Page 67 of Buried Too Deep

Cora nodded, turning her attention to the window. She normally loved walking down this street, especially around the holidays. “Everyone’s decorated for Christmas. I didn’t this year. I just haven’t had the heart to.”

“Hearing that your father was dead when you’d thought him alive all this time was a shock. You’re allowed to feel what you feel.”

“I know.”

“Did you decorate last year?”

Cora sighed. “No. John Robert had just died. And the year before that, my grandmother had just died. It’s been three years since I decorated my house for Christmas.”

“It’ll get better,” Val promised. “My brother died a few years ago, and it’s hard. Different circumstances, but the loss is still the same.”

“Your brother was your twin?”

Val glanced over, her brows lifted. “Phin told you?”

“He said you were a twin. Like he is.”

Val’s smile was sad. “Yeah, we have that in common. It’s hard for people who don’t have a twin to understand the bond. I heard Phin tell you that we were just friends when I was showing your friend out the door. I want to make sure you believed him.”

“I do.”

“Good. Phin’s a good man.”

“I can tell.” And Cora could. There was a vulnerability in Phin Bishop that called to her. But there was also a strength of character. A resolve that she respected. She wanted to ask about his PTSD, but that was a conversation she needed to have with Phin himself. When he was ready. “We’re here.” She pointed to the library’s driveway. “Turn in here.”

“That was fast.” Val pulled into the parking lot. “I bet you walk this every day instead of driving.”

“I do. It’s a nice walk, and I pass by my favorite little coffee shop on the way. The woman who runs it always has a cup waiting for me.”

“Is she an old friend, too? You seem to know the people in your neighborhood.”

“I’ve lived here my whole life. There isn’t a lot of turnover on my street. Many of the homes have been in families for generations like mine. Myrna, who runs the coffee shop, is a friend and a library patron. I helped her locate an old high school boyfriend after her husband passed.” She smirked. “They’re getting married in three months.”

“Burke told me about your extracurricular sleuthing,” Val said. “I’m impressed.”

Cora rolled her eyes. “Don’t be. I’m just good at internet searches.”

“I’m still impressed. So, this is what’s going to happen. We’re going to walk from here to the library and you’re going to stay in front of me. I’ll have your back. If I tell you to duck, you duck. When we get into the library, you get your laptop and then we’re gone. You ready?”

“I am.” Cora looked around the parking lot. It was mostly empty. Only two cars, one of which she recognized as belonging to the night cleaning service, who’d just be finishing. The other belonged to her boss, Minnie Edwards. “How do I explain you? I really don’t want my boss knowing that I have a bodyguard.”

“Say that I’m your friend, come for a visit,” Val said as she got out of the car. “Do not get out. I’ll come get you.” She came around to open Cora’s door and waited until Cora was on her feet. “Hustle, Cora Jane.”

Cora glared. “Who told you?”

Val grinned before moving into place behind her. “Your friend Tandy. Molly and I were having coffee, doing our morning handoff while you were in the shower. Tandy knocked on the front door. Burke had sent us a photo of her, said she was your bestie and she was okay to let in. Tandy said that if we let you get hurt, she would make our lives a living hell.”

Cora sighed. “She would, too.”

“I never doubted it for a second.”

They hurried up the stairs and into the library. Cora drew in a deep breath. The smell of old books had always calmed her. “I love this place,” she said as she sat behind her desk, unlocking her drawer.

Val looked around. “It’s nice. Lots of light. And not too many dark corners. Get the laptop so I can get you home.”

Cora was sliding the laptop into her handbag when her boss emerged from her office, regarding her with concern.

“Cora?”

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