Page 58 of Death in the Romance Aisle

Jonathon had left early, but he showed up at one with lunches for Rarity, Shirley, and himself.

“Oh, did Archer call you?” Rarity asked as she set down her sandwich.

Jonathon nodded. “I talked to him about an hour ago. I’m game for the Lava River Cave. I went a few years ago with Drew and Archer, but I haven’t been back since. Shirley,are you going?”

“I think I will. Archer told me to wear my hiking boots and dress in layers. I’ll probably bring a light coat too. I get cold easily.”

“We’ll load up at Annie’s with coffee and treats for the bus ride,” Rarity added. “I’m looking forward to doing something besides working and thinking about whokilled Janey.”

“After Tuesday night, I am as well. I think I was a little harsh with Malia,” Jonathon said, then he changed the subject. “Shirley, when are you leaving? I have some errands to run if you’re stayinguntil closing.”

“I will stay until Archer arrives.” Shirley tucked her wrapper into her empty lunch sack. “We just came up with a few promotional items that we need to work on. I’m trying to make myself as useful as possible.”

“You’re kidding, right? You’ve been amazing.” Rarity finished the last of her sandwich. “And this was just what I needed for lunch today. Thanks, Jonathon. Can Ireimburse you?”

Jonathon shook his head. “I was going to tell you, but you actually already paid for this. I talked to the manager over at the Garnet. You have an account there now. She’ll bill you once a week with the food itemized and labeled with who picked it up. You should do the same with Annie’s. That way you don’t have to deal with petty cashall the time.”

“This must be ‘upgrade The Next Chapter’s business policies’ week. Thank you.” She pulled out her notebook and wrote down a note about the weekly invoice from the Garnet as well as a note to contact Annie’s owner. “I should have thought ofthis earlier.”

“You’re running pretty fast lately. I’m surprised you have time to do anything besides keeping the doors open.” He handed her a flyer. “This is the information for the business chamber for Sedona. I know it’s one more meeting for your schedule, but I think you’d make a lot of connections that way.”

“I hadn’t thought about that.” Rarity put the flyer in her calendar. “I promise, I’ll check it out as soon as things slow down here a bit.”

He shook his head. “Now, see, that’s the problem. You think things are going to slow down. From what I know from my friends who run their own businesses, you have to make time for the important things. And with that last piece of advice, I’m going to put my errands off. I’m going to get back to writing.”

When Archer came to get her, Rarity was just closing up the bookstore. Shirley and Jonathon left together as soon as Archer came into the shop. He said his goodbyes, then walked over to where Rarity was putting things into her tote. “Do I know how to clear aroom or what?”

“I appreciate them being willing to hang around. Although it does make me feel a little helpless.” She clicked the leash onto Killer’s collar. “So howwas your day?”

As they walked home, he told her about his hike and the group he’d taken out that morning. “Oh, and I got ahold of all the Survivors’ club members, and they’re all in for the hike. Including Sam and Marcus. I figured you wouldn’t mind if hetagged along.”

“No, that’s fine. According to Sam, he’s leaving town as soon as he can, so he definitely needs to get out and see at least some of what Sedona has to offer as far as natural beauty.” She looked up at the darkening sky and took a breath. “I’m glad you had a good day. I had a reporter come and interview me about the new book clubs. Shirley was so nervous. But then after we finished the event, she stayed around and helped me with some marketing projects I’d beenmeaning to do.”

“I bet she loved that. She’s so creative.” Archer moved closer as they walked toward the house.

Rarity nodded. “Hey, have you ever gone to the business chamber meetings? Jonathon gave me their flyer.”

Archer groaned. “I went once, but then Calliope took that task over. I haven’t been back, but I guess I need to start up again. Why? Are you thinkingabout joining?”

She waved at Terrance, who was reading on his front porch. “Jonathon thinks I should. And if you’re going, that’s an added benefit. I won’t feel like the new kid where I don’t know anyone.”

“I’ve got the next meeting on my schedule. I get emails from them. When we get home, I’ll pull it up and send it to you.” He paused for Killer to sniff a patch of grass. “I hate going to things like that, but if you’re going, I’ll brave the dragons.”

“Is it that bad?” Rarity unlocked the house and reached in to turn on the outside lights. Her foot hit something as she stepped toward the door. “Wait, what’s that?”

Archer squatted down and looked at the box by the door. He glanced at the label. “No shipping information again. Should I call Drew?”

She sighed and pulled out her phone. “Set it down. I’ll call Drew. Can you put Killerin the house?”

They stayed out on the porch, waiting for Drew.

Terrance leaned over his porch railing and called out to them, “What’s going on?”

“We got another package. Did you see anyone dropsomething off?”

He shook his head. “But I’ve been here on the deck except for from noon to two when I did lunch and walked the neighborhood. And then another walk from four to five. I’m supposed to be off shift tonight at ten. The next guy’s coming on then.”

Terrance’s neighborhood watch team was extreme. The men who ran it were all prior military or law enforcement. So they had a schedule and a process. She appreciated the commitment but sometimes worried that it was overkill. But the package had made it onto her porch without being seen today. Maybe whoever sent it had known the watch’s schedule. Or had waited for Terrance to leave his spot. It could have been coincidence when they dropped off the box, but Rarity didn’t think so.

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