Chapter 8 #2
“No, she was talking about my perceived need to investigate all of Greg’s murder cases.” I finished cleaning the table and grabbed the money jar. “Evie’s in the back if you need help. I’m taking this to the nonprofit so they have time to use it for Christmas.”
Judith was one of Deek’s friends from his writing group.
She loved books as much as the rest of us, but I had the feeling she worked just to fund her travel habit.
She’d been full-time for a while, but now that she was back from Europe, she was doing short-day and two-day trips around the area.
But she fit into the group well and even my aunt, who’d been less than positive about her hiring, had admitted she sold more books during her shifts than any of our other employees.
Now that my aunt was retired, I didn’t look at the details much.
I looked more at the bottom line. Were we making money or not?
If the answer was yes, I didn’t worry about it.
If not, then I’d have to dig into the specifics. I didn’t want to do that.
Evie hurried out of the back room just before I left and shoved some cash into my hand. “Sorry, I forgot that Sasha and Olivia have been collecting for the kids too. She sent me home with this.”
I set the jar down and opened the lid. I counted out the addition. “There’s almost five hundred dollars here.”
“Olivia can be very persuasive.” Evie grinned. “That girl’s going to be in sales, I swear.”
“Or a politician,” I suggested as I tucked the money inside the jar. “Tell Sasha thanks the next time you see her.”
As I left the shop and headed to my house, I tucked the jar into my oversized tote.
No need to announce I was carrying close to a few thousand dollars on me as I walked down the hill.
South Cove was safe, but I wasn’t stupid.
Besides, Greg would have a cow if he found out.
My husband was all about safety and not making yourself a target of random crime.
So I locked my doors and walked in well-lit areas, staying aware of things happening around me. And I carried a container of mace.
I’d also grabbed a bag filled with cookies for Doc Ames. A girl can’t go calling without a gift for the host, right?
Beth and Emma were sitting on the front porch waiting when I arrived. Beth was reading next week’s book club book and Emma was watching ants on the ground in front of the deck. She didn’t like bugs.
I unlocked the Jeep and put my bag in the back seat. “If you’re ready, all I have to do is put Emma inside and grab a bottle of water.”
“Sounds good. I wrote this morning and planned out my research for the afternoon. I may not get it all done today, but I have two weeks.” Beth tucked her phone into her pocket. “Let me grab my tote.”
We all went inside and got what we needed. Emma lay in her kitchen bed and stared alternately at me and her leash hanging by the door. “Sorry, I hope we’re home early enough to walk tonight.”
“We should be.” Beth came downstairs with her purse and messenger bag.
“Like I said, I’m pacing myself. I’m going to write in the mornings here at the house while you’re working, then head into the library for the afternoon.
You don’t have to come with me every day, but I’m glad you’re coming today. ”
“We’ll set you up with a temporary pass so you can get in without any problem.” I gave Emma a chewy and locked the back door. “Want a bottle of water?”
“Please. I drink so much more here than back home.” Beth waited for me to hand her a bottle. “Thanks for coming today. I know you’re probably tired of visitors after Thanksgiving.”
“Beth, I love hanging out with you. Don’t ever question that.” I glanced around the kitchen and pulled out pork chops to put in the fridge. “I don’t know if Greg will be home, but we can grill on the back deck.”
“I’ll make a pasta salad.” Beth grinned. “I know how to make myself useful.”
We settled into the Jeep and I turned on the music as we drove to Bakerstown.
Beth watched the ocean as we drove by, then the hills when we were more inland.
She didn’t say much. I was lost in my own thoughts about who killed Chip and why.
All signs pointed to either Dominic or someone in his gang, but I guess I was stereotyping him and the members. Just like everyone else.
The weird thing was the money was still there. And it wasn’t hidden all that well according to Carrie.
I wondered where the bar’s take for the night had been stashed and if that was gone. A question I could ask Greg casually. Or maybe someone else might know. I didn’t want Greg to know I was looking into this until it was really necessary. Maybe he’d think I was just hanging with Beth.
And maybe pigs would fly.
“What did you say?” Beth looked over at me. She’d been staring out at the dry hills.
I hadn’t thought I’d said anything aloud, but I was used to being alone, so I probably talked to myself all the time. “I was just thinking aloud, I guess. So have you talked to Jim?”
“Last night. He called to tell me he’d talked to our pastor and wanted to know if I wanted to do couples counseling.
I told him I would, but I got to choose the counselor.
Which made him mad. I know he wanted Les, that’s our pastor, because he agrees with Jim.
His wife has barely left the house if she’s not doing an errand for him or the church since they were married.
I’m not saying it’s a bad life, just not the one I want.
” Beth stared out at the dry hills passing by.
“Maybe I’m too old to be married. I’m set in my ways. ”
“One, you’re not old. And two, I think Jim’s the one digging his heels in on changing. You’re doing something completely new for you. You’ll be teaching, learning, and writing. I think Jim’s worried you’ll outgrow him.”
When she didn’t respond, I glanced over at her. “But I’m not in the relationship, you are. You need to do what’s right for you.”
Beth smiled at me. “Thank you for saying that. I’ve been so worried about what Jim wants that I’ve forgotten that this is my life too.”
“Just tell him what you want. If he can’t deal with that, he doesn’t deserve you.” I pulled into a parking spot near the library. “Let’s go get you set up with a visitor card. Then I need to go make a stop. I’ll be back around three if that’s okay.”
We made plans to meet on the reference floor. I’d find her in one of the little study pods. Then I left to deliver my packages. And hopefully, I’d come away from one of my stops with a little more intel.