Page 23 of Bear In A Bookstore
And just like that, he’d been friend-zoned. Great.
“Happy to help. I’m going to get the components you need for your security system. Let’s install it tomorrow.”
So, back to business it was, then.
“Sounds like a plan.”
“I’ll be here at eight.”
Desi let himself out, keenly aware that she hadn’t moved from her spot. He locked the door from the inside and pulled it shut, fighting a stranglehold of disappointment as he got into his truck and drove away. He wasn’t sure what had him on edge more. The idea that someone had been walking around her property, or that she’d friend-zoned him.
Heading back to town, he stopped at the home improvement store to grab a few things for his father, then went to the storage unit where he kept some of his more high-tech gadgets and gathered things for Kora’s house.
Deciding he needed a hot coffee and something sweet from Sticky Sweet Bakery, he went outside and turned left onto the sidewalk and ran head into the treasure hunting duo that had approached Kora at the pub.
“Sorry, man!” The kid, Angelo, recognized him and paused, then leaned in with a knowing wink. “Oh, hey. We’re getting closer!”
“Closer to what?”
“Finding the—” the kid’s voice dropped secretively low. “Treasure.”
Though Desi was pretty sure everyone in town knew what was happening, thanks to the camera crews popping up all over and the gossip flying around, he played along by keeping his own voice down.
“Really? Find more clues?”
The kid nodded and tapped the treasure hunting book tucked under his arms. “All the clues are in here. They’re written as riddles, and you must decode them to see the clues properly. I think I figured out the next one.”
Desi pointed at the book. “May I see?”
The kid hesitated, then shook his head. “Hell no. I already had some creeper try and steal it from me in the alley last night. He ripped a couple pages out before dropping it, which isn’t cool. How do I know you’re not after it yourself?”
“The only thing I’m after is a sticky bun from the bakery. Good luck, kid.”
He was about to walk away when he turned back and called out. “Hey, you haven’t been bothering the bookseller again, have you?”
He thought about the tracks at her house and glanced at the kid’s feet. Boots, but more Western style than work boot.
“No. Why, do you think she’ll reconsider?”
Desi shook his head and continued on his way. A trio of raggedy-looking men with overgrown beards and faded flannel shirts burst out of the bakery, small white paper bags in hand, shouting, “I cracked the next one. Let’s go!”
A woman with a video camera followed them, dropping her own bakery bag but not bothering to stop to pick it up.
Allie’s father, Benjamin Rowe put his hands on the bakery case and smiled at Desi in greeting. He’d taken over while Allie was on maternity leave and by the looks of it, had his hands full. The bakery case was nearly empty, the remaining baked goods were scattered on their trays. The coffee bar looked like it had been ransacked and there were paper cups and napkins tossed on the floor.
“Is it illegal for me to ban anyone affiliated with the Famous Race from the bakery?” Ben chuckled, but there wasn’t any humor in it.
“I won’t object,” Desi joked. “How about I rig the door to give them an electric shock when they walk in?”
“Ha! That might shock some sense into them! Running all over town looking for treasure.” He sighed deep and pulled out the bakery trays to begin organizing them. “What can I get you?”
“A couple sticky buns and a large coffee, please.”
He took out a ten, but Ben waved him off. “It’s on the house for your quick action when the alarm went off the other night.”
“Oh, thanks. Happy to help.” He thought for a moment. “Have you had anyone new working in the bakery since Allie went on leave?”
Ben scooped up the buns and put them in a bag. “Nope. It’s just been me and Allie’s friend, Beck, and the normal crew. Why?”
