Page 16 of Secrets in the Stacks

“Actually, I’ve already got plans tonight. But I’m free tomorrow.” She held her pen over the planner. “Can I ink you in?”

“Plans, huh? Yeah, we can do it tomorrow. I’ll just get some takeout and work late tonight on finalizing the schedule. Calliope wants it by Friday so she can add it to our newsletter.”

“Sounds good.” She wrote another note in her planner. She actually needed to send a newsletter for the month too. Maybe she should hire Calliope to take over her admin tasks. Or give the job to Darby in a couple of months. “I’ve added three new things to my to-do list in the five minutes we’ve been talking. I think I should go before my month gets filled up with your good ideas.”

He chuckled. “As long as it’s not filled with other dinner dates, I’m fine. So do I have to ask what’s going on tonight?”

“You can if you want.” She paused a minute, then added, “The book club is going over and getting Darby set back up in her house. Drew cleared it for her to go home earlier today, so I’ve got someone over cleaning it now, and the book club is bringing her dinner. I’m sure it will be hard to be alone there. We’re going to take turns and stay over at the house to keep her company for the next week or so.”

“A sleepover, huh?”

“If Darby agrees to our plan. I hate to think of her in that big house alone. I told Holly I’d take tonight if she says yes. So I’m heading home after work to pack a bag for Killer and me.” She paused as a woman came into the bookstore. “Anyway, got to run. See you tomorrow night?”

“I’ll call, and we can make plans.” He quickly added, “And call if you need something tonight. I don’t think Drew has a suspect in this case. I’ll worry about you.”

Rarity smiled as she set the phone aside and greeted the customer. It was nice to have someone concerned about her well-being. Kevin would have just said he would catch dinner with the guys and then made her feel guilty about taking the time away from their “couple” time. She pushed the comparison away. She really needed to stop seeing Archer through the Kevin filter. “Good afternoon, can I help you find something?”

“I don’t think I’ve been in the bookstore since you opened. Of course, I have no time now, but I’ll come back this weekend with Ty. I didn’t realize what a great selection of kid books you have.” The woman pulled an envelope out of her tote and hurried over to the counter. “I brought your invoice. You have thirty days to pay it, or you can just write me a check now. It’s up to you.”

“You’re Alex Malone. Sorry, I didn’t expect you for another hour.” Rarity reached for the envelope and opened it. She blinked at the neat and tidy invoice that showed the time she arrived at Darby’s house and the time she left. It was very organized. “I can pay you now, but are you sure you got everything? Darby’s coming home tonight, and I don’t want things to upset her.”

“It was surprisingly clean. I don’t know what the crime scene guys were thinking, but I only saw residue in three rooms and on the doors, of course. If there’s more, I can come back, but I’m pretty sure I got everything. And the blood came out of the rug better than I thought. I had to replace the pad, of course, and there’s some issue with the wood flooring due to the grooves, but the only way you’re getting the rest of it out is to replace that section of the flooring.” Alex picked up a book from a display and read the back as she was chattering.

Rarity took a deep breath at all the information and then took out her checkbook from a drawer under the counter. “If there’s more, can I call you?”

“Of course, that’s what I’m here for. You’d be surprised at how much business I get considering Sedona’s such a small town. Sometimes I go into Flagstaff and work. They send me the sites that are between here and town, so I keep busy.” She set the book on the counter. “I know I said I’d come back on Saturday and I will, but I’m getting this today. Ty’s with his dad this week, so it’s a little quiet at the house. I’ll be done with this before I pick him up after school Friday afternoon. I’m a quick reader.”

Rarity handed her the check and then held up the invoice. “Okay if I keep this?”

“Sure, and here’s my card. I hope you don’t need me, but I’m really good at getting out fire and water damage too.” She handed Rarity a business card along with her debit card.

Rarity rang up the purchase and tucked the card into her planner. After Alex left, she started her closing activities and made a note for the door saying she’d be back tomorrow at ten. She dumped Killer’s water and put his dry food into a baggie. No use leaving it out for any nighttime visitors. She didn’t think the store had mice, but she didn’t want to encourage them to take up residence with a tasty evening meal either. She couldn’t put it off any longer. She had to go and get ready to spend the night at the house where Darby’s grandmother was murdered.

Chapter 7

Holly called as Rarity and Killer were walking home.

Rarity paused to dig her phone out of her purse before it stopped ringing. “Hey, everything still on for tonight?”

“Yep. I just wanted to let you know that Darby’s cool with you staying over. In fact, I think she was comforted when I told her about our dinner plans and you and Killer staying tonight. Malia’s staying tomorrow night, and then Shirley took Friday and Saturday since all of us young people need to be out having fun.”

Rarity laughed. “That’s our Shirley. You’re working this weekend, right?”

“Yeah, I’m starting after dinner tonight. Sam’s staying Sunday and Monday, and I told Darby we’d talk about next week on Tuesday at the book club. She’s saying it’s overkill, but I saw the relief in her eyes. She’s upstairs in her room. She wanted to take a bath before dinner. The house looks good. I can’t even tell something happened.”

“I hope so. The lady who cleaned it said she got everything. I’m just hoping she’s right. Darby doesn’t need reminders of what happened. I’m sure she’s already freaking out a little.” Rarity unlocked her door. “I’m home. I’ll be there in about thirty minutes. Anything I need to bring?”

“We filled the refrigerator just now, so just anything you’ll need for the evening. Shirley said not to worry about food.” A beep sounded on the line. “Look, that’s Malia. I’ve got to make sure she’s still coming.”

“She’s bringing dinner, so I hope she’s coming,” Rarity said, but then she realized Holly had already hung up. She looked down at Killer. “We’ll just have to have faith that Malia hadn’t forgotten, right?”

He barked at her, watching her every move. He knew something was up. Normally, there was a different vibe when she got home. She’d get ready for a swim, pull out something from the freezer to make for dinner, and then they’d cuddle on the couch, and she’d pull out a book while a movie she’d seen too many times played in the background. Tonight, he knew they were doing something else. His whole body shook with anticipation.

“You better be a good boy at Darby’s tonight,” Rarity said as she dished up some wet food for his dinner. They’d walk to Darby’s so he’d have plenty of time to clear out his system. Even so, she packed a few emergency potty pads in his travel bag. It was like having a kid. Just one that never grew up. She had water dishes, extra food, treats, and a few toys, just in case.

It took her much less time to pack her own backpack with her overnight stuff.

By the time they got to Darby’s, there were several cars parked in the driveway, and it appeared she was the last of the book club to arrive. Holly greeted her at the door before she could even knock.

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