Page 13 of Secrets in the Stacks

“That’s not what Holly said,” Darby insisted. She focused her gaze on Rarity. “Please help me find out who killed my grandmother.”

Jonathon cleared his throat, and Darby realized they weren’t alone. She set Killer down on the floor. “Sorry, I’ll go into the back and get the new arrivals checked in.”

After she disappeared into the back with Killer following behind, Rarity turned to Jonathon. “Is this all, then?”

He nodded and handed her his credit card. “What time does your book club meet? I’ve got some time since I’m stuck here in town. I’d like to help too.”

“We meet at eight. Your son isn’t going to be happy with that.” Rarity rang up the books and gave him back the card. Drew knew that they’d snooped around Martha’s case, in fact he’d sent them on at least two missions himself to get information, but Rarity thought he’d assumed it was a one and done type of thing. She wasn’t going to be the one to tell him they were at it again. “You know he doesn’t like ‘civilians’ messing with his cases.”

He took the bag and winked at her. “Then I guess I’m going to have to be sneaky with my sleuthing.”

Rarity laughed as he walked out the door, calling after him, “You’re going to be in so much trouble.”

He raised his hand to acknowledge her but didn’t stop. She thought about Sedona and how she’d only known one person when she moved in. Now, she knew the book club, Drew and his father, her neighbor Terrance, and several others that if she couldn’t call them friends, at least she could count on them. And then there was Archer. She wasn’t sure what to call him.

“Why are your cheeks red?” Darby reached over and touched her face. “Are you sick?”

“I’m fine.” Rarity pulled away. “So when is your mammogram? I want to go with you.”

Darby shook her head. “Don’t worry about me. It’s next month, and Holly and Malia have already told me they’re going. You all know how to make a girl feel included.”

“Well, if something falls through, remember my offer.” She pulled out some money from the till. “Why don’t you go get us some lunch? I told you I’d buy you lunch Saturday, then someone else bought the pizza.”

Darby looked at her funny. “So that really wasn’t you? I thought Holly was kidding about the man coming in and seeing what they wanted.”

“Not me, I swear. Although I should have thought about it.” Rarity pushed the money toward her. “I’m starving. What should we get?”

They settled on a Mexican restaurant they both liked and Darby phoned in an order. They worked for a while longer, then Darby left to grab the takeout.

Sam came in as soon as she left. She looked at the door, making sure Darby didn’t come back inside, then leaned on the counter. “How is she? She looks even thinner than she did last week, if that’s possible.”

“I know, I thought the same thing. I talked her into running and getting us lunch, so at least I’ll know she’s eaten one meal.” Rarity didn’t want to admit it to Sam, but she was worried about Darby.

“Mama Rarity,” Sam teased. “Is anyone bringing treats for tonight?”

“Shirley called. She’s got a coffee cake. But other than that, not that I know of.”

Sam nodded as she stood. “I might run home and make a taco dip, then.”

“That sounds good.” Rarity checked on Killer, but he was curled up in his bed. “You can’t tell Drew, but Jonathon’s coming tonight.”

“To the book club? Why?” Sam paused as she started to head to the door.

“He found out we’re a sleuthing club, and he wants to be part of it. I think he’s bored.”

Sam chuckled. “Well, Drew won’t hear it from me, but you know he’s going to be mad.”

“That’s what I told Jonathon.”

* * * *

When the book club convened that night, not only did they have coffee cake and taco dip, but Holly and Malia brought cookies. When Rarity looked at the tray, Holly shrugged. “Someone dropped these off at the apartment. I guess they knew Darby was staying with me. She said she was from the romance reading group at the library. She said they all wanted to bring her food, but they’ll wait until she gets back home.”

“What am I going to do with that much food?” Darby asked as she took a cookie off the plate. She took a bite. “Never mind, these are really good. What can’t I freeze? Does anyone know?”

Jonathon entered the bookstore just then. He looked around at the table filled with food. “I’m sorry, was I supposed to bring food?”

“No, please don’t.” Darby laughed as he came over and sat down. “I’m getting fed enough. Even Rarity’s doing it.”

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