Page 61 of Dying to Read

“I take it she didn’t have a date in Flagstaff the night William was killed?” Rarity closed out her monthly accounting work. She could do a profit and loss statement later.

“No, the security cameras saw her coming back around midnight in that new car she’d bought with the residents’ money. She’d been skimming from Lizzy, but when William found out, he approached her and told her he was going to get her fired,” Drew said.

“But he was doing the same thing,” Rarity protested.

Drew shook his head. “Not quite. William was getting the residents to give him the money. McKenzie was taking it. She skimmed from the personal accounts as well as the business payments. Besides, getting rid of her cleared the way for his ill-gotten gains.”

“I guess there can only be one fox in a henhouse.” Rarity was glad it was over and both bad actors were out of Sedona Memory Care. “Did Sally know?”

“Yes. Or at least she knew about William’s activities. I think McKenzie told her, thinking she could cover up what she’d been doing and blame him. Sally admitted throwing away Ruth Agee’s file. I think the facility’s getting a whole new administration section.” He glanced at the clock. “I’ve got a meeting with the home’s corporate lawyers. They want to limit the charges to McKenzie and try to keep everything out of the news. We’ll see. Anyway, thanks for the information. I would have found it anyway, but you sped things up.”

“Keep telling yourself that,” Rarity called after him as he left the bookstore. The Tuesday Night Sleuthing Club struck again. She needed to bring in pizza to the next meeting to celebrate.

* * *

Later that day, Rarity was alone in the shop when the bell over the door rang, and she looked up to see Kevin walking into her shop. He grinned like they were long-lost friends. “Rarity! I finally found youhere. People around here are pretty tight lipped about locals. I finally had to look up new businesses in the area since you left St. Louis. When I saw the name of the bookstore, I knew it had to be you. The Next Chapter. You always did love books.” He glanced around to see if they were alone. “But every time I came in, you weren’t working. You’ve got a sweet deal here.”

“Kevin, what are you doing here?” Now that she knew he’d been the person she’d been seeing, her next thoughts went to why he had tracked her down. “Are you in town fora convention?”

“No. I came to find you.” He stepped closer, and Rarity heard Killer’s low growl. Kevin looked down and saw the dog behind the counter. “You got a dog?”

“I did get a dog. I have a whole life here and although it’s been nice to see you, I’m busy.” Rarity reached down to pick Killer up before he decided to snap at her former fiancé. The dog had good senses about people. “So say your piece and leave.”

“Rarity, I wanted to tell you I was sorry. I came back, but you had already moved out and left your job. I couldn’t believe it. You loved that job. I asked around and someone said that you’d moved to Arizona to be closer to that friend of yours.” Kevin leaned on the counter. “I’m not the same without you. I sent you a journal when I was in Denver last week. I took a chance that someone at the bookstore would know you and pass it on.

“I love you and I want you to come back to St. Louis with me. We can buy a house in Chesterfield. You can go back to marketing, and I’ve got a new position with a local law firm. We’ll find someone to take the dog.” Kevin reachedfor her hand.

“I love my dog.” She moved her hand away quickly, like his hand was a snake. A headache pounded in the back of Rarity’s head. “I have a house here. I own the bookstore. I have friends and a life here. I don’t want to move back to St. Louis with you.”

“Rarity, I don’t think you heard me. I know I made a mistake letting you leave. I love you. I can’t imagine a life without you.” He reached out again, to touch her arm, but Killer growled and, this time, showed his teeth.

“Look, I know this is a shock, me dropping in. What if I take you to dinner tonight?” He pulled out a card and wrote on the back. “This is where I’m staying. I’m not leaving town untilyou say yes.”

“I guess you’re staying indefinitely, then. I’m not interested in rekindling our relationship. I didn’t leave you. You left me when I was going through cancer treatments because I wasn’t fun. That’s not the type of man I want to be involved with.” She nodded to the door. “Unless you want to buy a book on how to be a better partner for your next victim, I think youshould leave.”

“So you’re involved with a hiking instructor? I hear things. Is that Sedona-speak for a physical trainer?” He set his card down on the counter. “At least have dinner with me. No pressure. I’d like to catch up before I leave. I’ve missed you.”

Rarity watched him leave the bookstore. She glanced at the card. She hoped that he was staying in Flagstaff. At least not in Sedona where she’d have to see him every day until he heard what she’d told him. Even if she wasn’t dating Archer, she’d never go back to him.

But there were some things she wanted to tell him. Maybe dinner wouldn’tbe a bad idea.

Killer barked as she set him down. “Don’t worry, I’m not going back.”

He looked like he didn’t believe her as he went to find his bed by the fireplace where he could watch the door better. He’d probably bite Kevin if he came backinto the shop.

She smiled at the three-pound guard dog. At least someonehad her back.

* * *

The early May day was perfect for a hike to Montezuma Well. It was about ten miles from the more famous Montezuma Castle. The rock formation had been an Indian community built into the side of the mountain years ago. Now it was a popular tourist spot, even if the actual caves weren’t open for visitors to go into. It had taken Archer several weeks to get permission to fulfill his father’s last wish, to be part of the Arizona landscape he’d lovedall his life.

As they passed by the entrance to the national park where the castle was located, Archer turned toward Rarity. “We’ll stop there on the way back. Shirley’s been talking about going there for weeks. I’m glad your book club decided to join us.”

Drew and Sam were in the small convoy heading to the hiking trail to the well. Jonathon and Edith had come up from Tucson to help Archer say goodbye to his father. They were right under the maximum fifteen people allowed by their permit, but this had been important to Archer, and therefore, his friends were there to be with him. Jack, his assistant at the shop, was driving the bus. Edith and Jonathon had brought their car, as they were heading home afterthe ceremony.

The gang was back together, with a few additions. Dana and her boyfriend, Tyler, sat up in the front, talking to Jack. Tyler was interested in taking several hikes before they went back home. Dana seemed quiet.

Rarity knew she was feeling the loss of her father. They were working with a rare book expert on setting up an auction for the books. From what Rarity knew, neither of the Ender children would have to worry about money for a while. Archer was planning on paying off his building and probably buying a new van for his hiking business.

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