Page 14 of Dying to Read

A knock on her door later that evening got her off the couch. She paused the reality show she’d been watching—okay, she’d been binge-watching. She opened the door, “Oh, I thought you were my Chinese food order.”

“You’re in yoga clothes and eating Chinese food?” Drew stepped into the living room and shut the door. “Things are worse than I realized. Is Archer stillignoring you?”

“How did you know?” Rarity went back to the couch and sat, hugging a pillow since Killer had run to sit on Drew’s lap. Drew was one of Killer’s favorite people. Probably in the top three. “With Archer gone, you might move up on Killer’s list.”

“He’s not gone.” Drew leaned forward. “Look, I know this is a hard time for the two of you, but can we talk about something else? I don’t want to break his confidence. He might be an idiot, but he’s also mybest friend.”

“Sure, but don’t tell me who won this season ofProject Runway. I’m only on episode five.” She leaned back, considering what she’d learned. Archer had talked to Drew about their situation. Maybe Drew was the one to call Terrance. Or maybe Archer was telling everyone but her whatwas going on?

“Not a show I watch, even when I’m depressed. When Sam and I were having issues, I watchedThe Walking Dead. Seeing all those zombies getting killed was cathartic.”

“I can’t even comment on that.” Rarity rolled her eyes. Drew always knew how to make her laugh. “Anyway, whyare you here?”

“I wanted to talk to you about that book you found. I’m not going to have a lot of time to work on who it belongs to, not with this murder, but I’m waiting for reports now.” He pulled out his notebook. “Tell me when you discovered it.”

“You know it belongs to Archer. Or maybe his parents.” Rarity sat forward. “I guess it depends on if his grandmother had a will.”

“I’m more interested in who had the book for the last twenty years,” Drew explained. “Did anyone stick out that dayat the shop?”

“I wasn’t working. Katie took that Monday. I was going to go through the security videos on the front door and see if I recognized anyone coming in.” She pulled out her planner. “Do I need to do that tomorrow?”

“Do you have plans?” He nodded to the television. “Oh, well there’s that. Tuesday’s fine. I don’t want to interrupt your important binge-watch schedule.”

“Shut up. I was going to clean the house. Katie’s working tomorrow and I don’t like to pop in on them when they’re working alone unless they ask. I don’t want them to think I don’t trust them.” She tapped her planner. “Besides, I’d like your dad to watch it with me. Since he was the investigator back then, maybe he’d recognize someone. I didn’t even live here when the bookdisappeared.”

“Not a bad idea.” Drew snapped his notebook shut. “So are you doing okay?”

Tears threatened again. She wished people would stop asking her how she was feeling. “I don’t know. I guess it depends on the outcome. He needs to know that I’m not waiting around forever. Even though I love him.”

“I’ll relay the message.” Drew stood and, using one hand, passed Killer over to her. “Rarity, I promise Archer’s going to come to his senses soon and come begging you toforgive him.”

The doorbell rang and Drew stepped over to open the door. A young man stood there, a bag in his hand.“Rarity Cole?”

“Chinese food, I take it?” Drew reached out his hand.

“The best in town.” The kid handed the bag over. “Thanksfor the tip.”

As he ran back to his car, Drew turned and shut the door. “I guess you tip on the website. Where do you want this?”

“Right here. And grab me a plate, fork, and paper towels if you don’t mind. I don’t want to disturb Killer.” Rarity opened the bag and started pulling out containers.

Drew went to the kitchen. “Do you want a soda to go with that, princess?”

Rarity smiled at the barb. She could have gotten up but then again, Drew could have told her what was going on with Archer too. “Sparkling water, please, and thank you. Don’t you tip onthe website?”

“How do I know how it’s going to arrive?” He set everything in front of her then took one of her egg rolls she’d just set out. “I’ve got to go. Call me if you need anything else. Or call Sam. She’s going to be bored with me being so busy with work.”

As he walked to the door, she called after him. “Drew, you have to know that George didn’t kill that guy.”

“I hope your instincts are spot on this time.” He glanced over to where Terrance’s house was even though he couldn’t see it through the wall. “He’s not the only one I’m considering, though.”

“Don’t even go there. I’m certain that there’s no way Terrance did it. He’s head of the neighborhood watch. He’s all about protecting those who can’t protect themselves.” Rarity opened her water andtook a drink.

“That’s why I’m looking at him as a suspect. This William Jully had it in for George. He wanted him out of the home; he’d talked to several people about it. He said he was getting paranoid as well as having memory issues.” He nodded to the television. “Do me a favor, watch your shows. I don’t want to be worrying about you investigating this thing.”

“Which thing?” Rarity asked as he walkedout the door.

“You’re a pill. You know I love you, so listen to me and take care of yourself. Sam would never forgive me if something happened to you. And she’s already mad at my folks.” Drew left, locking thedoor after him.

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