When the first note shows up at the restaurant where he works -- when he isn't designing costumes for a local theater -- Jim Foster laughs it off. When the notes keep coming, he doesn't find the fact that he might have a secret admirer quite so amusing. Alan North, a lonely, bookish customer at the restaurant, is too shy to even think of talking to Jim -- as much as he wants to. Then the killings begin. Two of Jim's friends are murdered in what appear to be muggings. However, the detective in charge of the cases believes they're more than that, and that Jim is either the killer ... or being stalked by one. When Jim and Alan finally connect, can they help find and stop the stalker, or will Alan end up dead before their budding relationship can become more than friendship?

His Secret Admirer

“Shepherd’s pie, the way my mother used to do it. I’m sure she made it up off the top of her head, but it’s good, and easy.”


“Easy being the operative word?” Jim asked.


“Well, duh. I’m not a master chef by a long shot. It’s almost ready. I just have to sprinkle cheese on top.” Alan opened the oven door, pulled out the shelf holding the casserole, and dusted the top with shaved cheddar cheese.


“We seem to go in for one dish meals,” Jim said.


Looking innocent, Alan replied, “Of course. Why dirty more dishes than necessary.”


“A man after my own heart.” He took his and Alan’s coffees into the living room, setting them at their places on the table, while Alan got the casserole, bringing it in to set on the hotpad


“Excellent,” Jim said a moment later, after serving himself then taking a taste. “My compliments to the chef.”


Chapter 40