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and shoved to her feet. Maybe this was her chance to learn what he was really after. He was a man—he had to be after something. And she did want to learn more about his vandalism issue. “I can join you if you’d like.”
    He smiled slowly and nodded mutely. He waved her in front of him and then pulled out the vacant chair at his table for her. Carol Ann appeared as soon as he slipped into his seat. After she refilled his cup while she stared at him, nearly pouring coffee on his hand, she made a quick exit. He smiled across the table. “I think maybe we got off on the wrong foot.”
    Gabby gave a slight tilt of her head. “Did we?”
    “I think so.” He let out a sigh and steepled his hands. “I believe you were shocked I’d purchased KLUV.”
    “That’s an understatement.”
    “Is it such a bad thing?”
    Oh, his smile was deadly. Men with such disarming smiles ought to have permits for them. She focused on keeping her voice even. “You tell me. Why would an outsider be interested in a station in Mystique, Mississippi, of all places?”
    “I was looking for a slower pace of living and liked Mystique from when I visited my great-aunt. I moved here from Philly.” He took a bite of the pecan pie.
    “What’re you doing so far south?” A Yankee, that would explain the staring.
    “I wanted to get away from the rat race and decided to move closer to my aunt.” He smiled that killer grin again. “Mystique seems to suit me just fine.”
    She traced the cup’s lip, choosing her next words carefully. Maybe she needed to be more direct if she wanted him to share his agenda. “Mystique’s sure a long way from Philadelphia, Mr. McKay. Strange someone would just up and buy a business here without having stayed here for a spell. You haven’t stayed here long before, have you?”
    The smile jerked firmly back in place, hiding whatever true emotions lurked behind his gold-flecked eyes. “I’ve visited my aunt a lot over the years, but only a long weekend here and there.” He slipped the final bite of pie between his lips.
    “Mystique’s not a hopping town, that’s for sure.” She leaned forward a fraction of an inch. “Though I’d imagine a Yankee such as yourself would have lots of plans for how to fix that.”
    He sat back in his chair, smiling and staring at her. Mr. Clark McKay was one cool customer. Maybe she needed to be blunt.
    She smiled across the table. “Tell me, Yankee, what sparks your interest in KLUV?”
    Shock marched across his face. He cleared his throat. “Like I said, I want to make Mystique my home.”
    “Doesn’t explain your interest in the station.”
    “True. But I have a journalism background.”
    Like Blake. Fire burned in her belly. “And that qualifies you to run a station?”
    He grinned. “No, but I used to own an independent newspaper. They’re pretty similar.”
    Finally, a little background. “I suppose.” Gabby rested herchin in her hands and decided to see how forthcoming he’d be on another topic. “Sheriff McGruder was here when he got the call about your car.”
    A cloud dropped over his face. “I don’t know what happened.”
    “The dispatcher said there was spray paint involved.”
    He nodded. “Yes. Apparently someone wanted to send a message.”
    “And just what would that message be?”
    He gave her a wry grin. “Go home, Yankee.”
    Gabby sat back with a thud. “Any idea who’d do such a thing? And why?”
    “I don’t really know anybody in Mystique yet, outside of Aunt Beulah’s friends.” He chuckled. “I can’t imagine one of them stocking up on spray paint.”
    “Probably not.” She grinned and lifted a casual shoulder. Time to return to her main concern. “So, what do you think of KLUV?”
    “Looks like a solid investment.” He wadded up his napkin and set it on his empty plate. “I think it has a lot of potential.”
    A lot of potential? Gabby’s stomach threatened to reverse the supper she’d just devoured. That phrase