Page 47 of Dangerous December
“Browsing. Is there more upstairs?”
“That’s an apartment.”
His expression brightened. “Available?”
“No—I live there.”
“Long-term? Or might it become available sometime?”
“Long-term.”
“Well, I’ll bet it’s just as charming as your store.” He glanced around. “Are there books downstairs, as well?”
“Just storage.”
He nodded in obvious satisfaction. “Beautiful old building. Beautiful. I like the old-fashioned bay windows facing the street, and how you’ve decorated them in such a quaint, appealing way. I’m sure this store draws plenty of tourists down to Hawthorne.”
He seemed more interested in the building than the books, but Agate Creek did draw a lot of people who came to soak up the Victorian flavor of the town and prowl its dozens of antiques shops.
He strolled through the store again, eyeing the crown moldings and pressed tin ceilings, a smile curving his thick lips. “I haven’t been inside until now. It used to be a dentist’s office, you know. And before that, a milliner’s shop. Beautiful views of Agate Creek and the bluffs, out back.”
She eyed him closely. “How did you know that?”
He ducked his head modestly. “Research. I toured the other buildings along this part of Hawthorne Avenue earlier this morning.”
“Why?”
He took a business card from his suit jacket pocket and handed it to her. “I’m here this weekend from St. Paul to check out a few things about the Sloane property.”
She stared at the card. “You’re Stan Murdock?”
“That’s right—Devlin Sloane’s uncle.” The man smiled beneficently, though his inquisitive gaze continued to roam thestore. “He’s a fine, fine boy. Is he around, by any chance? Might I be able to see the rest of the building?”
“Devlin doesn’t work here. And the basement is just that—stone walls, rather damp in places, and only used for storage.”
“I’ll bet the upstairs is positively charming.”
“It is.”
“Would you mind letting me see it? I so love these quaint old buildings.”
He was fishing for permission, but the thought of him snooping through her things up there made Beth’s skin crawl.
“No. I’m sorry, but there isn’t really anything up there for you to see. Nor will there be.”
“I was married to Vivian’s sister, and I’m named in the will. Are you aware of that?”
“Yes, but—”
“Look, I never understood it, but Vivian had her fun trying to help charity cases. If those people weren’t able to get on their feet before she took them in, it’s unlikely that any of them can do it now. Those losers are just marking time, while enjoying cheap rent.”
“That’s not true.”
“Maybe you still think you can hang on to this building. But face the facts—you’re simply delaying the inevitable,” he said gently. “Those people are enjoying themselves at your expense, because they’ll still be sitting in that boarding house when the deadline is long past.... and they won’t even care.”
“I don’t agree with that, either.”
“It isn’t realistic to assume they’lleverbe able to find ‘careers.’ You could save yourself a lot of trouble by relinquishing your rights and walking away.”
