A Daughter's Perfect Secret by Kimberly Van Meter

been forgiven. And then there are the people who never step foot in a church but are known by their good work. I’m a man of action, not words. I believe in the Cold Plains way. I think you’ve created a good thing here, but I don’t feel it’d be right for me to pledge just for the sake of doing it. Know me by my actions, not my words.”
    Rafe held his breath, knowing he may have just shot himself in the foot. And the longer the pause went on, Rafe wished he’d just lied and said he was planning to pledge that week. But just when the tension grew to an unbearable level, Grayson broke into an amused grin, saying, “I like you. You’re honest. And we need honest men.” He straightened, getting to business. “But good character aside, when people pledge and become Devotees, it’s more about fostering community and becoming a stronger unit by encouraging conformity to the way we live.”
    “Are you saying I need to pledge to volunteer at the clinic?” Rafe asked.
    Grayson shrugged. “Of course not. You’ve proven yourself an honorable and valuable member of the community, but I’d like you to reconsider. You’d make an excellent ambassador. We need people like you on our side, promoting the Cold Plains lifestyle.”
    “I’ll give it serious consideration,” Rafe said.
    “See that you do,” Grayson said, looking up when an assistant appeared at the door.
    “Your next appointment is here, Mr. Grayson,” the pert blonde said with an adoring smile.
    “Thank you, Penny,” Grayson said. There was nothing in his voice to suggest impropriety, but maybe it was because Rafe had heard stories to the contrary that he couldn’t help but see Grayson’s gaze alight on the young woman’s supple and trim curves. Penny disappeared and Grayson returned his attention to Rafe, who had already stood to take his leave. “I like that you’re a straight shooter, Rafe Black. An honest man is a rarity these days. Virgil will be in touch. Thank you for coming in.”
    “My pleasure, Mr. Grayson,” he murmured, accepting another perfunctory handshake before letting himself out. Before he walked out the front doors, he saw Penny slip into the office and heard the muffled click of the lock turning.
    Disgusted, Rafe hurried from the building before he lost his lunch and blew the carefully cultivated act he’d orchestrated to dupe Grayson.
    It was worth it, he reminded himself.
    Anything was worth finding Devin.
     
     
    Darcy caught wind of the fact that Rafe was interviewing for a volunteer position at the clinic. When they returned to the office the next day, she was full of questions that were probably none of her business, but it troubled her more than she wanted to admit, thinking that Rafe was on board with the Cold Plains cuckoos. She’d since discovered that the clinic was ground zero for the cultie sect.
    “How was your meeting?” she asked, trying for nonchalant but likely failing. She’d never been much of an actress, but she supposed she’d better get skilled fast if she wanted to get anywhere here. Well, she’d get some practice with Rafe. “Everything go okay?”
    “It went very well,” he answered with a smile. “Did you enjoy your day off?”
    Ah, polite banter. That’s right. Cue the banal details of an otherwise uneventful day. “I went to the library, checked out a book or two—okay, twist my arm, it was three—and I met Officer McCall. Nice guy. Cute, too.” Now, why’d she add that? Maybe to gauge Rafe’s reaction.
    At McCall’s name, Rafe looked at her sharply. “Oh? You like him?”
    “He seems nice enough. I guess he’s a native. Born and raised right here in Cold Plains. Of course he said it used to be a lot different back in the day. In fact, things really started to change—for the better, of course—when Mr. Grayson decided to put down roots.”
    “Yes, I’ve heard the town was much different before Samuel…even the street names.”
    “Excuse me?”
    “Oh yeah. You know,