Page 11 of Dying to Read

“I’ll be right over,” Jonathon called after Katie and then turned to Rarity. “That girl has too much energy. Did you talk to Archer about the book last night?”

“Yeah. And it did belong to his grandmother. She told him about the inscription and that she thought it was lovely. So how did the bookshow up here?”

“Good question. It went missing from the house the night that Marilyn was killed. I checked yesterday before I came down to the pet thing. I had copied the file onto my personal computer before I left Sedona for my job in New York.” He held up his hands. “I know, not policy, but I wanted to make sure I hadn’t missed something. I knew the family and it became personal.”

“Wait, so the book was stolen over twenty years ago and shows up in my bookstore now? Seems ultra-convenient.” Rarity bit into one of the chocolate croissants. “Thanks for stopping at Annie’s, by the way.”

“You keep me caffeinated. I’ll keep coming to the bookstore.” He nodded to the fireplace where Katie was setting up chairs. “I better go help before she finishes it all herself. She’s not afraid to call me an old man. Even though it hurts my tender feelings.”

“I’m not sure anyone but Edith can hurt your feelings.” Rarity refocusedon her laptop.

“Not completely true. Sam’s been doing a good job this trip,” Jonathon said as he walked awayto help Katie.

After the book club was over, Rarity went over to sit with Jonathon for a few minutes. He’d been writing in between patrolling the store every few minutes for wandering teenagers with raging hormones. “Any way you’re in town and available for teen book club every month? You’re so good at keeping thekids in line.”

“They sense my ex-cop personality.” He closed his laptop. “But no. I’m not making myself available for this job every month. I don’t mind if I’m here, but to be honest, I don’t enjoy the time. The elementary kids are better behaved than these guys.”

“They are learning their limits and what matters to them.” Rarity watched Katie chat with the few stragglers who were buying more books before they left. “Besides, I’d rather have them here, reading, than out behind the store in the alley smokingor something.”

“I think they’re talented enough to do both.” Jonathon held up his hands. “You’re right, of course. Your store is becoming a vital part of the community. Especially for the full-time residents. That must make you happy.”

“I am feeling more connected to Sedona lately.” Rarity sipped her water. “Anyway, I’ve been thinking. What am I supposed to do with the book? I can’t give it back to the person who left it since they might have stolen it from Mrs. Ender in thefirst place.”

“I’ve been thinking about that too. I think whoever left it knew about your connection to Archer and thought leaving the book here would be the easiest way to get it back to him. Without admitting anything or talking about how they got it.” He dropped his volume as he glanced over toward the register. “You need to tell Drew about the book.”

“You haven’t told him?” Raritywas surprised.

Jonathon shook his head. “I don’t tell my son everything. Especially when it’s not my business. I did ask him if there had been any developments in Marilyn’s case, but he told me it was still cold. He asked if I wanted to take a look at the case file on Monday and see if I had anysuggestions.”

“But you have your own copy?” Rarity asked, confused.

“Another thing I haven’t told my son. And I’d appreciate you not saying anything about that as well. I would hate to break his faith in upholding my duties and oaths.” He leaned forward. “Please tell Drew about the book. Have him come by and pick up the book. Then on Monday, I can look into it. That way I don’t have to worry about you being a target since you have a very expensive book here in the bookstore.”

Rarity shivered. “I hadn’t thought about that. I know he’s busy with the murder, though.”

“Call him. He’ll make time for you. I promise. Or he’ll ask me to bring it over to the station.” Jonathon’s gaze droppedto his laptop.

Rarity knew Jonathon wanted to get back to writing, so she pulled out her phone. “No time like the present. Besides, now I’m a little freaked out at having the book here.”

When Drew answered, Rarity explained what she’d found. She told him that Jonathon had suggested that it might be Mrs. Ender’s book and Archer had verified it. As she talked, she checked the back door lock. It had been unlocked. Again. She needed to keep the kids out of the back room during book clubs better. Maybe she’d put an alarm on the door to the back room. “Anyway, now that I know it’s worth a few bucks as well as connected to a murder, I don’t feel safe having itin my store.”

“Then I’m glad you called. Can you let me talk to my dad?”

“Sure.” She walked into the front of the store. “How’re Shirley and George?”

“Hanging on. They put George in some sort of locked area. Terrance is here and trying to calm him down. George keeps saying that Lizzy is in danger. Shirley’s a wreck. I sent her home as soon as Kathy got here.” He paused. “I don’t think she’ll be at workanytime soon.”

“Great. At least Mommy and Me doesn’t meet next week. Those kids bite hard. Here’s your dad.” Rarity handed Jonathon thephone, and he laughed as he listened to Drew. Then he finished the call and handed her back the phone.

“Drew says you have to explain the biting comment as soon as he slows down at work. He’ll even buy the wine.” Jonathon glanced at his watch. “Is Katie staying until five?”

“Yes.” Rarity glanced at Katie, who was finishing with a customer. “I take it you’re leaving?”

“I’m supposed to deliver your package to the station where Drew can protect it.” He stood and walked over with her to the register. “I’ll see you on Tuesday night.”

“You’re staying in town?” Rarity had thought that once he’d had a chance to talk to Sam,he’d go home.

“The Tuesday Night Sleuthing Club has a case to solve. Two, actually. We both know George didn’t kill this man. Now we need to find out who did and why.” Jonathon nodded to the safe. “I’ll take the book off your hands.”

---