A Christmas to Die For by Marta Perry

it to the inn first thing tomorrow morning. I promise. Forgive me?" He made a crossing-his-heart gesture, giving her the winsome smile that had persuaded too many elderly ladies to pay more than they'd intended.
    She was immune. "Only if you don't let me down. Tomorrow. By nine, so I can proof it and get it to the printer."
    He sighed. "You're a hard woman. I'll do it, I promise. Now, did you come to buy or sell?" He looked expectantly at Tyler.
    "Neither, I'm afraid. I just walked down with Rachel so I could have a look at your shop." Tyler smiled pleasantly. "Very impressive collection."
    "Thank you, thank you. I'm always looking, you know. Any chance I might see what you have at the farmhouse soon?"
    The police must not have been around. Surely he'd mention the break-in if he knew about it. She was relieved. Knowing Phil, an encounter with the police would probably throw him off his game so much that he'd be another week getting around to the brochure.
    "I'll let you know." Tyler took a step toward the door.
    "I'd be happy to do a free appraisal. Anytime." Phil retreated toward the counter. "I'll get right on the brochure, Rachel. You're going to love it."
    "I'm sure I will." Aside from his propensity to put things off, Phil had a genuine artistic gift. Once he actually produced the brochure, it would be worth the wait.
    She pulled the door open and nearly walked into Jeff Whitmoyer. They each stepped back at the same time, surprising her into a smile. "Come in, please. We were just on our way out."
    "Morning, Rachel." His gaze went past her. "You must be Tyler Dunn. I've been wanting to talk to you."
    Apparently they weren't getting out so quickly, after all. "Tyler, I'd like to introduce Jeff Whitmoyer. Jeff, Tyler Dunn."
    Reminded of his manners, Jeff stuck his hand out, and Tyler shook it.
    It was hard to believe Jeff and Bradley Whitmoyer were brothers—she thought that each time she saw one of them. Bradley was a lean, finely drawn intellectual with a social conscience that kept him serving his patients in this small community in spite of other, some would say better, opportunities.
    Jeff was big, bluff, with a once-athletic frame now bulging out of the flannel shirt and frayed denim jacket he wore—certainly not because he couldn't afford better. He might not be the brightest bulb in the pack, as she'd heard Phil comment, but he made a good living with his construction company and was probably a lot smarter than people gave him credit for.
    "Well, shut the door if you're going to talk." Phil's tone was waspish. "I'm paying the heating bill, remember?"
    Jeff slammed the door, making the bell jingle so hard it threatened to pop off its bracket. "Wouldn't want you to spend an extra buck." He focused on Tyler. "I'd like to talk to you about the property of yours. I hear you're going to sell."
    Tyler seemed to withdraw slightly. "Where did you hear that?"
    Jeff shrugged massive shoulders. "Around. Anyway, I've had my eye on that place. I have some plans to develop that land, so how about we sit down and talk?"
    Tact certainly wasn't Jeff's strong suit, but she supposed he'd think it a waste of time where business was concerned.
    "I haven't reached that point yet, but thanks for your interest." Tyler reached for the door.
    "Don't wait too long. I'll find something else if your place isn't for sale."
    "Will you?" Phil's voice was soft, but Rachel thought she detected a malicious gleam in his eyes. "Given the scarcity of prime building land, I wonder where."
    "Call me anytime. I'm in the book. Whitmoyer Construction." Jeff shook off Phil's needling like a bull shaking off a fly. "Talk to you soon."
    Rachel waited until the door had closed behind them. Once they were well away from the shop, she spoke the thought in her mind. "You aren't seriously considering his offer, are you?"
    "He didn't make an offer. But what's wrong with him? I thought those people were friends of yours."
    "Nothing's wrong with him, except that I