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

“What do you want to bet it’s snowing by the time we leave,” Alan said as they walked.


“No bet,” Jim replied, looking up at the dark, cloud-filled sky. When they were inside the restaurant, he led the way to the private room Ken had, as always, rented for the cast party.


“Where did all these people come from?” Alan whispered.


Jim grinned. “The theater? There’s actors, crew members, Ken—” he pointed, “—who’s the director, box office people, plus various husbands, wives, and dates.”


“Later. First, you get to meet everyone.” Jim took Alan around the room, introducing him.


“So this is the mystery man,” Deanna said when they joined her and a few others by the food table.


“Uh-huh. The guy you said you were dating but you never bring him around which is bad of you.”


“Well, now he’s here,” Jim replied, putting one arm around Alan’s waist. “Go easy on him.”


Chapter 42