Off the Books

by Lucy Arlington

  However, things didn’t go quite as I’d planned. When I arrived back at the office, I found Vicky standing next to her desk with a worried look on her face. “Lila, I’m so glad you’re here,” she said. “All the other agents are out for a late lunch and then heading straight to the expo.”

  “What’s going on?”

  She held up Olive’s leash. “Olive needs to go for a walk. If she’s not taken soon, she’ll have an accident. But I hate to leave the office unattended.” As if on cue, Olive began whimpering. She looked like she had her paws crossed.

  I reached for the leash. “I still have my coat on. How about I take her?”

  Vicky exhaled. “Thank you, Lila. Besides, Olive and I could use a break from each other. It’s been quite the morning.” She reached in her desk and grabbed something. “And don’t forget these.”

  I looked down and saw a plastic roll in my hand. “What’s this?”

  “Bags.” She raised a brow at my dumbfounded expression. “For after Olive does her business. It wouldn’t do to leave a mess for others to happen upon.”

  “No, that wouldn’t do,” I said with a roll of my eyes. I pocketed the bags and hooked up Olive’s leash. Outside, I paused at the top of the steps, picking her up and holding her close to my chest as we navigated the stairway down to the back lot, though not too tightly for fear of an even worse accident than one on the office carpet. As soon as her little paws hit the ground, she scurried over to a set of evergreen bushes. I got a bag ready.

  “Better now?” I asked, after completing cleanup detail, dangling the warm baggie of her business in my hand. She looked up at me with her big brown eyes for half a second before darting away again. With a tug of the leash, she started off in another direction, her nails scraping the pavement as she tried to pull me along. I laughed. “Okay, Olive. We’ll go for a walk. Besides, we could both use the exercise.”

  As we passed by, I glanced wantonly toward Espresso Yourself, wishing I could take the dog inside and order a caramel latte. What I wouldn’t do for a sweet caffeine jolt and one of Makayla’s muffins! It’d been a long morning already and I was half starved. But instead, I barely had time to deposit the baggie in the receptacle outside the door before Olive pulled and sniffed her way through the lot and around the corner. Eventually, after several pit stops, we made our way onto High Street, where I tossed a wave at Jay Coleman at the Constant Reader. He was inside his front window dusting the books on display. Farther down the street, I ran into Ruthie Watson, my friend from Sherlock Holmes Realty. She was making her rounds to the downtown businesses, delivering the latest edition of Valley Homes—a real estate brochure listing local residences for sale. She oohed and aahed over Olive while we chatted awhile. Next up was All Creatures, Feathered and Furry. I stopped on the walk outside and looked down at Olive. “Shall we go inside and say hello to your old friends?” I asked. She barked her agreement.

  Matt immediately stopped what he was doing and came over to greet us. “Hello, Olive! How are you, girl?” He bent down, petting her behind the ears and looking up at me. “Is she behaving?”

  “Not really. You didn’t tell us she was part beaver.”

  His face scrunched. “Huh?”

  “She’s chewed down all the wood in the office.”

  We laughed, and then Matt sobered. “I’m so sorry. Bentley can’t say I didn’t warn her.” He stood and reached into a giant jar on his counter, taking out a dog biscuit and holding it for Olive. She snatched it from his hand, immediately chomping away. Little pieces of dog biscuit fell to the floor. “The police came by yesterday. They were looking at Chuck’s handiwork. Asking all sorts of questions about the equipment he used.”

  “Really?” I asked, although I already knew as much. Sean had told me. I kept my attention focused on Olive, who had lapped the crumbs from the floor and was sniffing around for more. “Hey, she really likes those. Maybe I should pick up some.”

  “No problem. Hold on and I’ll get you a box.” He headed for one of the aisles. He returned a minute later with a box of dog biscuits and started ringing it up. “I can put this on Bentley’s account, if you want.”

  I nodded. “Sounds good.”

  “Anyway,” Matt continued. “When the cops were here, they asked to look at my nail gun. Isn’t that weird?”

  “They did?” I was still playing dumb, but I feared he could see guilt written all over my face. After all, the reason the cops had questioned him was that I’d told Sean about the nail gun. I quickly tried to redirect the conversation. “Have you heard that they arrested one of our authors, Jodi Lee?”

  Matt rubbed his chin, his eyes rolling upward. “Jodi Lee? Why does that name sound familiar?”

  “She’s one of our key authors at the expo this week; there’s a display of her book in the Constant Reader window. She writes romantic suspense novels,” I explained, thinking Matt probably wasn’t a romance reader.

  “Oh, yeah. That’s right. My wife’s reading her latest book. She likes those sort of books.” He started bagging my purchase. “She was telling me about it the other day. Something about how one of the characters was killed with a …” His voice trailed off.

  I grabbed my bag and tugged on Olive’s leash. “Thanks, Matt. Gotta run!”

  Chapter 17

  Ladies were lined up down the hall waiting to get into the Sundance Room to hear Pam’s reading. Keeping with the fun spirit of the honeymoon theme, Ms. Lambert arranged for samples of champagne to be offered during what was sure to be a steamy reading. Afterward, everyone would be directed to the Dragonfly Room, which was set up with lingerie displays and booths filled with luxurious bath and spa items—everything needed to make the bride feel beautiful on her special day. There would also be several travel talks, pitching the latest in exotic honeymoon destinations.

  On my way to find Pam, I snatched a glass of champagne from a passing tray and took a couple of quick sips. The bubbly sweetness helped to calm my nerves. For some reason I couldn’t figure, I’d been on edge all afternoon. Maybe it was the funeral, or the case, or Trey … or just plain exhaustion. Whatever it was, I was glad tomorrow’s fashion show wrapped up the week’s events.

  Bentley caught up to me before I reached the main auditorium. “There you are, Lila. Have you spoken with Ms. Crump today?”

  I paused for a half beat. I’d been dreading this conversation all day. “Yes. I spoke with her earlier.”

  Bentley raised a finely arched brow. “Did she mention that she planned on resigning?”

  “She did.”

  “It’s just absurd, isn’t it? That she’d leave a good job over something as silly as a sweet little dog.” In her typical high heels, Bentley stood a full two inches over me. That, combined with her even taller ego, made me feel like a puny kid. I was struggling with whether to accept this opening or to confront her with what was sure to become a contentious issue. Yet I’d just spent what would have been my lunchtime being pulled about by a dog that wasn’t my own, picking up and pocketing its poo. There was no doubt in my mind: Vicky was right. Bentley was taking advantage of her.

  “It’s just that Olive is such an active little dog,” I started, treading carefully on the subject. “It’s a lot for Vicky to handle. Especially considering how rigorous her regular duties can be.”

  Bentley shifted her weight and placed a hand on her hip. “What exactly are you trying to say, Lila?”

  “Just that it would be a shame to lose Vicky. She’s a real asset to the agency. And …” I hedged. “Well, you’re a busy woman and Olive needs a lot of attention and training.”

  Bentley raised her hand, pressing her palm outward. “That’s quite enough, Lila. We’ll discuss this later. Right now, I have authors that need my attention.” She turned on her heel and started to walk away, only to quickly turn back again. “I know I’m busy, but Olive loves me. I can tell she does. It’s easy for you to judge who should have a pet and not. You’ve got a dream life. A loving mother and son, a
nd now a fiancé. You have no idea what it’s like to be …” She caught herself before finishing. Her eyes glistened with emotion as she took a couple of shaky breaths and shook her head. But she didn’t say anything else. She didn’t have to. I knew what she was going to say. Bentley was lonely. I knew she didn’t have a special man in her life. Probably because she was too busy building her business. She’d never really mentioned her family, either. I’d always assumed it was because she liked keeping her personal and business lives separate. Maybe it was for different reasons. Perhaps Bentley didn’t have any family, or maybe she was estranged from her family. I didn’t really know, but now I knew why she put so much into her agents and authors. We really were her family. Maybe the only family she had.

  “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have snapped at you,” she said, rubbing at her temples. “It’s just all this stuff with Jodi and … Well, that blasted Ms. Lambert is on my very last nerve, now this thing with Vicky and the dog.”

  I wanted to say something. Something to ease the situation, put some of her worries to rest, but before I could think of anything, she excused herself and took off down the hallway. I watched her walk away, this time thinking that she didn’t seem all that tall and intimidating after all. Bentley, like all of us, only really wanted one thing—to be loved.

  *

  I WEAVED THROUGH the line of fans and greeted Pam. “You’re up in a few minutes.”

  Her eyes widened as she glanced down at her watch. “Oh my goodness. Thanks for the reminder. Time got away from me.” She stood and addressed the ladies in her line. “I’m sorry, but I’m due for a reading in the Sundance Room. I’ll be back at my table in about an hour.” Then she turned to Mama, who was seated down a ways, hunkered over a row of tarot cards and whispering conspiratorially to a young woman. “Althea. Do you want to come along? You might enjoy my reading. It’s got a few lines about the fortune-teller in it.”

  In response, Mama looked up and smiled. Only I noticed her smile didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Sure thing, Pam. I’ll be right along soon as I finish this young’un’s readin’.” She turned back to the gal and spoke quietly. But her usual enthusiasm was lacking. I wondered if she wasn’t feeling well. Mama was strong, but it had to have been a long week for her.

  Pam reached under the table and snatched up her bag. “I need to pop by the restroom real quick. I’ll meet you in the Sundance Room, okay?”

  “Sounds good,” I replied. “I’ll wait for my mother to finish and we’ll join you there.” While I waited, I scooted over to Rufus Manning’s table. I wanted to ask him about the photo I’d seen with the ring in it. Maybe he’d remember the names of the subjects without having to check the records at his office.

  “Hey, Rufus.” He looked up from a book he was reading and smiled. “I have a quick question for you.” I reached for the album where I’d seen the photo before and started leafing through the pages. “You know that print you had at Espresso Yourself?” I started.

  He stood, setting his book aside, and came over. “Yup. Talked to Makayla on the phone about it earlier. Told her I’d make a copy this evening. Just haven’t got around to it yet.”

  “Understandable,” I said, still flipping the pages. Rufus had used actual prints to assemble his album, mounting each to black backing with silver-colored photo corners. The overall effect of blacks and whites against the stark dark background was very dramatic. “I’m sure this expo is taking a lot of time from your regular business duties.”

  “It is. But I’ve met a lot of potential customers, so it’s been worth it. Are you looking for the smaller print I have in here?” he asked, reaching for the album and looking for himself. “It’s toward the back.”

  “Hi, Lila.”

  I turned to see Lynn and Dr. Meyers standing behind me. “Hi, ladies,” I said. “How’s it going?”

  “Good,” Lynn said. “We’re heading to the Sundance Room. Thought we’d take a break and listen to Pam’s reading.”

  “I’m heading that way myself,” I said. “Just waiting on my mother to finish and then we’ll join you. Save a couple of seats, okay?”

  “Can’t seem to find it offhand,” Rufus interrupted, still paging through the album.

  “Such gorgeous pictures,” Dr. Meyers commented. “You’re very talented, Mr. Manning.”

  Rufus dipped his chin and smiled. “Thank you.”

  Aware of the minutes ticking away, I glanced over my shoulder toward Mama’s booth and back at Rufus, who was still paging through the album. “It’s okay. I’m just wondering if you remember the ring in the picture? Or the name of the couple?” I asked, eager to make a connection between the ring and Chuck Richards.

  He squinted my way. “I can’t say I recall the ring, but I sort of recall the session. I believe it was sometime last month that they came by my office.”

  “Do you remember their names?”

  Rufus absently scratched at his head, sending red curls spiraling every which way. “Sorry. Can’t say that I do. I have a part-time secretary who does my bookings, so she deals with all the details. Plus I’m really bad with names and with all the couples that have been in and out lately, it’s hard to keep track. But I can pop into the office sometime tomorrow morning and see if I can find it in my records.”

  Lynn spoke up. “Sorry to interrupt, but we’d better get going and reserve those seats in the Sundance Room.” Dr. Meyers agreed and assured me that she’d save Mama and me a seat.

  I told them we’d be right along. Glancing Mama’s way, I saw that she had finished her reading and was sitting forward, elbows on the table, resting her chin in her palms. “Are you ready to go, Mama?”

  “Sure thing, sugar.” She rose slowly from the table and started my way.

  “Excuse me,” I said to Rufus, scurrying over to give Mama a hand. “Are you feeling ill?”

  “Just a bit tired, that’s all it is. And a little stomach trouble. Been eatin’ too much of Trey’s good cookin’, I’m ’fraid.” She rubbed at her stomach. “Lawd, my guts rollin’. But I’ll be fine, hon. Don’t you worry. Besides, a little nightcap with Jim later will put me right as rain.”

  Mama considered Jim Beam the cure-all for every ailment. “Do you want to head out now? I can give you a lift home.”

  She straightened her shoulders and waved off my suggestion. “And not hear Pam’s readin’? No way. I’ve been wantin’ to read her book myself, just haven’t had the chance. I’m curious to see what the fuss is all about. Must be really good stuff, considerin’ all the fans she’s got.”

  “You still haven’t read one of her books?”

  Mama shook her head. “Nope. Not had the chance.”

  I took a deep breath and released it slowly. If Mama’s stomach was upset now, I’d hate to think how she was going to feel after she heard Pam’s reading. My mama’s forays into romance reading consisted mostly of an occasional sweet paperback romance she got from the library; she preferred instead to read science fiction novels. Which always surprised me, as one would think she’d be into the fantasy genre, especially books about the paranormal. But no, she’d always preferred science fiction. “I like readin’ about how technology could make things possible, things we could never imagine,” she’d once told me when I asked about her reading habits. “Fantasy is more about the impossible, don’t y’all think? Wizards and talking ghosts … who in their right mind would want to read all that cock-and-bull?”

  Go figure.

  We made it to the Sundance Room with a little time to spare. Dr. Meyers and Lynn had saved us seats toward the back. I settled in next to Dr. Meyers, Mama on my other side. Jude and Zach were seated a couple of rows in front of us. My stomach lurched at the sight of Jude. I hadn’t seen him since our little encounter at the author’s table.

  “Everything okay?” Dr. Meyers wanted to know.

  “Yeah. Just a lot on my mind this week.”

  “Jodi?”

  “Yeah, that. And just a lot of unanswered question
s.” I sighed. “Ever feel like you’re spinning your wheels? Missing something important, but you just can’t figure it out?”

  She nodded. “All the time. Especially in my business.”

  “I bet. Lynn was telling me about all the good work you’ve done. I mean, the home for women in transition. What a wonderful thing!”

  Dr. Meyers smiled and leaned forward, her eyes gleaming. “Thank you, Lila. I’d love to show it to you sometime. I feel the more people that are aware of the plight these women face, the more willing they will be to help. We’re in need of all the community support we can get.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Well, most of our staff is volunteer, counselors who give their time, and we receive a few grants, of course. And the women, the ones who can, work and contribute what they’re able, but many of them are between jobs, or they have young children …” She sat back and shook her head. “I’m sorry. I promised myself I would quit doing this.”