Page 34 of Secrets in the Stacks

“I didn’t think that’s what that face meant, but okay.” She pulled out her keys and waved at Terrance, who was getting up from his spot on his porch and going inside. He’d been waiting on her to make sure she got home safe. She’d bet money on it.

“I have your answers. Yes, I came by to see you. No, I don’t have dinner plans, so if you’re offering to feed me, I’ll stay. And as far as my day, I’ve had better.” He nodded toward Terrance’s now empty porch. “I see your neighborhood watch was alert for your return.”

“He’s a good man.” Rarity unlocked the door and leaned down to unhook Killer. He’d peed on everything he could find all the way home, so naturally, he ran to the water dish as soon as she’d taken the leash off to refill his storage tank. “And I think he’s a little lost. He has a group of guys, but sometimes, I think he gets lonely.”

“You’ve got a big heart.” He pointed to the bag. “Do you want this on the table?”

“That will work.” She paused at the freezer. “I have two pieces of salmon and some salad stuff if you really want dinner.”

“That will be perfect.” He set the tote on the table, and a few of the journals fell out. He stacked them on the table by her tote. “You weren’t kidding about having a bunch.”

“I never kid about books.” She grabbed a chopping block and a knife, then took the veggies out of the fridge to make a chopped salad. “Hey, are you going to the funeral tomorrow?”

“Two p.m., right? I’m closing down the shop at one so I can get ready.” He washed his hands in the sink, then took the knife from her. “My cuts are better than yours.”

“And always will be if you don’t let me chop things.” She held up her hands. “But don’t let me stop you. Second question, did you reach Darby’s folks? She’s freaking a little about having to do this alone.”

He started chopping the onion. “I left a message with several people, but I’m not sure they’ll get it. I don’t understand why they’re being so cryptic about where they are. I’m not even sure they went to Alaska in the first place.”

“Well, I hope they show up, for Darby’s sake.” She got her large salad bowl out of the cabinet. Then she set the table for two. “I’m glad you came by tonight. I was going to eat a frozen dinner and read more of Catherine’s journals.”

“I’ll have to leave early since I’ve got a hike at the crack of dawn tomorrow. You can read after you finish the dishes.” He grinned as she threw a piece of celery at him. “Hey, I cook, you clean. And you know grilling is my specialty.”

After Archer left, Rarity did the dishes even though she told Killer that Archer wasn’t the boss of her, she just liked a clean kitchen. She brewed a cup of tea and picked up the journal she’d been reading at the bookstore. Then she turned on the stereo, and with Killer on her lap, started reading about Catherine’s life.

At ten, she was tired of tea and reading. She’d finished three of the journals, and besides a clear understanding of how amazing Catherine Doyle had been in life, Rarity didn’t have any clues to why anyone would want to kill her. Especially not the granddaughter who loved her and who, from Catherine’s own words, she’d loved back.

She set the finished books aside on her bookshelf and got ready for bed. Tomorrow was going to be draining for Darby, and she needed to be there to help her get through the day. The girl had no one except the book club. They’d be there for Darby and each other.

* * * *

Terrance was drinking a cup of coffee on his porch when she and Killer came out the front door. He called out to her, “You off to work?”

“For a short time. Then I’ll be back and leaving again. Catherine Doyle’s funeral is today, and I’ll be attending. Are you coming?” She leaned on the deck railing while they talked.

“I hate funerals, but for Catherine, yeah, I’m coming. I won’t be going over to the house, though, so tell Miss Darby I’ll be thinking of her.” He set down his coffee cup. “Does your friend have any clues on who killed her?”

By her friend, she assumed he meant Drew. Drew started coming by the house after she’d taken in Killer. Mostly to visit the dog, but Rarity and Drew had formed a strong friendship. “Not that he’s told me, but you know those detective types. They keep their cards close to their chest.”

“Well, I hope he figures it out soon. People are getting nervous, thinking there might be a killer in our little town.” His phone rang. “Sorry, I’ve got to take this.”

Rarity and Killer started walking to work, but Terrance’s words kept bothering her. People were getting nervous. Could the killer be someone from Sedona? Someone the saintly Catherine had angered? She hadn’t come across anyone the woman hadn’t liked, at least in the journals she’d read. A few disagreements about what community service project was more important—a statue for the park or a kids’ playground. Catherine had sided with the playground and won.

But no real animosity. At least on her part. Rarity was just going to have to keep reading.

By the time she was ready to close, Rarity realized she probably could have just stayed closed today. She hadn’t had one customer. Apparently, everyone was getting ready for the funeral or just didn’t need a book on Thursday morning. She roused Killer from his nap, and they headed back home. She would drop Killer off back at home and then change before heading back to town and the church, which was just off Main Street.

Her phone rang as she was slipping on her black flats. She glanced at the display before answering. “Hey, Sam. What’s up?”

“I’m at the store. Did you already leave?”

She put her on speaker as she filled Killer’s water dish. He was lying on the couch, staring at her. How dogs knew when you were getting ready to leave, she didn’t know, but from the glare she was getting, he knew. “Yeah, I had to bring Killer home and change. Sorry.”

“No worries. I guess I’ll meet you there, then. Are you walking?”

Rarity glanced at her watch that showed the temperature. “It doesn’t look that bad, so yes. I’m walking.”

“I’ll wait for you at the top of your street, then.” Sam hung up.

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