Page 53 of Secrets in the Stacks

“Since she’s dead, there’s no way to verify that he didn’t rat her out to the company.” Darby sighed as she leaned down. “Sorry, I just don’t trust the man. He broke into my house just because he wanted to steal Grandma’s story.”

“I don’t think anyone trusts him, Darby.” Malia put an arm around her friend. “We’re just trying to figure out what we know and what we need to know. We need to look into his life. See what we find.”

Rarity checked her watch. It was almost time to close up. “Okay, so Holly’s going to research William Taft.”

“Billy. According to this interview, he goes by Billy, which tells you a lot about him. What kind of grown man still goes by Billy?” Holly asked as she kept her focus on her phone.

“Okay, Billy, his family, and their lives. We want to be well armed in this battle. We’re going to need it if we have a shot to win.” She looked around the room. “We need someone to check into Lloyd Jones. I would, but he knows me. And he knows I know who he is and what he wanted to do.”

Malia held up her hand. “I’m good at reconnaissance. I’ll dig into his life.”

“I’ll research Cheryl Jackson and Tom and see what I can come up with.” Rarity looked around. “Is that it?”

“I hope not, because I need a job to keep from going crazy for the next week.” Darby looked around the room. “What should I do?”

“We need you to look into Agricultural Norms. Who are they? Why did they let Billy go? Or did he quit? Other suits or complaints against them?” Rarity checked her notes. “Don’t leave any stone unturned. If it looks weird, it probably is.”

Shirley held up a hand. “I’m going to talk to Chloe Evans again and do some digging in the church records. We need to know what, if anything, Catherine told the church leadership.”

The door to the bookstore opened, and Jonathon Anderson walked inside. Everyone’s breath had hitched when the door opened, and a sigh of relief was let out when they realized he wasn’t dangerous.

“Hey gang. I know I’m too late for the meeting. And I have nothing to report on the investigation.” He waved at the group. “Just grabbing a new book for the evening. You all go ahead.”

Rarity turned back to the group. “Okay, then. I think we’re done for the evening. Sam, would you take the whiteboard back to the break room?” She handed Sam her phone. “Just take a picture for me. That way we have a copy. See you all next week.”

The group disappeared quickly as Rarity and Darby cleaned up the refreshment table. When they finished, Darby glanced at her watch.

Rarity chuckled. “Where are you going tonight?”

“I’m meeting Holly and Malia for drinks at the Garnet.” She picked up a napkin from the floor. “I can stay around if you need me.”

“Go have fun. You work too much.” Rarity watched as Darby grabbed her backpack and tucked her phone into the pocket, hooking up her headphones for music first.

“I like working. Besides, you’re the one who works too much. You and Archer need to do something fun that doesn’t involve the bookstore.” She waved and then disappeared out the door.

Jonathon Anderson chuckled as he brought books up to the counter. “Out of the mouths of babes. Sorry I couldn’t attend the meeting. I was stuck in a meeting with the lawyers for Martha’s estate. For such a small amount of money, she sure is making everyone jump through a lot of hoops to claim it. I assume you all were planning your next steps? Anything new I should know? Or assignments for me? I feel bad I’m not holding up my part as a temporary member.”

“Nothing that you don’t know already. Oh, are you heading home? I need to take some books to Drew’s for safekeeping.” Rarity rang up the charge and took Jonathon’s card.

“That’s my next stop. I’ll take them back.” He glanced at his watch. “That way I don’t have to worry about you walking home alone this late at night.”

“No, I have to worry about you walking home alone.” Rarity handed him back the credit card, then grabbed another bag, laughing at the look he’d just given her. “Let me get these bagged up for you.”

Sam came out of the back. She walked around the counter and gave him a hug. “Jonathon, how are you?”

Rarity went over to the coffee table and tucked most of the journals into the bag, but it filled up quickly, and she was left with the two with the lists. The journals she assumed held Catherine’s notes from the investigation of the agriculture company. Those she slipped into Killer’s bag. The little dog stood and stretched as she walked by, indicating his desire to go home. She rubbed his head. “Hold on a second, and we’ll be on our way.”

She took the bag over and gave it to Jonathon. “Thank you for doing this. I could have walked them over, but this way, I get Killer home in time for a late dinner and still have time for a swim.”

“I’m glad to help. I agree with Drew that you don’t need to have these in your house. I’m worried that someone might still try to break in.” He put a hand on her arm. “Are you sure you’re okay? I can walk you home first.”

“I have Killer.” Rarity turned as the door opened, and Archer walked inside. She pointed to the new arrival. “And Archer. I’ll be fine. Besides, you’re closer to Sam’s place than mine. She can protect you at least part of the way on your walk home.”

“You girls are too worried about me. I’m in great shape for my age. I told you I used to be a police officer, right?” Jonathon looked from Sam to Rarity.

Archer came and shook Jonathon’s hand. “I think retired is the operable word here. I’ll handle Rarity and Killer if you can get Sam home.”

“Well, when you put it that way, it would be my honor.” Jonathon held out his arm, and Sam took it. “I’ll see you all soon.”

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