Page 22 of Secrets in the Stacks

Friday morning, Rarity had just finished her opening chores when her first customer came into the bookstore. She was in the back when the doorbell announced their arrival, so she called out a greeting. “Feel free to look around. I’ll be out in a second.”

When she came out with her cup of coffee, she set it down on the counter. She didn’t see anyone in the store, but Killer was standing on his bed, looking toward the nonfiction section and growling. She turned that way and ran into a large man with a red beard. She assumed his hair was red too, but he wore one of those beanies that seemed to be in fashion. A tattoo ran down his neck from his ear to below his shirt collar. “Oh, sorry, I didn’t mean to run into you. Can I help you find anything?”

“I was looking for a book on environmental disasters. I know it’s a stretch, but my kid, he’s into that kind of thing. A real green nut, so when I’m traveling, I check out locally owned bookstores and consignment shops to see if I can get him something. A lot of the books are out of print now.” He glanced around the shop. “Are you the only one working today?”

“Actually, no. She just ran out for a protein-packed smoothie. She’s one of those fitness nuts.” Rarity wasn’t sure why she was lying about Darby and her location, but something felt off with the guy’s question. Maybe she should have made up a fictional assistant who was a weightlifter. A buff guy coming in at any time wouldn’t be the worst idea when she was alone in the bookstore. “I don’t think we have much in our environmental green section, but I could order something if you’re going to be in town for a week or two.”

“Don’t worry about it. I’m not sure how long this job will run. I’ll check out the consignment shops.” He moved to the door. “Thanks for your help. And cute dog. He’s probably amazing at protection.”

“Killer’s more of a lapdog than for protection. Although he does have a sharp bite. And a loud growl.” She picked up the little dog, who was at her feet and growling at the man.

“Death by a thousand paper cuts.” The man chuckled and left the store.

After the doorbell rang, Rarity ran and locked the front door, turning the sign over. Then she went to the back and checked that the door to the alley was locked as well. She picked up her phone and called Drew. “Can you come over for a minute? I just had a customer, and he felt wrong.”

“You want me to come over because a customer scared you?” Drew turned down his radio. He must have been in the truck.

“Please? I know it’s dumb, and it’s probably because of this whole thing with Darby, but I need to talk this out with you. If you have a minute.” Rarity thought about her impulsive call. “Or maybe not. I didn’t get a lot of sleep the last few nights. Maybe I’m seeing unicorns.”

“I’ll be at the store in about five. I’ve been in Flagstaff at the coroner’s. They’re releasing Mrs. Doyle’s body to the funeral home today. I need to let Darby know she can start planning.”

“Okay, I’ll wait for you. I’ve got the door locked. Just knock if you don’t see me.” She rubbed a spot on the counter in front of the register.

He paused. “This guy really has you spooked.”

“Yeah. Just hurry.” Rarity hung up and set down the phone on the counter. The encounter had made her shaky. Why, she couldn’t tell. Maybe it was just the aftereffects of the other night’s events at Darby’s. No matter what, she wanted to at least report this to Drew. On the other hand, it was probably nothing. She should call him back and tell him not to come. She still was holding Killer, and he reached up and licked her face. She looked down at the little dog. “You were a good guard dog. I’m sorry he made fun of you.”

Killer leaned into her, like he knew she needed a hug. The knock on the door shook her, and she clutched Killer tighter as she stood to look out the window. Drew stood outside, looking in. He waved her over as he caught her gaze.

She hurried over and unlocked the door, turning the sign back to open. “Look, I’m sorry I called. I’m just still shook up over Wednesday night.”

“No worries. Better to be safe than sorry. You know that. You can always call.” He stepped into the bookstore and closed the door after him. “Now let’s grab some coffee and talk about this guy. Why did he set off your alarms?”

It took about ten minutes for her to explain exactly what had happened. Drew took notes in his little book, and as she finished, he closed the notebook and tucked it away.

“I know, I shouldn’t have called you.” She nodded to his cup. “Do you have time for more?”

“I’d like to, but I’ve got to get to the station. And no, you should have called me. From what you said, this guy was a little off. Killer has a good sense of people. If he didn’t like the guy, there’s a good reason.” He finished his coffee and stood. “So many times, people just push away that little voice until it’s too late. If he comes back, call me and tell me my book on bread baking is in. It can be our code phrase for when something’s going on.”

“You’re never going to order a book on making bread.” Rarity picked up his cup and took it with hers back to the counter.

“Exactly. That’s why it’s a perfect code word. It shouldn’t alert the guy that you called the police, but it will tell me he’s back.” He glanced around the bookstore. “You need to invest in cameras on the inside too. I know you have that one in the back, but you need to expand your system.”

“On my Santa list for the bookstore this year. I’ll have to see what profits are before I can sink more money into security. I need to eat, you know.” Rarity set the coffee cups on the back counter.

He held up a hand. “Sorry, I’m just trying to think proactively. Just consider the upgrade when you can.”

“Bye, Drew.” Now, she had to add another costly improvement to the store’s list of nice to haves.

Instead of leaving, he held the door open for someone. He tipped his hat. “Good morning, Sam. How are things going?”

“Fine. What’s happening here? Rarity? Are you all right?” Sam hurried over to the register where Rarity stood. Killer ran up to greet her.

“I’m fine. Drew came over because I freaked out about a weird customer.” Rarity gave her friend a hug.

“I wouldn’t say freaked out. And after the break-in, I think you have a right to be jumpy. I’ve got to go. I have a meeting at the station in ten. See you later, Sam.” With that, Drew left the shop, closing the door behind him.

“Okay, that was weird. Tell me what happened. Where was the break-in? At the store? Or your house?” Sam peppered her with questions.

---