Page 36 of Heart Strings

After she leaves, the apartment feels quiet, almost too quiet after our lively dinner. I pour myself another small glass of wine and sit back down at the table, thinking about the future. It’s scary as hell, yes, but for the first time in a long time, it also feels wide open and full of possibilities.

I raise my glass in a silent toast to new beginnings, to adventures, and to whatever comes next.

Chapter 27

Gracie

The echo of my footsteps fills the empty space of Chapter One as I wait for Sheriff Bowman. The morning is overcast, the gray light filtering in through the front windows, casting long shadows across the bare floors.

It’s eerily quiet, a stark contrast to the usual hum of activity this place once held. I’m pacing, trying to shake off the uneasy feeling that’s settled in my stomach, when the bell above the door chimes softly.

“Sheriff Bowman,” I greet as he steps in, his familiar hat in hand, a serious look on his face.

“Gracie,” he nods, placing his hat on one of the few remaining pieces of furniture—a table we hadn’t moved yet. “I’ve got some news about the break-in.”

I motion for him to follow me to the small area I’ve set up at the back with a couple of chairs. “Let’s sit. What did you find out?”

He takes a seat, his posture straight as he pulls out a small notebook. “We reviewed the surveillance footage from outside the bookstore, as well as from a couple of nearby businesses. Around 2 AM on the night of the incident, two men approached your store.”

My heart sinks a little, the reality of the situation settling deeper. “And?” I prompt, needing to know more despite the dread building inside me.

“It seems they got in using a key, or rather, both the keys you use to open the front door,” he says, and my heart sinks right into my stomach. “Walked right up, unlocked the door, and let themselves in. No forced entry. They were in and out within ten minutes.” His tone is matter-of-fact, but his eyes are sympathetic as they meet mine.

I can feel my hands trembling and fold my arms as a chill runs through me. “My keys? But that means...” I trail off, not wanting to finish the thought.

“It seems you were targeted specifically,” Sheriff Bowman confirms. “Someone planned this, someone who knew how to get in.”

I bite my lip, frustration and fear mingling in my chest. “But why? It’s just a bookstore. I don’t have enemies or thousands of dollars in my safe.”

“We’re looking into it,” he assures me. “For now, I’m going to have a patrol car swing by the area, especially in the evenings, for the next few weeks. Just to see if anyone suspicious comes around again.”

I nod, grateful for the added protection but disturbed by the necessity. “Thank you, Sheriff. That’s very reassuring.”

He tips his hat again, ready to leave, but pauses at the door. “Gracie, it’s important you tell me if you remember anything unusual, anyone who might have had access or a grudge. Anything helps.”

I bite my lip, thinking back over the past weeks, the faces of customers, the quick interactions. Nothing stands out, but now everything seems suspect. “I’ll let you know if I think of anything,” I promise.

“Good.” Sheriff Bowman gives me a sympathetic look. “Take care, Gracie. We’ll do our best to get to the bottom of this.”

After Sheriff Bowman leaves, I’m left standing in the doorway, looking out at the quiet street. The normalcy of the scene outside does nothing to calm the storm inside me. Someone targeted me, someone who had access to a key. The thought sends another shiver down my spine.

I glance around at the hollow shell of what used to be my bustling bookstore. The empty shelves, the scattered debris we cleaned up, all of it feels tainted now. This place was more than just a business; it was a part of me, and now it feels violated.

As I sit back down in one of the chairs, I pull out my phone to call Connor. He picks up after the first ring.

“Hey, Tink, everything alright?” Connor’s voice is immediately soothing, but today, even that can’t chase away the unease.

“Not really,” I confess, my voice a bit shaky. “The sheriff came by. They saw two men on the surveillance footage outside the shop. And… they had a key, Connor. They knew what they were doing.”

There’s a pause on the line, and when he speaks again, his tone is tight with concern. “Are you serious? That’s... Gracie, that’s really not good. Do you want me to come over?”

I hesitate, then nod, even though he can’t see me. “Yes, please. I don’t really want to be alone here.”

“Okay, I’m on my way,” he says without a second’s hesitation.

After hanging up, I tuck my phone away and wrap my arms around myself, trying to ward off the chill. I can’t shake the feeling that something is very wrong, not just with the break-in, but with the whole situation. Who would do this? And why now?

Chapter 28

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