The Reluctant Hero. Lenora Worth

landscaper who lives on the lake.”

      As she sat there, her heart picked up its tempo. One of the DMV printouts matched this address. And the physical description matched perfectly, too. “This could be him.”

      But she needed to be sure.

      Picking up the phone, Stephanie called the Atlanta Police Department and waited as the operator connected her to one of her most reliable sources on the night shift. If the arresting officer didn’t want to divulge anything about Derek Kane, she’d just have to resort to other tactics.

      “I need a favor,” she explained, then after giving her friend the details, she said, “just verify this for me. Just verify that his occupation is landscaper and that his address is Flowery Branch, Georgia. That’s all I need.”

      Stephanie hung up, then waited. If this hunch panned out, she’d save herself and Alonzo a whole lot of trouble in the morning.

      The phone rang five minutes later, jarring Stephanie out of her erratic musings.

      “Derek Kane—that’s K-a-n-e. Thirty-two years old, owns his own landscaping business in Flowery Branch. Gave a complete statement at scene and then again at headquarters, and has requested to remain anonymous.” There was a pause, then the voice said, “So you never heard this from me.”

      “Of course,” Stephanie replied. “Thanks.”

      She ignored the little twinge of guilt she felt at having forced her friend to delve into police files.

      “I only asked for verification,” she reminded herself as she grabbed her suit jacket and headed to the elevator.

      “And now I have it.”

      And now, why bother calling ahead? The element of surprise always worked best in these situations.

      First thing in the morning, Stephanie intended to take a little road trip up to Lake Lanier.

      To a place called Flowery Branch.

      Where she hoped she’d come face-to-face with a man named Derek Kane.