Page 35 of Merry Murder Season
I shrugged and pulled out the notebook I’d brought along with me to the book club since I knew this meeting was going to happen. “I don’t care what dates you need off. I don’t want to lose you here. One, you’re an amazing renter and I’d have to find someone new to move into your apartment. And two, with Evie, you guys handle more of the bookstore tasks than I’ve ever done. So what days do you need off? Also, what do I need to take off your plate so you won’t look this stressed all the time? Lately, you look like you’re going to have a stroke most days I see you.”
He sighed and leaned back. “You don’t know how hard it was to even bring up cutting my hours a little. I’ve got a new manuscript to write and now edits on the second book. And they’ve scheduled me a week’s worth of in-person events for March. Not to mention blogs to write and video interviews.”
“Have you scheduled a release party here yet? I would like to host it on release day if you’re not already booked.” I smiled as his eyes widened. “Don’t tell me you didn’t expect it.”
We planned out his schedule for this next week while Beth was here and Toby wasn’t. Then we booked out the next three months. He’d told me he would figure out what he needed to pass on, but if I left it to him, he probably wouldn’t stop doing anything, so I made a couple of suggestions. Like asking Judith to take over the author events. “After we put yours on the books, that is.”
“I like talking to other authors,” he grumbled.
“Okay, then how about one of the writer groups and maybe the book club?” The look on his face was priceless. “You could still come, of course, but you won’t have to be in charge of ordering books or handling the discussion.”
“That might work,” he admitted as he looked at his schedule. “Right now, I’m in the bookstore almost every day for one thing or another. If I just had a few empty days, I think I could domore writing.”
“Okay, then it’s settled. I’ll talk to Judith tomorrow, and if she doesn’t want all three, I’ll ask Tilly if she can do one. If you think of anything else you’re willing to give up, like the newsletter, let me know.” I finished my to-do list and closed the notebook. As I put it away I asked, “You don’t have any friends who need a part-time job, do you?”
“I’ve been thinking about that. It’s too bad we can’t keep Beth around. She’s amazing already without much training.” He closed his planner and went over to check the lock on the back door. “I’ll go ask Evie if she needs me to make a bank drop. I know she needs to gethome to Homer.”
Homer was Evie’s spoiled Pomeranian. “I’ve told her to bring him on evening shifts.”
“She said he’s not feeling well after the Thanksgiving trip, so she left him home. I think Olivia fed him too many treats while she was dressing him up in her doll clothes and having tea parties.” He held the door open for me, and when we walked out, just Evie was left finishing up the closing task sheet.
The store looked empty.
“Did Beth already leave?” I grabbed my jacket andslipped it on.
“She said she was walking home.” Evie glanced at the doorway. “She left with Dom and Gunter.”
That didn’t mean anything. Dom’s and Gunter’s bikes were parked at Lille’s. I’d seen them when we’d left the diner. “Oh, okay.”
“She’s all right.” Evie saw my hesitation, then added, “Right? Should I have asked her to stay andwait for you?”
“Beth is an adult and knows where she’s sleeping.” I repeated her words to me and smiled, but inside, I was worried. I just didn’t need my staff to see it.
“Okay, well, then I’m out of here.” Evie handed the bank deposit to Deek. “If you still want to drop it at the night drop.”
“I can do that.” Deek turned to me. “Unless I shouldwalk you home.”
“I know where I’m sleeping tonight as well. I’m fine. I’ll talk to you all tomorrow. Remember, we’re looking for one or two new baristas who will fit into this crazy crew.” I paused at the front door. “Don’t let me down. I know you two know more people than I do.”
As I passed by the antique store, Mandy and Josh were sitting outside at a table she’d had him set up a few months ago. Mandy called to me, “Hey, Jill, want to grab a glass of wine with us? We’re heading down to the winery fora few minutes.”
“Thanks for the invitation but I’m worn out and I’ve got the early shift tomorrow, but have fun.” I smiled as I walked away. The look on Josh’s face told me he didn’t want to go to the winery but had been outvoted. Mandy had two votes to his one. Especially if it was regarding a social activity.
Walking home meant running into almost everyone in South Cove who wasn’t already inside watching television, reading, or sleeping. Or at the winery. We lived in a safe town. Especially if you read the mayor’s marketing ads. Unlessyou asked Chip.
I hurried home. There were two motorcycles still in Diamond Lille’s parking lot. From a quick glance through the windows, I spied Gunter, sitting alone at a booth. Dom was probably in the back with Lille talking aboutthe book club.
I relaxed a little on my last stretch home. The sky was clear tonight and I could hear the waves on the beach. A full moon lit my path to the house, adding to the streetlights that the council had finally installed last year. The beach parking lot was also lit up, but there weren’t any cars there. At least none that I could see from the top of the hill.
When I reached the house, I heard voices coming from the front porch. Emma greeted me at the gate, and when I opened it, I saw Beth and Dom sitting on thesteps, talking.
“Jill, that was quick. I should have waited for you.” Beth stood as I approached the porch.
Dom nodded his head in greeting. “If you need any more information, I can see what my mom has of my dad’s old papers. He was obsessed until the cult leader was imprisoned and for years afterward.”
“Thanks for talking to me about your family’s experience. I think people don’t realize how easy it is to be swayed by these groups. Especially when you’re young.” Beth waved as he left the yard and headed back into town to gather his bike and Gunter. She looked at me. “Don’t look at me that way. We were just talking about his sister.”
“Beth, you’re not from here, and Dom, well, he’s been in trouble before. I just want you to be safe.” I called Emma inside just as Beth’s phone rang.
