The Stolen Valentine: Darcy Sweet Mystery, #5

By K.J. Emrick

Love is in the air for the folks in Misty Hollow as they prepare for their annual Valentine's Day dance. Darcy Sweet thinks that she has nothing more to worry about than decorating the Sweet Read bookstore, and what to get her boyfriend on the most romantic day of the year.

She couldn't have been more wrong!

There is cause for worry when Aaron, her brother-in-law, fails to return home one night after receiving some exciting news. Things look even more dire when he doesn't turn up the next day either. His family begins to fear the worst.

What has happened to Aaron? Is he in danger? Will they find him before it's too late?

• Language: English
• Publisher: South Coast Publishing
• Release date: Feb 14, 2014
• ISBN: 9781497744530

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

Darcy Sweet folded another piece of tape against the back of the big red heart she had cut out of construction paper and decorated with scrapbooking lace. She positioned it just right on the end of one of the metal bookracks in her store, the Sweet Read Bookstore. It was the final touch among all the other Valentine’s Day hearts, cupids and roses. When it was in place she stood back to admire her work.

I think it needs more streamers, Sue teased her. Sue Fisher, Darcy’s young and enthusiastic assistant, tapped a finger against her lips. Yes. And maybe some more roses. There has to be some left in Misty Hollow somewhere.

Very funny, Darcy told her, sticking her tongue out. She did a slow circle in the middle of the store, checking out the decorations that hung from the ceiling or were propped up on the tables in the reading corner or just stuck on the walls and windows. I think it looks good. Have you ever seen a better looking Valentine’s Day display?

Sue raised her dark blonde eyebrows. Nope. It’s the best I’ve ever seen, she said, her tone flat.

Darcy wondered what was eating at Sue. Come to think of it the girl had been a bit distracted all morning. Um, Sue? What’s up?

At first she thought Sue wasn’t going to answer her. She kept her head down over the magazine she’d been leafing through half-heartedly all morning. Darcy was just about to let it go when Sue suddenly dropped her hands to her lap and smiled in a sheepish kind of way.

I’ve met someone new, she said.

Well, that’s good isn’t it? Darcy asked. Sue had finally broken up with her on again, off again boyfriend Randy just before Christmas. Darcy had never really cared for the guy anyway. Sue had never seemed happy with him. Now with a new guy, and at Valentine’s Day no less, maybe Sue could be happy again.

Sue’s smile got bigger. Oh yes Darcy, he’s the most wonderful guy. It’s only been a few weeks and already I just can’t stop thinking about him. He could be, you know, the one, she said, her fingers making air quotes to show how serious she was. His name is Zachary Kendell. I met him at college. Same courses. Same taste in music. He even likes mustard on his hamburgers. Can you believe it?

Darcy couldn’t help but smile back at her. Yes. I can believe it. It’s the season of love after all.

Oh, well, now, I wouldn’t use the big L word just yet, Sue said, but even as the words were coming out her cheeks were coloring red. Anyway, with winter break and all, he promised to come visit me here. Maybe you’ll get a chance to meet him.

Darcy could see Sue really had strong feelings for this Zach. Not that it surprised her. Darcy had fallen for her boyfriend, Jon Tinker, within days of meeting him. They’d taken the big step now of moving in together. She’d never been happier than she was waking up next to him each and every morning.

So, yeah, Sue continued. Things are going really well with us. I’m just kind of worried, you know?

Worried? About what?

Sue grimaced and then sighed. I’m worried about Valentine’s Day. As Darcy scrunched her face up in confusion, Sue quickly explained, I’m worried that it’s going to put too much pressure on him. You know how guys are. I don’t want Zach trying to go over the top or stressing that I won’t be happy with whatever he does. I don’t want him to think I expect some big gesture.

Darcy thought about it. Can I give you some advice?

Sue practically beamed at her. Oh Darcy, I’ve been waiting all morning to ask you! You’re the perfect person to give me advice. You and Jon are like the most loving couple I know. Tell me. What are the two of you doing for Valentine’s Day?

Darcy bit her lip and kind of rolled her eyes as she sat down in the chair next to Sue’s. I have no idea. I keep trying to get hints from Jon but he won’t tell me anything.

Or maybe he doesn’t have anything yet, Sue said.

Darcy giggled. He better have something or I’ll make him sleep on the couch for a month! The two girls laughed together. No, really. I don’t care what he does. I just want it to be from the heart. Anything he does that he really means will be fine for me.

Is that your big advice? Sue asked, a little disappointed.

Yup, that’s it. That’s what you need to do with your new guy. Find something to give him from the heart, and let him know that’s all you want from him in return. Expensive doesn’t make something special. Love does.

She felt foolish, talking like this about her and Jon and love and all. She chalked it up to Valentine’s Day being next week. Love was in the air. It was in her thoughts, too. Turning the antique ring around her finger like she did when she was nervous or distracted, she realized that Sue was still staring at her. She shrugged her shoulders. I just wish I knew what I could get Jon.

You should take Jon to the dance in the square on Valentine’s Day, Sue suggested with a smile. You know. A man, a woman, music, dancing. And…whatever. She winked at Darcy when she said it.

Darcy knew Jon was something special in her life. They had gone through a lot together, what with his being a police officer and her special gift. It had taken a little while but he accepted who she was now, all of her, and she loved him all the more for it.

Of course, there were the mysteries and murders that had swirled through their quiet little town over the last year or so, too. Hard to forget those.

To Sue, she said, Dancing? That sounds like fun. Jon is not such a great dancer when you put him on the spot, but at home, every once in a while he’ll take me by my hand when we’re alone and the radio is playing some silly song, and we’ll just dance around the kitchen forever.

See? That’s what I’m talking about. That’s the kind of romance I want to find with someone. Guys are just jerks, that’s what I think.

Darcy looked at her out of the corner of her eye. What about Zach? Is your new guy a jerk?

Sue’s face melted into a dreamy smile. No. No, he’s not.

Darcy got up and went to fiddle with straightening the books in their stacks. Well, I already volunteered to help plan and decorate the town square for the dance. I’ll ask Jon if he wants to take me there for Valentine’s Day.

Shouldn’t he ask you? Sue suggested.

"Sure.