Page 51 of Unforgotten

“Dad doesn’t need to get involved.”

“Of course he does. And why didn’t Ryan come and ask our permission to court you?”

She rolled her eyes. “Probably because he isn’t Amish and neither am I.”

“That’s not just for the Amish, dear. It’s good manners.”

“No, Mom. It’s old-fashioned. Plus, it’s not the point.”

“Candace—”

“Mother, listen to me!” Candace drew a deep breath and blew it out. “Ryan isn’t the issue.”

Aunt Dora exchanged a look with Bethanne before looking back to her daughter. “What is going on, then?”

Candace bit her lip for a second. “I still have a stalker.”

“Who is it?” Bethanne asked.

“I’m not sure.”

“You don’t know his name?”

“No. He’s contacted me online. And sometimes he shows up when I’m at various places. Sometimes he speaks to me. Other times he just watches me.”

Aunt Dora pressed a hand to her mouth. “This is my fault,” she whispered.

Candace started toward her. “Mother, it is not.”

“But I encouraged you to enter the pageant. I wanted you to have that scholarship, and I also thought you would be so perfect.” Standing up again, she wrapped her arms around her midsection. “The truth is, I guess I wanted to live a little bit through you. Growing up the way I did, being in a beauty pageant was the farthest thing from anyone’s mind. And I knew I shouldn’t care about such things, but I did.” Turning to Bethanne, she looked even more pained. “I’m sorry, dear. That’s probably a shock.”

“Nee, but, um, maybe you two don’t need me here? I could go home.”

“Stay,” Candace said.

She loved her cousin, but she also respected Aunt Dora. “Are you sure you don’t mind me being here?”

“Darling, when I said that the Lord brought you here to help me make jam, it was said half in jest. But now, seeing how distraught Candace is, I think she’s going to need us both. Please stay.”

Well, that was decided. “All right.” She met Candace’s gaze. “So, um, how does Ryan fit into all of this?”

“He’s been my escort in case things escalated.”

“Do you think they will?” her aunt asked.

“I think they have.” Taking a deep breath, she added, “The man was at my appearance today, and he left a paper bag of photos. They were all of me.” Suddenly looking a little pale, she added, “There were even pictures from years ago too. All taken when I had no idea someone was watching me. It’s so creepy.”

“Oh, Candace,” Bethanne whispered.

“Does Officer Mulaney have these pictures now?” Aunt Dora asked.

“Yes. They’re going to check them and the bag for fingerprints.”

Aunt Dora closed her eyes for a few moments. “Maybe you need to quit all these appearances.”

Candace stared at her. “Quit being Miss Crittenden County? I can’t.”

“But, Candy, your safety needs to come first.”

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