Page 36 of Dying to Read

Edith glanced at Jonathon. “We’re heading home now so that Savannah can nap. We’re going to Flagstaff this evening for dinner. I’m sure I can talk Drew into letting me see the video. I’ll call you after I do either way.”

Rarity couldn’t help Archer with his dad’s condition, but maybe she’d found a way to help Drew find Marilyn Ender’s killer. Or at least a clue forthe cold case.

Chapter 14

Except for the carnival rides and food trucks, the rest of the festival, including pictures with the Easter Bunny, was ending around two on Sunday. As Rarity walked with Killer into town, she was looking forward to a short day. Shirley had already told her she would work the bookstore on Monday, so Rarity planned on doing as little as possible tomorrow.

Of course, life never workedout that way.

Before she got to Main Street, she saw Archer walking toward her. When he met up with her, he took her tote and leaned down to pick up Killer. The dog was going crazy, jumping to see him. “Good morning, Killer. And to you aswell, Rarity.”

He leaned in and kissed her, taking her by surprise.

“Well, good morning, Archer.” She touched his face where stubble was showing. He hadn’t shaved that morning. She liked the scruffy look.

“I thought I’d walk you in, but I guess I’m late.” He turned around and, linking her arm in his, headed to the park. “Have you had a good festival?”

“I’ve had a great festival. Lots of parents and kids buying books. I’m already planning for our presence next year, including upping the supply of books I bring.” She rubbed Killer’s head as Archer still held the pup. “What about you?”

“Funny, I’ve booked a lot of family hikes. I guess we’re seeing the same demographic. Jack was disappointed that his all-day hike through the vortexes wasn’t booked for next Saturday, but I’m sure when we open it up online, he’ll fill the bookings.” Archer looked ather. “I guess I should start writing these observations down for next year’s planning.”

“I’ve already made notes for next year in my online calendar. I didn’t get this kind of sales during the fall festival. I almost didn’t get a booth for this weekend.” She paused, wondering if she should change the subject. “Edith told me about your dad. I’m sorry you and Dana are dealing with this.”

He let his head hang and Killer snuggled closer. The dog could read emotions better than most people. And Archer was hurting. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you. It’s hard to talk about Dad. Once Grandma Ender was murdered, he changed. He used to take me on hikes and play ball, but then he stopped. He didn’t even go to my graduation ceremony. Or Dana’s for that matter. She got the worst of it. She was a daddy’s girl. Without him, she was devastated. I should have told you. I worried that you’d think I was defectiveor something.”

“Seriously? You thought a health condition would upset me? Cancer girl?” She put her hands on her hips in a Superman stand. When Archer laughed, she dropped the pose and took his arm. “Nothing you could tell me would make me thinkless of you.”

“Well, that’s where I’ve been lately. At Dad’s in Flagstaff. He made Dana and me promise to go check out Arthur’s store that day you saw us. He’s certain Arthur killed Grandma for the books.” Archer rolled his eyes. “He had this murder board thing pasted all over the wall in the dining room. It was crazy with the yarn and stuff like you see in movies. Dana took it down as soon as she got there. He’s bedridden, so he doesn’t know, and he keeps giving us notes to puton the wall.”

They were at the park in front of Rarity’s booth now. She unlocked the tent flap and put the key and the lock in a pouch on the inside of the tent. The festival organizers had people coming to take down the tents that evening. They had to be out no later than five, but Rarity thought with Archer’s help, they should be out by four. Then Rarity could go home, swim, and order pizza.

“I’m sorry about that.” Rarity turned to Archer. “It must be hard keeping everything going. Why don’t you let Jack run the shop for a while? Spend more time with your dad.”

He set her tote on the table then clipped Killer onto his lead, finally setting him down. He must have needed the dog as much as Killer had wanted to see one of his favorite humans. “I hate leaving Dana alone with him all day, but working keeps me sane. Especially when I do a hiking tour. There’s something about getting outside in nature that clears my head.”

“I get that.” She hugged him. “Just do what you need. Can you still come to help me move everything back to thestore today?”

“I’ll be here no later than three. It shouldn’t take too long to pack up my tent, but you never know about any latecomers. Then I’ll drop you off first. I’d come over tonight, but Dana’s been with Dad most of the weekend. I need todo my share.”

“Don’t worry about it. I’m swimming and ordering pizza. I’ll watch a chick flick so you won’t miss out.” Rarity even knew which one she wasgoing to watch.

He laughed and kissed her again. “You’re the best,Rarity Cole.”

Katie came in as he was leaving. “You two make such a cute couple. I hope my next boyfriend is finally my soulmate. I’m tired of kissing frogs.”

“It can take a while. I almost married one.” Rarity glanced at the handcart Katie had brought in with her. “Did you find all the books on the list? I expected you to be a little later than now.”

“Shirley and I went to the shop last night and packed everything up. I kept the boxes in my SUV overnight. I hope that’s all right.” She set the handcart by a mostly empty kids’ table. “We’re going to have to restock this month.”

“It’s a first-world problem to have. I hope we sell some of these today and that I didn’t waste your time bringing over more books. Let’s get these unpacked before people start showing up.”

“The parking lot is already filling up. The carnival starts at nine and the kids want one more ride.” Katie grinned as she added, “At least I did when I was that age. I couldn’t get enough of thescary rides.”

They quickly unpacked the additional boxes. If Rarity had judged the sales potential for Sunday right, she might not need much help getting things back except for the tables, chairs, and display setups. She was going to have a good month. Maybe even some money to put back in her emergency fund that had been sucked almost drydue to the need for an air conditioner last year. She needed to make sure she had enough to cover the next emergency. Like a leaky roof.

Katie handled the customers as Rarity did some internet research on Arthur Wellings. There wasn’t much there. He wasn’t on Facebook or any of the social media sites. He had a business presence, and he posted sales and newly acquired rare books. Including the copy ofThe Hobbitshe’d bought. Tomorrow she’d take it to the university, as the professor she’d hired for an estimate wanted to see the book. Which reminded her that she needed to have someone build a case to display it in the bookstore. Or maybe she should keep it at the house. So many decisionsfor one book.

Archer’s dad thought Arthur was involved in Marilyn’s murder. Maybe she could talk to him about the bookseller’s interactions with Marilyn. It was worth a shot. She made a note in her calendar.

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