Page 22 of By the Book

Turning back to Ivy, I ask, “What were you going to say outside? Something you remembered about last night?”

“Oh, right.” She digs around in her tote and comes up empty. “I must have left it at home. Anyway, last night when I was coming out of my office, after everything, I found a set of keys on the ground over there.”

I follow her pointed finger across the room as she continues. “They weren’t mine. And Millie hadn’t come over there yet. Which means he had to have dropped them.”

Pinching my nose, I exhale. “Ivy, you shouldn’t have those at your home.”

“I know, I’ll get them to you. But listen. Here’s the thing, they had a keychain.”

“Did it have the guy’s name and address on the keychain or something?”

“No,” she says, raising her eyebrow at me. I think she’s enjoying building suspense right now. And damn it if it isn’t cute to see her in sleuth mode. “But I recognized the keychain. It was the favor from my parents’ pig roast.”

“Oh shit,” I breathe. “Seriously?”

She nods, her eyes wide. “I can get you the keys. I can also go over the guest list with you.”

“You want to get more involved?”

“I want to do this, yes.”

“Ivy—”

“Please, I can help. These are important things I can contribute. I’ve studied all the great detectives,” she argues, waving her hand at the books around us.

“Okay, Sherlock,” I concede, a playful smile on my lips. “I’ll get the key from you, and then we can sit down about the guest list. But then that’s it. You can’t be involved more; it wouldn’t be safe.”

“Wouldn’t you be Sherlock? But I think I’m proving to be wicked effective as your Watson already.”

I drag my hand down my face to hide the way my smile grows at her words. “I’m happy to have you,” I say. “But I need you to agree that you won’t get more involved than planned.”

“Cross my heart,” she replies innocently, making the sweeping motion over her heart before holding up her hand in promise.

I’m not sure I believe her. The look on her face is pure elation. But there is no reality in which I would turn down a chance to be near her. My smile stretches wider. “Alright, partners it is.”

Chapter 10

Ivy

What remains of my bookstore looks barren and sad. My friends had been efficient because any sign of damage was eradicated in just a few short hours. But almost everything has been damaged. The floor to ceiling shelves and their books are intact, along with the chairs in the back. And that’s it.

I take a seat on the window ledge and scan the scene before me. I’ll need new tables, rugs, a checkout counter, computer, vases, and inventory. I let out a long sigh and lean back against the window.

“How are you, kiddo?” my dad asks, approaching from my office. It’s just the two of us left here since he stayed to help me go over all the insurance things.

“I’m alright, tired. How areyou?”

He takes a seat beside me and wraps an arm around my shoulder. “Oh, I’m just fine. The boys did all the heavy lifting.”

Tripp had hauled the massive table tops out on his own, and it’s a wonder no one caught me drooling over the sight. He had shed his jacket and flannel, leaving a tempting view of his rippling muscles through the light gray T-shirt.

“It’s a good group you and your brother have surrounded yourselves with. You don’t know how thankful your mother andI are for Tripp especially. Responding to your text message like that, he saved our little girl.”

I think back to hiding under my desk. I was afraid, of course. Anyone would be. But I also knew, in my bones, that Tripp would ensure my safety. There was no one else in which I had such confidence. The realization ignites my nerves, a tingling sensation rushing through me.

“He’s definitely worthy of your praise,” I agree, hoping I don’t sound as affected as I’m feeling. “But I’m serious, Dad. How are you? Stress is always a bigger factor than physical labor for you.”

“I’ve decreased my caseload at the firm, hence the new associates. I watch my diet, get a healthy amount of exercise. I’m following the doctor’s orders, my dear. To the letter.”

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