Bound for Murder, page 15
“Now”—Zelda shoved the handkerchief back into her pocket and pulled free of Sunny’s comforting arm—“I’m heading home. I can walk there, thankfully, even if it is a bit of a hike. But I suppose it will give me plenty of time to think things through.”
I almost asked What things? but just said, “Goodbye.”
“Nonsense, I’m going to give you a ride.” Sunny glanced over at me. “If that’s okay with my boss.”
“Sure, sure, take all the time you want,” I said, waving them off.
As Sunny led Zelda to the back of the library and the parking lot, I exhaled loudly.
“Yeah, me too,” Brad said, before wishing me a good day and leaving by the front doors.
I sank back down onto the stool behind the circulation desk and leaned forward over the desk, dropping my aching head down onto my crossed arms. Give me one quiet moment, I thought, just as the parents and kids who’d been in the children’s room for story hour bounced up to the desk with stacks of books to check out.
I forced a smile and made pleasant conversation while checking out their books, all the while vowing to never drink so much in one sitting ever again.
Because, I told myself, you should have learned by now that you never know what the next day will bring.
Chapter Sixteen
I took advantage of the fact that I was scheduled to work until eight o’clock on Wednesday to sleep in, which definitely helped my mood. I was able to catch up on some much-needed rest and take my time getting ready, instead of my usual habit of rushing around in the morning like a chicken with its head cut off. Arriving at eleven, I found Sunny busy helping patrons in the stacks while Denise, one of our most loyal volunteers, covered the circulation desk.
The day sped by quickly, with enough reference questions and other patron interaction to keep things interesting. I also took advantage of Sunny’s presence to spend a couple of boring hours working on the statistical report I’d need to present to the town council at the beginning of October.
Around four, Dan Dane showed up, asking to use the archives. I sent Sunny out to help him, not just because I was busy but also, I had to confess, to encourage what appeared to be a budding relationship.
In fact, when Sunny came back in at five, saying that Dan wanted to keep working until eight, I impetuously requested that she ask Dan to join her, Richard, and me for a late-night dinner and drinks after I closed up the library.
“Richard’s picking me up at eight. We’re planning to try out that new vegetarian place in Smithsburg,” I said. “I thought, since Dan will be researching until late, and he really doesn’t know many people in town, maybe he’d like to join us. Along with you, if you don’t mind coming back to meet us here.”
Sunny fiddled with her silver bangle bracelets as she eyed me with suspicion. “Are you trying to play matchmaker? Because I thought you disliked that sort of interference.” She arched her golden brows. “But I guess that’s just when it involves your love life?”
I flashed a grin. “Yep. Because where you’re concerned, I’m going to become just as obnoxious as Aunt Lydia and Zelda.”
“Oh heavens, I don’t know if I can deal with that.” Sunny’s smile belied her words. “Okay, I’ll ask Dan. And if he says yes, we’ll join you and Richard for dinner.”
“Even if he says no, you’re welcome,” I replied, as she turned away.
“The dreaded third wheel? Not likely,” Sunny called over her shoulder.
She returned with an affirmative answer from Dan, and I called Richard. I hadn’t thought he would mind, and he didn’t, although he did poke fun at my matchmaking efforts.
“And you were so ticked off when Lydia tried that tactic on you,” he said.
“Only because I wasn’t sure I should be dating my neighbor. Just think how badly that could’ve turned out. What if we hadn’t gotten along, or had dated and then broken up or something?”
“Was that the only reason? I seem to recall some other serious doubts on your part, despite my obvious charms.”
I laughed. “Is that what you’re calling it? I have some memory of that time too, you know.”
“You mean you don’t think I possess any charm?” Richard said, in a tone brimming with humor.
“I think you possess too much for your own good, and mine, and you know it. But anyway, back to the matter at hand. You know I just want to see Sunny happy, and she does seem to like Dan.”
“All right, but I plan to render my own judgment on the guy. If I don’t think he’s good enough for Sunny, out he goes.”
“Maybe not tossed from the restaurant,” I said with a chuckle. “Okay, see you later, mister.”
“Looking forward to it, miss,” Richard said in a starchy voice, adding in a warmer tone, “Love you.”
“Love you too,” I said, before hanging up.
I held up my left hand, studying my engagement ring. It still amazed me that I’d met someone and gotten engaged in such a short span of time. But, I thought as I rubbed the central diamond with my fingertip, what’s more amazing is that I don’t have any doubts. Not anymore.
When Dan called the main-desk phone at seven forty-five to tell me he had completed his research, I slipped out to meet him at the archives and lock the building behind him.
“Thanks for inviting me to dinner,” he said as we walked back into the library.
“No need to thank me. I think it will be fun. Now, if you just want to hang out in the reading room or something, I need to check and make sure the building is clear before I lock up.”
“Why don’t I walk around with you?” Dan’s sea-green eyes sparkled with what I hoped was anticipation over spending more time with Sunny. “Just to make sure you’re safe.”
I shrugged. “Thanks, although I’ve been closing at eight since I took this job. No problems yet.” I cast him a wry smile. “Despite some of the recent murder cases in Taylorsford, it really is a quiet town. We don’t see a lot of trouble.”
“Murder isn’t trouble?” Dan asked as he trailed me through the stacks.
“Sure, but all those cases … well, there were significant personal motives that made the killers do what they did. It wasn’t like they were just running around offing people for no reason.”
“There’s always a reason for murder, isn’t there?”
“I don’t know.” After poking my head in the break room, I paused in the center of the children’s room. “There are psychopaths who kill for nothing more than the thrill, or so I’m told.”
“But in my experience, they always believe they have a valid reason for their actions, as twisted as it may seem to us.” Dan met my inquisitive gaze with a shrug. “I did some crime reporting in the past. Talked to some people I expect you’d call psychopaths or sociopaths or whatever. They always had their own logical reasons for what they’d done, flawed as that logic might appear to you or me.”
“Interesting. You’ll have to expound on that later.” I stopped at the circulation desk. “I just need to make sure the workroom door is shut tight, and then we can head out the front doors. Oh, I forgot to ask—do you want to ride with Richard and me, or drive your own car and follow?”
Dan rubbed the back of his neck with one hand. “I thought I’d drive. That way I can just head to my motel afterwards.”
“Good, then Sunny can ride with you.” I winked at him. “That way no one has to sit in the back, at least on the way over.”
His lips twitched. “Good thinking.”
“Richard and I will drive her home, though. She called a little while ago to tell me her grandfather was going to drop her off.” I tipped my head to one side and looked him over. “I’d say you could escort her home as well, but since I expect your motel is closer to Smithsburg, that would mean backtracking. Not too many places to stay right in Taylorsford.”
“True,” Dan said. “There are a few B and Bs, but they’re expensive, as is the inn on the edge of town. And that one motel near the strip mall …”
I gave a fake shudder. “Ugh, no one wants to go there.” I circled around the desk and double-checked the workroom, grabbing my jacket and purse before meeting up with Dan again in the small front lobby.
“You don’t need to lock those doors?” He pointed to the interior main doors.
“No, only the exterior ones have locks,” I said, as I used my keys to set the tumblers on the front doors. “Just head on out. They’ll lock behind us.”
Sunny was already waiting on the sidewalk in front of the library.
“Hi again,” she said, fastening the zipper on her electric-blue suede jacket. “It’s a bit colder than I expected.”
I looked her up and down, taking in the spiky high heels and the short stretch of dress, black lace over midnight-blue silk, that poked out from under the long, lean jacket. Her loose hair flowed down her back like a river of gold. She looked spectacular, which I suspected was not for my or Richard’s benefit.
“Dan’s going to follow, so we thought you could ride with him,” I said, as Richard’s copper-colored sedan pulled up in front of the library. “But Richard and I will still drive you home.”
“Sounds good.” Sunny made a face at me and mouthed I know what you’re doing as Dan turned away.
“I’m parked in the back,” he said. “Sunny, just wait here while I bring my car around.”
I gave him basic directions in case he got lost following us, then crossed over to climb in the passenger’s seat of Richard’s car.
Richard raised his eyebrows. “Sunny’s not coming with us?”
“She’s riding with Dan.”
“Ah, the plot thickens.”
Refusing to take this bait, I craned my neck and glanced in the rearview mirror. “There’s his car now, pulling up behind us. We can go as soon as Sunny gets in. But take it slow. Dan needs to be able to follow us.”
“I promise not to use my getaway driver skills,” Richard said dryly.
I wrinkled my nose at him. “Very droll.”
“You bring it out in me.” Richard leaned over to give me a quick kiss before checking the rearview mirror. “Looks like Dan’s ready to go, so let’s head out. I’m starving.”
“Aren’t you always?” I said as I fastened my seat belt. “Oh, by the way, I need to tell you something that happened yesterday. As long as you promise not to freak out.”
As he drove toward Smithsburg, I filled him in on the anonymous note I’d received the day before.
“You didn’t think to mention this last night when we talked on the phone?” he asked, frowning.
“I thought it would be better if we discussed it in person.”
“But Brad is checking it out? For sure?”
“Yeah, and you know how dogged he is about chasing down any leads. I’m sure he’ll find the culprit soon enough.” I laid my left hand on Richard’s right knee. “Don’t worry too much, okay?”
“Why not ask me to fly to the moon?” Richard’s lips twisted into a sarcastic smile. “Not worry? That’ll be the day.”
“I said not too much. I know you’ll worry, no matter what I say.”
“You got that right.” Richard steered the car onto a side road on the outskirts of Smithsburg. “Keep an eye out for the place. It’s supposed to be somewhere on this street.”
We located the restaurant without any trouble and waited for Dan and Sunny to join us before heading inside.
After a light but delicious meal accompanied by pleasant conversation, Richard ordered coffee for everyone. With my fingers wrapped around my steaming mug, I looked across the table and caught Dan’s eye.
“I did want to ask you a little more about your crime-reporting days,” I said, before taking a sip of my coffee.
Dan tapped his spoon against the rim of his ceramic mug. “What do you want to know?”
“How you got into that, I guess. And what was your most interesting interview.”
Sunny rolled her eyes. “Haven’t you had enough of crime for one lifetime, Amy?”
“I’m just curious.” I cast Dan a warm smile. “I am rather inquisitive, I’m afraid.”
Richard set down his mug so hard that coffee splashed over the rim. “Now, there’s an understatement,” he said, reaching for a napkin.
Dan met my gaze, his eyes narrowed. “I got assigned to that beat when I first started out. Not my choice, but it did turn out to be more interesting than I expected.”
“Did you really interview murderers?” Sunny asked, lifting her mug to her mauve-tinted lips.
Dan sat back, pressing his head against the wooden back of the bench seat. The shaded light fixture hanging over our booth faded the green from his eyes, leaving them as dark gray as storm clouds. “Yes. Even some serial killers.”
Sunny shivered dramatically. “Oooo, not sure I could do that.”
Dan shrugged. “It isn’t what you think. The people I talked to didn’t act like crazed maniacs. In fact, they seemed as normal as anyone at this table.”
“Assuming that we’re all normal.” Richard offered Dan a little salute with his coffee mug. “You don’t actually know that, do you? We could be playing a part, just like your serial killers. Pretending to be calm and rational when we’re actually plotting murders.” He glanced over at me and winked.
I giggled and Sunny smiled, but Dan fixed Richard with an intense stare. “Good point. I’ve learned that people can hide their true natures quite easily, especially if you have no reason to suspect them of bad behavior.” He shook his head and looked at Sunny. “But I think I’m safe.”
“You don’t think I’m capable of plotting any mischief?” Sunny’s tone was adorably arch.
“None I would mind,” Dan said, giving her a warm smile.
I tapped Richard’s foot with mine. It seemed that my matchmaking was moving along just fine.
He shot me a side-eyed glance. “I don’t think you need to worry about Sunny. Now Amy, on the other hand …”
I kicked his foot a little harder. “What about me?”
Richard grinned and took a swig of coffee before replying. “You have that tendency to morph into Nancy Drew at the drop of a hat. Or maybe I should say, clue.”
Dan tore his gaze from Sunny’s lovely face long enough to glance from Richard to me. “Is that right? Of course, I did read about the assistance you provided the authorities on some other investigations. But I thought that was mainly behind-the-scenes stuff.”
Sunny widened her blue eyes. “Oh no, sometimes Amy jumps right into the middle of things. And occasionally drags me right along with her.”
“Much to the dismay of her family and friends,” Richard said.
I drummed my fingers against the table. “Don’t listen to them, Dan. Honestly, I don’t go looking for trouble. Although I must admit that it sometimes seems to find me whether I like it or not.”
“Sometimes?” Richard raised his eyebrows and took another slug of coffee.
“It’s just that I have this natural curiosity,” I said, shooting Richard a dirty look. “I start digging into things and turn up more questions, and that compels me to chase down answers.”
“That could be a dangerous hobby.” Dan’s amused expression sobered. “Knowing what I do, I’d warn against too much amateur investigating. There are many dangerous people in the world, Amy. Individuals who won’t let anything stand in the way of what they feel they must do.”
“I know. I’ve met a few of those,” I said.
Richard set down his mug and draped his arm around my shoulders. “That’s what I keep telling her, but I’m afraid one of her few flaws is that she is—how should I put this delicately?—somewhat stubborn.”
I stiffened my shoulders under his arm as Sunny chuckled and said, “Somewhat?”
Richard shared a smile with her. “I was trying to be diplomatic.”
“To play devil’s advocate, I do understand the need to reveal the truth,” Dan said. “It’s something that drives me to extremes as well.”
“See”—I pointed my forefinger at Dan—“he gets it.”
Sunny surveyed Dan, a little smile playing about her lips. “I guess that would be a useful trait for a journalist. But don’t you write books too? I mean, novels, not nonfiction. In that case, you aren’t seeking the truth, you’re fabricating things.”
Dan turned to Sunny, his expression animated. “Yes, but I like to think I’m still attempting to be honest. I strive to get to the heart of things and reveal deeper truths.”
“Oh? Well, that makes me want to read your books even more,” Sunny said, her smile broadening.
“I’d like that.” Dan looked from me to Sunny. “To be honest, being the voracious readers that you are, I’m curious about your thoughts on the current state of fiction.”
This opening was all it took to prompt Sunny and me to share our thoughts about our favorite books and authors, which led to a lively discussion about contemporary literature, a conversation that continued as we strolled into the parking lot of the restaurant.
“Thank you so much for inviting me to join you,” Dan said as he unlocked his car. “I not only had a good time, I also learned a great deal.”
“You’re quite welcome,” I said, nudging Richard when I noticed that Dan was hovering by his car door and Sunny had paused to stand beside him. “Let’s get in. It’s gotten a little colder than expected this evening.”
Richard didn’t reply until we were both seated in his car. “Looks like things are heating up to me.” He motioned toward Sunny and Dan, who were loitering by the side of his car.
“Yes, isn’t it lovely when a plan comes together?” I clasped my hands in my lap.
“Let’s just hope this one doesn’t backfire.” Richard stuck the keys in the ignition and shot me a warning look as Sunny popped open the back door.
“Oh ye of little faith,” I said, earning a grin from him.
Sunny slid into the back seat. “Thanks for inviting me along. That was fun, and it was nice to get to know Dan a little better.”
“Looked to me like he’d like to get to know you a lot better,” I said, clamping my lips over any further comments when Richard pulled out onto the road whistling “Matchmaker” from Fiddler on the Roof.
