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out from behind the counter and clasped Daniel on the shoulder. “Yes, this is my grandson, Daniel Shepherd. He grew up here, but ran off to the University of Washington as soon as he was of age.”
    The young woman held out her hand. “I’m Amelia White.”
    Daniel cleared his throat and took her hand. “It’s a pleasure.”
    Miss Burke swiveled on her stool, the blue of her eyes stealing the air from his lungs.
    Miss White, apparently unaware of Daniel’s predicament, slid off her seat still grasping his hand. “Mr. Shepherd, this is my friend, Laurie Burke.”
    Daniel managed a nod. His throat had gathered cobwebs. He coughed once before speaking. “I think Miss Burke and I have already met.”
    Miss Burke’s eyes widened, the blush on her cheeks darkening. “No, I don’t believe we have, Mr. Shepherd.”
    Obviously she wouldn’t admit to meeting him. He reached into his pants pocket and took hold of the coin inside, running it between his fingers as he thought. “I’m sorry. You looked familiar to me, but I must be mistaken.”
    She fidgeted and shook her head, causing her wavy hair to bounce against her pink cheeks.
    Daniel searched for the perfect mixture of words to neutralize the awkward moment. “I know—you’re related to Johnny Burke, right? He and I went to high school together.”
    Miss Burke lips pulled back from her teeth. Apparently he’d just stepped from one viper’s nest to another.
    Miss White’s features, on the other hand, lit up like a light bulb. “You know Johnny? Why, that’s Laurie’s brother!” She turned to Miss Burke, bouncing on her toes. “Laurie, he’s a friend of Johnny’s. We should get them together. Maybe we could all meet somewhere for dinner or something.”
    Laurie Burke turned to her friend. “Amelia, I think I’ve had enough soda.” She stood, reaching for her pocketbook.
    Her friend caught her sleeve, a pout springing to her lips. “No, Laurie, please stay longer. What about your headache?”
    “I feel much better now and I really should get home.” She slid a nickel onto the counter for her drink.
    Daniel leapt on a new tactic. “I could mix you up something—for your headache, I mean.”
    She glanced at him, eyes narrowed. “No, thank you. I’m fine.”
    Granddad wiped the counter with a damp cloth. “Before you go, Miss Burke, let Daniel fetch your father’s prescription. I’m sure Ray would appreciate it if you brought it with you.”
    Finally, a way to get back into the lady’s good graces. Daniel hurried across the store and slipped behind the druggist counter, checking under the counter for packages. Bottles stood in a neat line, names handwritten on the labels. He crouched down, balancing on his heels. “Burke, Burke . . . ” He pushed several containers aside before spotting one marked with a government seal. Amber-colored liquid washed against the glass walls as he pulled it closer.
    WHISKEY, PROOF 100. For Medical Purposes only. Sale or use for other purposes will cause heavy penalties to be inflicted. Patient: Raymond Burke. Physician: Dr. Philip Pierce.
    His throat clenched. His grandfather dispensed alcohol? Daniel shook his head. So does every drugstore from here to Florida. His fingers curled around the neck of the bottle, the smooth glass warm and familiar in his grasp. Too familiar. Sweat broke out across his palm as his hand trembled. Gripping the bottle, he straightened.
    Miss Burke had followed him across the store. He plunked the bottle down on the pharmacy counter, the sound echoing through the quiet store. The young woman flinched.
    A chill descended on Daniel, as if he’d stepped into a cold rainstorm. I thought I left this all behind in Seattle. He released the bottle’s curves, pushing his hand into his pocket and pressing the smooth-edged coin into his palm. Give me strength, Lord. “Raymond Burke? Is that your father’s name?”
    A tiny crease puckered between her brows. “Yes.”
    The woman he had spent so