As the search for Perry Bortntrager's killer continues, Jacob Schrock struggles with his own demons--guilt about his friendship with Perry and his attraction to Deborah Borntrager--Perry's sister. Deborah is now working at the Schrock's Variety store, and serves as a constant reminder of her brother, the pain he brought to Jacob's family...and the guilt Jacob feels about his betrayal of Perry.

Deborah knows Jacob doesn't want her working at the store, but she's desperate to escape the isolation of her home. Her mother won't leave her room, and her father will hardly mention Perry at all. She needs to be around people, and Schrock's is the only place hiring. Just as importantly, she needs to come to terms with her unhealthy crush on Jacob. Deborah is certain that once they begin working together, she will no longer feel attracted to him. But instead, Jacob and Deborah find that time spent together only increases their attraction.

Then Detective Luke Reynolds arrests Jacob for the murder of Perry. The community is reeling with this news when Jacob's father steps forward and confesses to the crime. Is he trying to protect his son, or is the beloved and quirky owner of the Variety store really the killer And will this once quiet community ever recover from the scandal