Page 27 of Merry Murder Season
He pulled one out and handed it to me. “This is the most complete version of the origins of South Cove. I think your history professor had a hand in writing it. Theone who died?”
I took the book from him. “Thanks, Josh. I appreciate your help.”
“I know you’re trying to find out who killed Chip. He wasn’t the nicest person, but he didn’t deserve to die that way.” Josh handed me a second book. “This one’s more recent but not as detailed inthe research.”
I nodded. “I’ll get these back to you assoon as I can.”
He walked back to the counter, but as I reached the door, he said, “I know you’ve always been on my side, Mrs. King. I appreciate the warning, and I will take it under advisement.”
Chapter 11
Greg was in a meeting when I arrived at the police station, so I took a few minutes to catch up with Esmeralda. “Howwas the trip?”
“Interesting. I think Nic’s sister is settling into her new life. Eddie reminds me a lot of you. She was planning a different life in Seattle, but things changed when she moved home.”
“Like when I took out my retirement savings and bet it all on a bookstore in a tiny tourist town?” I laughed at the memory. “If I hadn’t been so mad at my boss at the law firm for being passed on a promotion, I would still be there, locked in a tiny office and helping people navigate their divorces. And probably still living in that tiny condo.”
“Your love of the beach would have led you out of there eventually. The fates work in mysterious ways.” She moved a piece of paper into a file. “Your sister-in-law, Beth, caught me at the beach yesterday. She’s a bright soul. I enjoyed talking with her.”
“She’s here doing research for her book.” I didn’t know what Beth had shared with Esmeralda, but it wasn’t my place to talk about Beth’s relationship.
“If you say so,” Esmeralda responded, clearly sensing there was more to the story. “Anyway, Deek did a nice job watching my house. The spirits were pleased. He’s getting ready to start his new journey. I’m going to miss having him around.”
“You think he’s leaving permanently?” I was prepared to have Deek around less, not gone. But Esmeralda was his godmother. If he’d told her he was leaving, it wasprobably true.
“Don’t be so upset. The boy has to go find his calling. He’ll come home.” Esmeralda glanced at the phone. “Sorry, I’ve got to take this call. I’m dispatching this morning while the team meets on theinvestigation.”
The phone wasn’t ringing, but I didn’t mention that fact. “Well, I’ll see you soon. Maybe we could do a girls’ night before Beth leaves?”
“That would be lovely. Just let me know when and where.” Esmeralda nodded as the phone lit up and rang. “South Cove Police Department, may I help you?”
I shook my head as I walked out of the station and headed toward the bookstore. My friend was always a step ahead of everyone and everything. She credited the spirits. I thought she was just good at watching people. But that phone thing was weird.
Evie was behind the counter, helping a customer with a book purchase, and Beth was clearing tables in the front. She looked up as I came in, then glanced at the cat clock on the wall. “I can’t believe it’s already that time. The morning flew by. I’ve missed working with people. I mean, I have a few people come in during the day at the church office, but it was always the same people.”
“I’m glad you’re enjoying yourself. I feel bad having you work on your vacation.” I waved at Evie, who gave me a thumbs-up. Apparently, the morning had gone well. We didn’t stay open all day, but we had enough morning traffic that it was worthwhile staying open until one. “Evie, can I steal her away? Or do you need her forthe next hour?”
“You’re kidding, right? I got so much done today.” Evie came over and handed me a travel cup filled with coffee. She always added a pump of salted caramel when I came on Sunday as my “treat.” “Beth handled the coffee shop and bookstore while I worked on payroll. I know she lives in Nebraska, but can we keep her? You said we were looking for another part-timer.”
Beth laughed as she took the bin of dirty dishes back around the counter. “Sorry, girl, I’ve got a job starting in January. This just keeps my mind working while I’m doing other things. I’m dying to get to the library this afternoon.”
“Deek says the same thing when he’s stuck in a story. He starts cleaning the shop and rearranging the bookshelves. Then you lose him to his laptop for hours.” Evie shrugged. “Must be a writer thing. I avoid cleaning at all costs. Especially when I’m working out a problem in my head. Do you want acoffee to go?”
Beth grabbed a travel mug, stepping over to the coffee machine. “Please, let me. Are you sure you’re okay with me leaving?”
“It’s been fun working with you.” Evie glanced at the display case. “I’ve got all our treats out in the display case, but I think it will last until Sadie’s delivery tomorrow morning.”
“We’ve been selling a lot of cookies.” I scanned the limited offerings in the case. “Beth, you’ll meet Sadie tomorrow morning. She’s the one you’re having coffee with on Wednesday. She’s engaged to the local minister. I thought you might have some things in common.”
Beth rolled her eyes as she took off her apron. “Thanks. It will be nice to compare notes. I know Jim isn’t clergy, but he’s on the board of deacons, and until we started dating, he mostly focused on church business. Now, I need to teach him how to have a life too.”
I wondered if that was even possible. Jim was determined. And focused. And single-minded. When he made his mind up, he tended to stick to his decision. But I was hopeful. “We still have to walk back home toget the Jeep.”
“I’ll drive. I don’t want that rental just sitting there,” Beth said as we walked outside. She looked at my tote. “That looks heavy. You didn’t pick up books at the bookstore. Did you meanto leave some?”
“No, I got these from Josh Thomas.” I pointed out his store as we walked by. “He loaned me a few on South Cove history. I thought researching the building might give me a clue as to why Chip was killed.”
“Tell me the building held pirate treasure.” Beth sounded hopeful.
