Page 55 of Secrets in the Stacks

“You guys okay to get home? Sam? I could drop you off before I head to the hospital in Flagstaff.” Drew looked out toward the highway.

“I should be asking you if you’re okay.” Sam hugged him. “Do you want me to go with you?”

“No, it might be a late night.” He glanced at his watch. “I’ve really got to go.”

“I can make it home on my own.” Sam kissed him on the cheek. “Go be with your dad.”

After Drew left, Archer nodded to Sam. “Rarity and I will walk with you to your house. Then I’ll walk her home. There’s no way I’m going to let either of you two walk alone after this.”

Sam laughed as they started down her street. “I’m not going to argue with you, but you need to realize the person who was hurt tonight wasn’t me. It was the guy I was with.”

“You’re making me question my chivalrous act. Maybe it’s a good thing I have you two with me.” He squeezed Rarity’s hand.

“Just don’t say I didn’t warn you.” Sam pointed to the cute Craftsman house they were coming up on. “That’s mine. Let me get out my keys, and you can take off.”

“Give me your keys. I’ll walk through the house, just in case. You know this guy is still out there, right?”

Sam handed over the keys, and Archer opened the door. She crossed her arms as she watched him enter her house. “Your boyfriend’s a pain.”

“I know, that’s one of the things I like about him.” Rarity gave her a hug. “I’m so glad you weren’t hurt.”

“I feel so bad about Jonathon. And Edith’s going to freak. She adores that man.” Sam leaned against one of the columns on her porch. “I hope he’s going to be okay. I would have gone with Drew, but he was being weird.”

“His dad was injured, and he was trying to figure out who was behind the attack. I think that’s pretty normal for the situation,” Rarity pointed out.

“Maybe I’m just overanalyzing the situation.” She stood as Archer came out of the house. “Everything okay?”

“No, not even. I can’t believe you leave dirty dishes in your sink. What are people supposed to do if they need water?”

“Not be in my house?” She held out her hand. “My keys?”

“Here you go. No boogeyman in the house, but I could tell which was your bedroom and which was the guest room. You’re a bit of a slob.” He dropped the keys into her hand. “But don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone.”

“Just get out of here. I’m beat. And Killer’s probably starving.” She rubbed the little dog’s head. “Talk to you tomorrow, Rarity.”

They waited for her to get inside and lock the door before they headed down the steps to the sidewalk. Rarity glanced down at Killer, who was walking slowly next to them. “He’s beat too. Usually, he’s up front, leading the way.”

Archer reached down and took the lead, picking Killer up. “I’ll carry him. He’s been a good boy today.”

“He’s always a good boy,” Rarity responded. She was still running on adrenaline, but as soon as she got home, she was probably going to crash.

They walked without talking for a while. Then Archer asked quietly, “Do you really think he was after the journals?”

“Yeah. There’s something more going on here with Catherine’s death. Something we’re not seeing. And unless the information is in the journals we still have, we might not ever see the answer.” She leaned on Archer, suddenly feeling the energy start to leave her. “I’m thinking soup for dinner. I’ve got a couple of quarts in the freezer.”

“You go swim or sit in the hot tub. I’ll take care of heating it up. And I have a quick cheddar biscuit recipe I can make if you have the ingredients.” He put an arm around her. “You’ve had a long day. You should relax.”

“I think your day has been just as long.” She pulled her keys out of her pocket and handed them to him. “But I’ll let you pamper me. At least this once.”

“Smart girl.” He set Killer down on the sidewalk and nodded to the house. “Same drill as with Sam’s.”

“Okay, Killer might have to go potty anyway.” She talked to Killer about his personal needs, and when he finished, she praised him. Then she saw Archer on the porch, watching her. “All clear?”

“You and that dog were made for each other.” He waved a hand toward the door. “After you.”

They had just sat down at the table with a glass of wine to take the edge off the night when a loud knocking sounded on the door.

Rarity stood, but Archer caught her hand. “What?”

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