington turn in their direction and start walking toward them, panic slithered up her back.What if he’s the one who stole the letters? Does he know it was me who found them? As she tried to think of an excuse to leave, Douglas Harrington stopped next to Kevin.“Hi there,” he said to Jessica, a friendly expression on his face.She froze for a moment as she quickly took in his appearance.Average height, graying hair, hazel eyes.She wondered if he looked like William.“Uh, hi.” She couldn’t tell if he recognized her, but when she considered the idea that he may have been rummaging around in her bedroom the night before, she felt a chill crawl up her spine.“What can I help you with, Kevin?”“This young lady is looking for a car but I’m not having much success finding one that fits her needs.When she saw you and asked who you were, I had an idea.”“Is that right?”Jessica’s panic grew as Douglas trained his gaze on her.If he knows it was me who had the letters, he’s going to suspect that I’m snooping around.“Yes, indeed,” Kevin said.“I thought to myself, ‘If she could just meet the owner, maybe she would feel better about working with us to put together a deal.’” Kevin turned his attention back to Jessica.“Mr.Harrington has owned this business for over fifteen years now.I think if you ask around, you’ll find that we have many happy customers who have found that we have the best deals in the region.”Speechless, Jessica managed to nod.Douglas held out his hand.“I’m Douglas Harrington.”Jessica took his hand, which was cool and dry, but didn’t speak.“This is Jessica,” Kevin offered.“Jessica?” Douglas asked.She nodded, trying to think of a way to escape.He released her hand.“What kind of car are you looking for?”“It’s for her aunt,” Kevin said before she had a chance to respond.“Your aunt? What’s her name? I know most of the people around here, although I don’t believe I’ve met you before.”“No, I don’t live here,” she said, finally finding her voice.“I’m just visiting.”“And what did you say your aunt’s name is?”Jessica hesitated, somehow afraid to give her aunt’s real name.“Debra,” she suddenly said, thinking of her mother.“Debra Stevens.”Douglas squinted for a second, like it wasn’t the answer he had expected, then his expression smoothed out.“I don’t think I know her.”“I’m sorry, but I have an appointment I need to get to,” Jessica said.“I’ll have to come back another time.”“Okay, thanks for stopping by,” Douglas said.Kevin reached into his pocket and pulled out a card, holding it out to her.“Make sure to ask for me when you come back, Jessica
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