Proof of Murder

by Lauren Elliott

  Addie plucked another tissue from the box and blew her nose. “I’m glad you did because I knew that in my heart, too, I guess.” Catherine’s brown eyes softened with understanding, which was exactly what Addie needed right now and missed in her life—a mother’s shoulder to cry on. “I thought that when he got back, we could finally talk about it. Then I could explain how I was feeling and let him know that I really did care for him—just not the way he cared for me. But that I still cared as a friend. We’d been through so much together.”

  Catherine patted Addie’s hand. “And you may be able to one day, but it’s going to take some time. You underestimated how hurt he was. His wounds need to heal. He’ll come around, but meanwhile you keep moving forward and stop looking back. Make a clean break from each other and stop this dance you both keep falling back into.” Catherine placed her hand on Addie’s arm. “You and Simon have got something pretty special. You followed your heart in February. Don’t risk jeopardizing that now by second-guessing yourself.”

  A smile tugged at the corners of Addie’s lips. She remembered how her heart leapt at the sight of seeing Simon walk into the library today. He was as attractive to her now as he was the first night she’d met him, although, at that time, she was only attracted to his brilliant medical mind. But since then—well, Simon was new and refreshing. Addie swallowed hard. That’s exactly why Marc and I didn’t work. Catherine was right. The past is best left where it belongs: in the past. Forward was the only direction she should be looking.

  Addie wrapped her arms around Catherine’s neck and hugged her. “Thank you. This talk helped me clear my mind.”

  “I’m here anytime you need me. I know your grandmother, bless her heart, tried her best after your mother passed. And even though I can’t replace either of them, I’m always here for you.” Catherine kissed Addie’s damp cheek.

  “Addie.” Paige’s head popped through the door. “Sorry to interrupt, but I’m getting slammed out here. About twenty customers just came in.”

  “All at once?”

  “Yeah, I heard one of them say they were on the cruise ship.”

  “I thought that wasn’t starting until next week?” Catherine rose to her feet.

  “The regular shore excursions don’t start until then,” Addie said, “but I overheard something about a preinaugural docking this week for VIPs or something. I didn’t think it would affect us. They sounded like they were here for the auction.”

  “I guess that’s why they came in here.” Paige glanced over her shoulder to the front of the shop. “They’re book dealers and couldn’t get into the library over there or something. I gotta go.” She disappeared from the door.

  “Thanks again, Catherine.” Addie swiped at her eyes. “I’ll call you later, but I’d better get out there now.”

  “Want some help?”

  “I couldn’t ask you to wait on my customers. You have enough work with running the hospital volunteer program and everything else you do in the community.”

  “Nonsense. I spend as much time browsing these shelves as you and Paige do. I think I can handle working the floor until it settles down a bit.”

  “You’re a lifesaver today.” Addie grinned. “In more ways than you’ll ever know.”

  Chapter 11

  Addie and Catherine headed out into the bookstore. Addie made her way around shelving units in one direction, Catherine the other. It didn’t take long until the extra hands on the floor were sought out, and Addie was surrounded by eager book lovers. When she pointed them to the area she reserved for her older and rare books, some had no difficulty in expressing their disappointment at the selection they found. One man made it quite clear that he was only interested in rare first editions, and he wasn’t alone in his request. Addie found herself reciting the same apology line ad nauseum, explaining she didn’t keep valuable books in her shop but only editions that were old and well-loved.

  It became clear to her that the rescheduling of the auction was having a trickle-down effect that wasn’t positive, and she was bearing the brunt of it. Brokers and dealers knew what they wanted, and Addie didn’t appear to have it. She could only hope that when the regular shore excursions started the passengers would be less discerning. If not, perhaps for the high season she’d have to consider stocking some of her prized-possession books that she kept at home. But she quickly squashed that thought. The extra security that would be required at her store made her shudder and count the tallying dollar signs—which, after the day she’d endured, had her thinking of ingenious ways to give demanding bibliophiles paper cuts.

  Nope, this was probably a one-day event, and if Charlotte hadn’t died and the Holmes books hadn’t gone missing, none of these people, as odd as they were, would have set foot in her little shop, but the news wasn’t all bad. The rarer, less valuable books she did have in stock were flying off the shelves. She’d be able to increase her auction budget whenever it was rescheduled for after the autopsy was completed. Fingers crossed it would be soon, and she wouldn’t be sitting in a jail cell that day. Would Marc let me Facetime the auction ?

  Addie sought out Catherine as the tour group trickled out of the store. “There you are, and why am I not surprised to see you hiding in the mystery section?”

  “Oh, Addie.” Catherine echoed Addie’s chuckle and struggled to her feet, using the bookcase as a support. “Today was the most fun I’ve had in a long time, plus”—she held up a book—“I even had time to do a bit of shopping for myself.”

  “Sleeping Murder: Miss Marple’s Last Case. I see you’re still on your Agatha Christie kick.”

  “I can’t get enough of her, and this one looks fascinating. Apparently, Miss Marple exorcises a ghost from a haunted house.” Catherine flashed her a teasing smile.

  “You’ve been speaking to Paige or Serena or both of them, haven’t you?”

  “Remember, I’ve lived in this town for a long time and grew up hearing those rumors. Don’t be so quick to discard them.” She rubbed her right knee.

  “Are you okay?”

  “Yeah, just not a kid anymore and crouching to restock books, well, let’s just say it’s not as easy as it used to be.”

  “I’m thinking maybe it’s time for you to head home and put your feet up for a while.”

  “I can’t agree more with you.” She grinned and waved the book. “I’ll just go pay for this, head home, and see if I can learn some pointers about ghost purging from the expert here to pass on to you.”

  “I’m not going to let you pay for that. It’s my gift to you for all your help this afternoon. We couldn’t have done it without you.”

  “You don’t have to pay me anything. I was happy to help.”

  “I know, and I appreciate that, but please.” Addie pressed Catherine’s fingers around the book. “Take it. It would make me feel better.”

  “Okay, I won’t argue. This one completes my collection, so it’ll soon be time to find another favorite author to obsess over.”

  “When you’re ready let me know. I have lots of excellent recommendations.”

  “You’ll be the first I ask since mystery appears to be your forte.” She chuckled and squeezed Addie’s hands. “Remember, I’m here for you whenever you need me. I’m fairly busy next week with all the events planned down at the harbor for the inaugural docking, but don’t forget I’m always just a phone call away.” She kissed her cheek.

  “I know, and I appreciate that. You’re a good friend. Thank you.” Addie waved as Catherine made her way out, the tinkling sound of the bells announcing her departure.

  It had been a long time since Addie felt mothered, and she smiled to herself as she inched her way toward the front of the store, uprighting books that had fallen over. Judging by all the empty shelf space, she’d definitely been wrong about the VIPs: they weren’t as discerning as she’d first thought. Some of them, at least, appeared to be just as happy with quality old and used as they were with rare and valuable.

  Wh
en she rounded the end shelf by the door, she came to a stuttering stop. Philip Atkinson was sitting at the counter, bent over a book. Her cheeks puffed out as she released a deep breath. Keep it together, Addie. Right now he’s just a customer. “Philip, I see you found something you like.”

  He raised his head. “Miss Greyborne.” His steel-gray eyes softened to dove gray, small crinkles forming at their corners. “How lovely to see you again so soon, but I must say, you are popping up everywhere today, aren’t you? Although . . . ” He closed his book, his eyes holding a gleam of deviltry. “If I didn’t know better, I’d say you were following me.”

  “I own this bookstore. Therefore, I’m exactly where I should be. Shouldn’t you be in Dublin or Madrid or New York, or wherever?” Heat crept across her cheeks. “What brings you to Greyborne Harbor of all places? Or did you know I live here and came by just to torment me again?”

  “You own this delightful little shop? That’s why you were at the auction.” A soft laugh escaped Philip’s lips. “I was afraid when I saw you that you had changed careers and were now my competition. Because I do remember how tough you were to deal with, and I didn’t relish the thought of going head-to-head with you again.” The corner of his lip turned up in a half smile. “And to answer your question, I had no idea where you were living. My appearance in your quaint little town is purely coincidental.”

  “Okay, that’s fair.” Addie made her way around the counter and stood beside Paige. She glanced down at the book Philip had been reading. It was her book-club edition of A Study in Scarlet. “I see you’re a fan?”

  Philip glanced down at the book cover, then back up to Addie. “Why, yes I am. It is disappointing only to find this reproduction in your shop.” The muscles in his forehead tightened. “You don’t happen to know if there are any first editions of this around, do you?”

  “No, I don’t,” she said, struggling to keep her voice even. Did he know about them or is he fishing?

  “That’s too bad.” His fingers stroked the book cover. “What I wouldn’t give to have an original copy of this.”

  “Is that what brought you here to the auction? Were you hoping to find one?”

  “One could only hope.” He tossed some cash on the counter. “Fifty should cover this.” He tucked the book under his arm and headed out the door, the overhead bells expressing their delight at his leaving.

  Chapter 12

  Addie went through the motions of closing the store for the day. To say Philip had unnerved her would be an understatement. She’d even gone as far as double-checking the classic murder mystery books. It was exactly as she’d thought. There were still two other editions of A Study in Scarlet on the shelf. It was interesting to her that Philip had selected the book-club copy, a similar edition to the replacements she’d found at Hill Road House.

  All the way home, she replayed their conversation in her head. What haunted her wasn’t so much what he said but how he said it. He seemed so certain and smug. It was possible, in her mind at least, that he did know the collection of Holmes books had been discovered and then gone missing. The question then became, how? No one except Kalea, Charlotte, Robert, and her even knew the Doyle books had been found in the barrister’s case. It made Addie wonder how he had known because by every indication of his reaction to the reproduction he did know, and was also aware that they were lost and replicas had been left in their place. But Charlotte was dead and Robert and Kalea were both MIA. Does that mean he’s the thief? Is he the person Kalea texted right after we discovered them? That could explain why her cousin had disappeared. Addie hit her brakes.

  Coming up her driveway directly toward her was Marc’s cruiser, followed closely by Jerry’s. Marc’s car pulled to the side and slowed down to let her pass, but she couldn’t even glance over to acknowledge her thanks for the gesture. Her fingers tightened around the steering wheel. She knew exactly why they had been at her house.

  Serena stood, arms crossed, at the bottom of the staircase that led up to the garage apartment. The look on her face reinforced that this had not been a social visit. Addie pulled up in front of her door, and by the time she got one foot out onto the pavement, Serena was at her side.

  “Can you believe the nerve of them searching my apartment?”

  “Did they find what they were looking for?” Addie slammed her car door.

  “Of course not.” Serena’s eyes widened. “You know I don’t keep any inventory here.”

  “How did Agent Brookes take her wild-goose chase, then?”

  “She didn’t say a word, but I could tell she was disappointed when all she could find was cooking herbs and spices.”

  “Did she take samples of those?”

  “Of course. I’m pretty sure she was trying to save face in front of Marc. I hope she chokes on them when they come back negative for whatever poison she thinks I have stashed away.”

  “Yeah, but she seems really determined to find something to implicate me. It’s too bad she hasn’t stopped to think that by doing that with this poisoning theory, she’s implying you were the supplier. She’d also be taking down Marc’s sister. I wonder what he’s said to her about that.”

  “Probably nothing. Remember, he never told me one word about her, their trip to Italy together, or her staying at Mom and Dad’s. So, all I know is that if either of them expects me to welcome her into the family with open arms, they’d better think again.”

  “But doesn’t it make you wonder why she is so bent on proving I had something to do with this? And why bring you into it? And why is Marc letting it happen? There has to be a reason that we’re not seeing.”

  “Oh, that’s easy. She knows Marc was in love with you and is probably afraid he might still be.”

  “I doubt that. You didn’t see the way he treated me and the way he looked at her. There’s no question of who he’s in love with now. But if what you’re saying is even partially true, why involve you and risk causing a rift between her and Marc?”

  “Because I’m your best friend and biggest advocate, and maybe she thinks if she can prove you poisoned Charlotte, it might sway how I feel about you.”

  “I’m just guessing, here.” Addie shifted her weight and shoved her hands deep into her pants pockets. “Just hear me out for a minute. She doesn’t want to alienate you and cause an issue with Marc. All this sample collecting is just a show to prove to him that no stone was left unturned in finding the evidence to prove that I did whatever she thinks I’ve done. That way she can clear you and then say to Marc that she knew all along that you could never have knowingly helped me in such a devious plan, and that I must have used our friendship to learn some of your knowledge to make my own concoction.”

  Serena burst out laughing. “You should have been a writer, not a bookseller, because that’s the craziest conspiracy theory you’ve ever come up with.” She snorted, covering her mouth, still giggling.

  “What?” Addie looked sideways at her. “It’s a sound theory. Why else would she be so determined to prove I’m behind all of this?”

  “Are you sure,” Serena gasped, fighting her urge to laugh, “that finding out she went to Italy with him and then coming to Greyborne Harbor isn’t bothering you more than you let on? Because I think you’re losing it.”

  “I am not, and no, I’m not bothered by it. At first maybe a bit—I mean, he only proposed to me three months ago, and I couldn’t believe he’d replaced me so quickly. Then seeing the two of them together made me realize that he’d found someone perfect for him: she’s professional, she plays by the rules, she’s everything I’m not. And then I thought about Simon. I realized that I’d found someone perfect for me. Because we’re both—”

  “Rule breakers?”

  “Rule benders is more like it. We never actually break the rules.” Addie chuckled softly. “But that’s not what’s concerning me.”

  “What is then?”

  “Doesn’t it seem strange to you that an FBI agent would let her emotions rule
her actions? You’d think with all her training, she’d be a little less—”

  “She’s still a woman, and maybe in her mind since she’s on vacation, this is her way of marking her territory. The only way she knows how is through an investigation.”

  “Maybe, but she did tell me today that an FBI agent is really never off duty.”

  “Do you think she’s on leave for some other reason than vacation time, or not on leave at all and still very much working?”

  “I don’t know, but it does seem odd to me the way she’s jumped into this investigation, and how Marc seems to be letting her take the lead in it. I get the feeling there’s something else going on either with this case or with her.”

  “Is there something about Blake Edwards or Charlotte that you don’t know? Like a reason either of them might be a person of interest to the FBI?”

  “Not as far as I know. I didn’t know Charlotte personally, except by her company’s reputation, but I’ve known Blake most of my life. But then again . . .” Addie hesitated and glanced at Serena. “How well do we really know anyone? We might think we know someone, but then something happens and we discover that we really never did know that person.” Serena’s eyes flew wide open. “I wasn’t talking about you and me. I only meant people in general.”