Murder on Wheels (16 page)

Well, Josh just avoided a butt chewing from me. Hopefully Jackie would take care of it before I had to say something. I knew I wouldn't be as tactful as my aunt would be. I crossed the street and headed to the police station. The morning was warm and I could feel the sun kissing my upper arms that had gone pasty white over the winter. I wasn't a big tanner. Sure, I'd sit out in the yard, but I didn't have the patience to be totally committed to the cause. Besides, the swing on the shaded back porch was a perfect place to spend the sunny summer days reading.

Maybe that would be my afternoon activity today. I had a new thriller in my bag that I'd scarfed off the advance reader copy pile that Jesse, my book salesman, had left last week when he'd come to visit. He came more often now that we were having a higher sales volume. And the happier he was with our sales, the more free books he left. The book in my purse was one of those big-name authors who had people writing his books for him. I'd been hooked on the first book in the series, so now I read everything this coauthor wrote. Readers are like that. You get attached to an author's world building and you just want to stay in their reality.

I was thinking about the love interest in the last book and wondering if the same character would be in this release when I ran into Greg coming out of the station. He dropped his file, and we both bent to pick up the papers before a gust of wind took off with them. I looked at the first page, and it was a warrant to arrest Austin. “What on earth are you arresting Austin for?” I shook the paper in front of him.

“You weren't supposed to read that.” He took the page out of my hand. “Seriously, Jill, how are you always in the wrong place at the wrong time?”

“Maybe I'm at the right place at the wrong time?” I paused, rethinking my words. “Or the wrong place at the right time.” No, that wasn't right, either. Now Greg was grinning at me. “Oh, you know what I mean. And you didn't answer my question.”

“I'm not arresting Austin. I'm going in to Bakerstown to try to talk John out of this. There is no way that guy killed Kacey, you and I both know it. But John is out for bear. He has something stuck in his craw about this case, and I'm going to find out what it's all about.” Greg kissed me on the cheek. “Now, can I go, or do you need to confess something else about sticking your nose in my investigation?”

“No. I was coming over to work my magic and get you to tell me something about the case.” I eyed the folder with the loose papers sticking out at all angles. “And I guess it worked.”

“Your sleuthing methods are unscientific and yet, sometimes, successful.” He shook the file at me. “You know if I convince John that Austin isn't the murderer, I'm going to have to figure out who really did kill Kacey.”

“I have faith in you.” Besides, I was starting to think I could help somehow on the problem. I nodded to the other end of the street. “I guess I'll head home then.”

“I could drive you.” Greg tossed his keys in the air and caught them with his free hand.

“I'll walk. I might stop at Lille's and get lunch before I head home.” I held my hands up. “Besides, it's a beautiful day.”

“Let's just hope Sunday is as nice.” Greg turned toward the parking lot, where he'd parked his truck.

“Sunday?” My question stopped him, and he turned around and pointed at me.

“Do not tell me you've already forgotten. We're going out with Justin and Amy to that geocaching club event. You are not stranding me with the treasure hunters.” He narrowed his eyes.

“I forgot. Sorry.” I waved, then turned back. “One more thing?”

Greg hadn't moved from his spot. “Yes?”

“Toby is going to move into the shed for a while. He needs a place to stay until the sublet on his lease is up.” I shrugged. “I guess we'll have to put off that home gym remodel for a while.”

“You did that on purpose,” Greg grumbled.

I put my hand to my chest and widened my eyes. “I assure you, I have no idea what you're talking about.”

“Evil woman,” Greg muttered, then strode to his truck. “I'll get back at you for this.”

As I walked down the sidewalk, I decided I would stop at Diamond Lille's for lunch. Looking in the storefront windows, I noticed the smile on my face. Yep, today was a good day.

B
y the time I went to bed that Wednesday night, Toby was all moved into the shed. I had to admit, the building made an excellent bachelor's pad. He put his bed in the loft, along with Miss Emily's boxes. With Tim's help, he had even moved a small dresser to the makeshift bedroom. Downstairs he had set up a television game room with a couch and a recliner, and even a small kitchen area, using a microwave stand next to the fridge and a table under the back window that looked out onto what might someday be the mission wall.

I was impressed with his ability to quickly move in after rescuing most of his belongings from storage. He even had a coffeemaker for his morning java. Ten minutes after he unloaded the last box, I gave him the keys to the shed, and he disappeared for his shift at the police station. Emma and I returned to the big house, and I made a quick dinner of a frozen potpie and a bowl of ice cream. I took the ice cream upstairs after I'd eaten along with the book and started reading.

The next morning I woke with the sun and stretched, enjoying the peace. Since this week, like last, I was working Aunt Jackie's late shift and Aunt Jackie had agreed to take Saturday's early shift, I had four mornings of no alarm bliss to look forward to. I stretched and dressed in my running clothes, giddy about my ability to sleep in late tomorrow. I'd pushed bedtime back last night, wanting to read one more chapter. Tonight I'd finish the book, no matter what time it was when it ended. I could get used to this schedule. Maybe I should make it a permanent change?

Emma and I took off for the beach. The run was glorious. The waves pounded the shoreline, keeping time with the slap of my running shoes. Emma ran ahead, then back to me, then ahead again. When I realized the shape in front of us was actually a man walking toward us, though, I put her back on the leash.

“Good morning, Miss Gardner.” Taylor Archer stopped in front of me, dressed in jeans and a sweat jacket. “I understand you and your friends will be joining in our fun on Sunday.”

“That's what I hear.” I scanned the far parking lot and saw a white van. “I didn't realize you lived around here. It's a great place to run in the morning before the beach gets busy.”

He put his hands in his jeans pocket. “I'm not much of a runner, bad knees. But I do enjoy getting out and walking. It clears my head.”

He stepped closer, and Emma growled low, back in her throat.

Taylor stepped back. “I can see it's going to take some time for us to make friends.” He looked up at me. “And you're skeptical of me, as well.”

“I wouldn't say that.” Of course, I really would, but not to the guy's face. I do have some manners.

He looked past me. “I can be a really good friend.” His words dropped, like he really wanted to add, “
or a bad enemy
,” but maybe that was just a feeling I got.

“I'm sure you can be . . .” I paused, looking for a word besides
nice
, which really didn't describe the guy. Instead of responding, he put a hand up to wave me off and walked away. As I turned to watch him go, I saw what he'd been looking at: Bill and Mary Sullivan were walking toward us, holding hands.

They nodded to Taylor and waved to me. As they approached, Emma lay down in the sand, wiggling her pleasure at seeing the two.

“Hey, Jill.” Bill crouched down and petted Emma on the head. “Who's the good girl?”

Mary gave me a quick hug. “I haven't seen you in weeks. How have you been? How's Jackie? With this new committee, her job, and now Harrold, I barely get to talk to her.”

“I've been good. Busy.” I watched as Taylor disappeared into the woods where the greenbelt started. It was only then that my shoulders sank, and I realized I had been holding my breath.

“Do you know that guy?” Still crouching, Bill turned to see what I was looking at.

“Kind of. He's part of that geocaching club that Kacey was into. I've talked to him a few times. Emma really doesn't like him.”

“She's a good judge of character.” Bill gave Emma a kiss on the nose, then stood. “You should take her warnings to heart.”

“Bill, you shouldn't scare the girl. No one's going to mess with her when she's got Emma in tow.” Mary leaned in to her husband, her arm going around the crook of his elbow. “So, you tell your aunt to call me. Just because she has a new man in her life doesn't mean she can ignore her friends. Men come and go, but girlfriends are forever.”

“I'll tell her that.” I checked the time on my watch. “I've got to open the shop in less than an hour. I guess I'd better head home.”

“Do you want us to walk with you?” Bill scanned the beach in the direction Taylor had disappeared.

“I'm fine, but thanks.” I grinned. “I've got one of South Cove's finest living in my shed.”

Mary frowned. “Greg moved in with you? Are you sure that's a smart idea? You know what they say about free milk and cows.”

I tried not to giggle at her analogy. “No one's living with me. Toby needed a place to stay, so we set up the back shed for him. It makes a nice little apartment.”

“Well, isn't that nice. I'm sure the extra money comes in handy.” Bill gave Emma one last pat. “Being a good landlord is all about setting boundaries. Just remember that piece of advice from the professional here.”

As Emma and I ran home, I thought about what Bill had said. Was I really a landlord? Bill and Mary ran the South Cove Bed-and-Breakfast, so they knew what it took to rent out a place. I hadn't even talked to Toby about charging him rent. And would people think he was living with me? Like in a boyfriend-girlfriend kind of way? I hadn't thought this idea through enough. Of course, most of my decisions were made that way, spur of the moment and by the seat of my pants. Why should this be any different?

Toby was just pulling in the driveway when we got back. He looked tired from his night patrol. I waved as he unlocked the shed door and disappeared inside. Emma and I went in through the backyard gate and I entered the house through the kitchen door. My dog went right to her water bowl. I, on the other hand, went to the coffeepot and poured me a large mug. I took the black liquid upstairs with me to shower and change into my work uniform: a T-shirt and capris. In the summer, the uniform became a tank top and city shorts or on rare occasions, a sundress. Really rare occasions.

No one waited for me at the shop. Sasha had a class this morning, so I wouldn't see her until tomorrow. I opened the doors and started my morning setup routine. Ten minutes after opening, my first commuter coffee drinker came in and I was kept busy until eight. I took the time to scan through the bookshelves, looking for a book or two to take home since I'd have a long weekend.

As I checked out a couple of possibilities, the bell over the door rang, and Bill Sullivan walked in. Relief filled his face when he saw me. I raised my eyebrows in a silent question and he shrugged. “Sue me, I was worried about you. Mary told me I was being stupid, but something about that guy really bothered me. I'm glad you made it home all right, and I guess I'll be going.”

“Do you want a cup of coffee? I actually need to talk to you about the water committee, they're getting out of hand.” I walked to the counter. “Or are you on board with this crazy idea of Mayor Baylor's?”

Bill met me at the counter and sat on one of the stools. “No, I think you're right. There's something wrong about separating out the power like this. The decisions about the town's water conservation should come from the city council. I have an agenda item for our meeting next week. I want to make sure the committee knows they are only advisory.”

“Josh is issuing fines for watering.” I watched Bill's face to see if he'd known this, but the shock on his features told me it was news to him. “Without even checking with the committee, it seems. I got a letter about my nonexistent watering taped to my door.”

“He shouldn't be doing that. He could put the city in jeopardy of being sued for false citations.” Bill shook his head. “I knew this would be an issue when the mayor insisted on the committee. Josh is too much of a hothead to be put into a power position. The man drives me crazy sometimes.”

“You and me both.” I poured Bill a cup of coffee and warmed my own up before I walked around the bar to sit with him. “So you'll talk to the mayor and council about this? I told Aunt Jackie, but I think she has a vested interest in the committee's stature. And besides, I think he cited me because of his relationship with her. What's to say he won't go off the deep end when she does talk to him?”

“The Harrold issue, right?” Bill nodded. “I can see Josh being upset. I mean, he thought he and Jackie were an item. I always knew there would be a day when she found someone who made her pause.”

“I'm happy for her. I just don't want to be drawn into the fight.” I ran a finger around the edge of my coffee cup.

Bill tapped my arm. “Don't worry about it. As of today, the committee has no standing to issue citations to anyone. And if I play this right, by the end of the month, there won't even be a committee to have to deal with.” He finished his coffee and stood. “I need to get back to the B&B. Mary's been complaining about the oven not working right, so we have a repair guy showing up this morning. I sure hope he doesn't just recommend we purchase a new range. I'd need to be in tourist season to finance a purchase like that. Especially since I've seen the ones that Mary's been looking at online.”

I said good-bye to my friend and went back to pulling a few books for the weekend. By the time Toby arrived, I had my tote filled and was ready to head home.

“Busy shift?” He smiled as he entered the empty shop.

I pulled the tote over my shoulder and waved. “Yours will be. It's always a good shift when you're working.”

“See you at home,” he called out as two of his regular customers came in. The women looked at me, narrowing their eyes. Apparently the rumor mill would be buzzing again that Toby had left Elise to move in with me. One woman's eyes filled with tears, and her friend put an arm around her.

“He's probably kidding,” I heard the woman whisper. “Look at her hair, and no makeup? He's not living with that.”

My hand started to raise to my head to tamp down the unruly curls, but I stopped myself before it was noticeable. I wasn't going to play the I-can-snag-Toby game, even if he'd put me in play with these women. I pushed the front door open and ran smack into Josh Thomas.

“Oomph,” he uttered as the wind was knocked out of him and he went backward onto the sidewalk.

“Oh no! Josh, are you okay?” I knelt beside him, making sure he hadn't hit his head or something. I stuck two fingers up near his eyes. “How many fingers am I holding up?”

He swatted my hand away. “Two, and if you don't leave me alone, you'll lose both of them.” He struggled to a sitting position. “Seriously, Miss Gardner, do you have to attack me every time we meet?”

“I didn't attack you,” I muttered, knowing my words weren't going to change Josh's opinion of me any more than saying something to Toby's girls would have helped.

Toby hurried through the doorway and bent down to Josh's level. “Do you need an ambulance? Should I call the paramedics?”

Josh glared at Toby. “No, you
should
mind your own business.” He waved Toby away, then sighed. “You could help me to my feet, though.”

Toby put his hand under Josh's arm and with me on the other side, we lifted Josh to his feet. Once he was stable, he shrugged off our assistance and peered into the storefront. “Jackie's not in there, is she?”

“She wasn't when I left,” I muttered. I kind of hoped Aunt Jackie had seen Josh on his butt, especially now that he was being a jerk about our help. “Do you want me to call her?”

“I know how to use a phone, Miss Gardner. Your aunt asked me to meet her here for coffee at noon.” He glanced at the digital display on his watch, which I could see read eleven thirty-four. Josh was early.

“I'm sure she'll be down soon.” I adjusted the strap on my tote. “Well, if you don't need me, I've got some reading to do.”

I could feel the glare from Josh on my back as I power-walked away toward the house. I thought I knew why Aunt Jackie had asked to meet with Josh. I wanted to be locked safely in my house before he realized he was being dumped.

The rest of the day was uneventful. I didn't hear from Aunt Jackie or Greg. I saw Toby come back to the shed to change as I was reading out on the porch. A few minutes later, he was dressed in his South Cove Police Department uniform and waved as he backed his truck out of the driveway.

I ate dinner alone in front of the television watching one of the crime dramas I had recorded. I was too far behind on most of them to ever catch up, but I enjoyed checking in with my imaginary friends every once in a while.

I let Emma out and watched her through the back screen door. Toby had left a light burning in his new apartment. Some things were going to be hard to get used to, including having people around me at all times of the day. Of course, Toby worked longer hours than I did, so I probably wouldn't see him much, except on days when the shop was closed or on weekends.

Emma had done her business and was whining at the door. We climbed the stairs and I fell into a fitful rest, with too many unknowns flying around in my head to sleep well.