Page 23 of Dying to Read

Rarity took the book to the table where Jonathon was working. He didn’t look up from his typing. “Sorry, Rarity, I’m in a flow. I figured out what I want the detective to say when he comes up on the dead body.”

She held up the book. “Lookwhat I found.”

“The wording is a little on the nose, don’t you think? But thanks for the suggestion. Maybe something like that but with a little mystery.” Jonathon finally looked up and saw what she held. “Where did you find that? That’s one of the books stolen from Marilyn’s house that night. Or it’s a red herring. If that is actually Marilyn’s book, someone clearly wants these to go back to Archer’s family.”

“Come hell or high water,”Rarity added.

Chapter 9

Archer couldn’t meet her to look at the new book that had arrived until later that night, so Rarity took it home with her. As Jonathon walked her to the house, he talked about the old case. How he’d come up empty on fingerprints or anything at the scene. Rarity knew he was running the case through his mind again, using her as a sounding board, but she didn’t hear anything that sounded like a mistake. “I only had one unsolved murder during my entire career, and that had to be a family friend.”

“I’m sure the Ender family didn’t blame you,” Rarity said as they walked down the sidewalk. The neighborhood was quiet. They hadn’t seen a car since they’d turned off Main Street.

“Caleb, Archer’s dad, was heartbroken. He never gave up trying to find out who killed his mom. He and June divorced a few years later. He went downhill after that. I hear he’s homebound now, with some sort of muscle disease. Archer has probably toldyou all this.”

“Actually, no. We haven’t talked much about family. I learned about Dana, his sister, last year during the whole Moments Gallery debacle.” Rarity knew she hadn’t shared her family history with Archer either. “Until right now, it didn’t seem important. Now, I wonder why we hadn’t talked about our families sooner.”

“Sometimes it’s easier to leave the past in the past. Especially when there’s bad blood between relatives. June sold the Sedona house after the divorce and moved to California. I hear she’s remarried now to a nice dentist.” Jonathon put his arm around Rarity. “Edith keeps up with everyone. And we get Christmas cards.”

“I think it’s weird that these books keep showing up in my shop.” Rarity dug her keys out of her jacket pocket. “Archer’s going to start to think I’m making up excuses for himto come over.”

“So it’s that bad between you two?” Jonathon handed her Killer’s leash. “I’m sorry, Rarity.”

“I don’t know what’s going on, to tell you the truth,” Rarity admitted. She waved at Terrance, who was standing on his deck, watching them. “Good night, Terrance. I’m in for the night, but Archer may bestopping by.”

“I don’t want to hear about your shenanigans with that young man, but I’m glad you’re home.” Terrance waved at the dog, and Killer barked his hello. “Hey, Jonathon, do youhave a minute?”

“As soon as Rarity gets inside, then I’ll come up and chat.” Jonathon turned toward Rarity. “I’ll be by tomorrow. I’m sure Drew is going to want to keep that book at the station as well if Archer verifies that it belonged to hisgrandmother.”

“I’ll text you as soon as he looks at it. Thanks for walking me home.” Rarity and Killer headed into the house. Killer needed his dinner. Rarity thought she’d make a new soup she’d bought the ingredients for on her last trip to the grocery store. She was kind of existing on soup right now. But cooking would keep her busy while she waited for Archer to show up.

She fed Killer, then changed and swam, hoping some of the nervous energy she felt about seeing Archer would dissipate. This was stupid. She needed to know what was going on and if they were still a couple or not. She’d ask tonight. If she had the courage. Right now, he was busy. Thinking about the next step. If she asked, it might be over. But what if it was over now and she was the only one who didn’t know?

She sank into the warm water and let it soothe her nerves.No,she decided as she pushed off into the first lap. She’d ask and that would be that. She was strong enoughfor anything.

Besides, two mysteries were going on right now to keep her too busy to miss Archer. Except, she still did. She reached her arm up into a stroke and pushed away any thought besides the motion of her bodyin the water.

As she got out of the pool, she took a deep calming breath. Swimming had always been there for her. When she was upset, worried, nervous, or whatever emotion was taking over her brain, all she had to do was step into the water. The fear dissipated as she swam. She’d started swimming in high school when her world had started falling apart. And the practice had never failed her.

She could hear voices from Terrance’s back deck. Jonathon must have decided to hang out for a bit. She smiled as she heard the two men’s laughter. They were both father figures for her and good, good men. One had been in the military, one on the police force, and both were solid citizens. Even with Terrance’s one blip that Drew was so focused on. Did who he was as a young man determinewho he was now?

She also thought that maybe the men were drinking a beer as they talked.

Rarity went inside, calling Killer to follow. She’d leave the men to their war stories. She hadsoup to make.

She was sitting down to eat after making a batch of corn bread to go with the tomato veggie soup when she heard Archer’s Jeep pull up in the driveway. She went and opened the door for him as he came inside. As he walked up, she turned so he could get into the doorway without touching her. She didn’t want to pull him into a hug if he wasn’t feeling it.“Hi, Archer.”

He stared at her, visibly noticing her distance, then stepped inside, shutting the door behind him. Killer had no issues with showing his affection as he darted from his place by the table, jumping up to get Archer’s attention. Archer swept him up into his arms and for a second, Rarity felt a stab of jealousy over her dog. “Hey buddy, Rarity. Whatever you’re cooking smells amazing.”

“Veggie soup and corn bread. Have you eaten?” She walked toward the kitchen. “There’s enough for two. Well, there’s probably enough for a football team, but you know I can’tcook for one.”

“I’m not sure if I have time….” Archer paused. “Why not?I’m starving.”

Well, that wasn’t what she’d expected, but maybe this was the start of the “we’re friends” conversation and life. “Have a seat and I’ll pour you a bowl. There are sodas in the fridge.”

Rarity winced as she thought about how robotic she sounded. Of course, Archer should know that there were sodas in the fridge. He probably had stocked it last when they’d gone to Flagstaff the weekend before he’d told her he wasn’t moving in.

“Thanks.” He grabbed a soda and set Killer on the floor. “I’m glad you called today. What did you need me to look at? I don’t think I asked.”

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