Page 48 of Secrets in the Stacks

Rarity shook her head. “That’s not the same as doing a nationally syndicated piece on a crooked business. Especially if her work was what led to her husband’s death.”

“I know. Lloyd gave me the same song and dance. I do think she had some notes on the article she wanted to write, but I don’t buy the fact that Tom was killed to warn her off. If that was true, why didn’t Lloyd take up the banner and publish the story himself? I think he’s wanting to write it now because Catherine can’t rebut his involvement in the research. He’s slimy, that one.” He checked his watch. “I need to go. Dad and I are going to the movies tonight, and I need to get laundry done before we leave. Adulting is hard work.”

“Sorry about that, but you were the guy who was trying to get his parents out of his house. You just lost the one who took care of you and your needs all the time.”

He stood and pointed a finger at her. “You’re a little blunt, Rarity Cole. I think that’s why we’re friends. We’re a lot alike.”

Rarity followed him to the door. “Thanks for checking the house out. I appreciate it.”

His gaze went over her shoulder, and she turned to see what he was focused on.

“What are you looking at?”

Drew met her gaze then. “Does Lloyd Jones know about the journals? That they’re here?”

Rarity thought about the conversations she’d had with Lloyd. “Not that I know of, but someone else might have let it slip. I’ve been gathering them from the group as they finish reading them. That way Darby doesn’t have to worry about them going missing.”

He nodded and looked again at the pile of journals on her table. “I think just maybe that might be what your intruder was trying to gain access to. Maybe we should move them to the station or my house for a while.”

“I’ll talk to Darby tomorrow. If she gives permission, I’ll box them up and drop off the ones we’ve read tomorrow evening at your house. I think she’d agree to that more than having them at the police station.” Rarity crossed her arms. “You don’t really think it was Lloyd doing this, do you?”

He shrugged. “If you had cameras on your house, we’d know, now wouldn’t we?”

She watched him walk to his truck parked in her driveway. She waved as he pulled out, then noticed Terrance on his porch, watching. He waved and disappeared into his house. Drew was right about one thing. Terrance was her own personal neighborhood watch. She just hoped he wouldn’t be foolish enough to put himself in danger. She went inside, but instead of picking up her book, she opened her laptop and priced security cameras.

* * * *

Monday morning, she took some Rarity time. She swam, worked out, and made herself a big breakfast. Since she didn’t open the store on Mondays until noon, she had some time. And she’d learned that taking care of herself was just as important as cleaning the bathroom. Most of the time.

When eleven thirty came, she put a leash on Killer and grabbed her tote, closing her patio door blinds just to keep the journals out of sight. She’d talk to Darby as soon as she came in, and Archer had agreed to help her move the journals to Drew’s house.

She waved to Terrance, and then she and Killer walked into town and to the bookstore. Darby was sitting on the bench in front of the store when she arrived. “Hey, I’m glad to see you. We need to talk.”

Darby followed her into the store. “Please tell me you’re not firing me. I just talked to Grandma’s accountant and found out what the house is costing me a month. I’d hate to go through my entire inheritance before the end of the year.”

“It’s not that bad, is it?” Rarity unhooked Killer’s leash, and he went running to his water bowl.

“Hold on, little man, I’ll fill that up.” Darby grabbed the bowl and hurried into the kitchen. When she came back, she set Killer’s water down and picked up the food dish to fill from a container Rarity kept under the counter. “To answer your question, I’m not sure. We only had an hour to talk, and he wanted to go over the expenses of keeping the house first. He’s advising me to sell and put the money in an account. He wants me to rent an apartment for a year before I make any big decisions.”

Rarity started on the opening tasks. She set up the cash register as they were talking. “Isn’t selling the house a big decision? I think you should just live there until you decide what you want. The upkeep can’t be that much.”

“It’s more than I make here. Of course, I have some cash accounts. But I think he might know a potential buyer, so maybe he’s just trying to scare me into selling quickly.” Darby turned on the rest of the lights and checked the to-do list. “I’ll stock books. I saw there were several boxes back there when I got Killer’s water.”

“Before you do, I need to talk to you. And no, I’m not firing you or cutting your hours. Drew stopped by yesterday because Terrance thought he saw someone trying to break into my house. Drew’s afraid it might be your grandmother’s journals he was after. Can we move them to Drew’s house until this investigation is done?” Rarity closed the register and turned her entire focus onto Darby.

“I don’t know. I have issues with him. He thought I killed her for a while.” Darby picked at a piece of lint on her sweater.

“I know, but he was just doing his job. And he’s solid. I can vouch for him.” Rarity watched as Darby struggled with the decision. “Your grandmother’s journals will be safe there.”

“I guess it’s okay. I don’t want someone to break into your house for them. I’d feel horrible. I thought about just bringing them back into my house, but someone has already broken in there.” She parroted Drew’s statement from yesterday. “Adulting is hard. There are so many decisions to make. And I never knew how much stuff my grandmother did for me until she wasn’t there anymore.”

“You’ve got people you can count on here. And if you need a new accountant, just let me know. Or maybe Archer could go with you the next time you talk to him. Explain that you’re not some kid to push around?” Rarity hoped Archer wouldn’t mind her volunteering him, but she figured he’d be just as upset as she was by the way this guy was treating Darby. “Anyway, I’ll give Archer a call and ask him to move the journals.”

“Thanks for helping me keep them safe.” Darby nodded to the back room. “I’ll go grab those boxes and get started on that. Do you want me to change up the sign and open the door? It looks like we’ve got some people waiting outside.”

Rarity nodded as she looked out the window. There were several people milling around the small courtyard in front of the store. “Oh, gosh, yes. It’s going to be a busy day.”

Later, Archer popped in to get the keys to her house, but Rarity didn’t have much time to talk since the store was filled with people. When he returned the store was still busy, so she just held out her hand for the keys, and he dropped them into it with a short, “I’ll pick you up at five for dinner.”

---