Текст книги "One Book in the Grave"

Автор книги: Kate Carlisle

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Текущая страница: 19 (всего у книги 20 страниц)

Chapter 28

Two weeks later, my living room was cleansed and purified of all lingering dead-body vibes and their associated cooties. My bookshelves arrived and we assembled them during a party that I’d actually planned. We all had much more fun than at the previous impromptu gathering, the one ruined by that party-crashing zombie Angelica.

Mom reported that the dust had finally settled in Dharma and the survivalists had crawled back into their Hollow. Of course, the whole town would be dining on the gossip stirred up by Solomon and the Byers sisters for the next two years.

Emily had recovered fully from her kidnapping ordeal. She and Max had traveled back and forth to the Cleveland Clinic, where her father was responding positively to the latest round of drug therapy. Emily was hopeful that he would be able to come home in the next month or so, in time for the wedding.

Crystal and Melody Byers were in jail. And if there was a God in heaven, the sisters would be wearing matching orange jumpsuits for a long, long time.

At the farmers’ market in Dharma, all the local Ogunites were out in force, collecting money for the Byers Sisters Defense Fund. All of them, that was, except Mary Ellen Prescott, the manicurist who was only now proclaiming loudly that she always suspected that the sisters had murderous intentions.

Solomon had been held for questioning in Joe Taylor’s murder, but a clue emerged that proved Angelica had been there on the day Joe was killed. Two of her long, curly hairs were found, one trapped in the screen door leading to the alley behind the store, and one on the back of the blue chair in the antiquarian room.

Solomon and his lawyer did everything they could to blame Angelica in the harassment and attempted-murder charges Max had pressed. The he said/she said strategy appeared to be working, and Solomon was eventually released.

I was no longer certain that Solomon was a psychopath, but he was a ruthless bully and a manipulator. The one bright light was that Inspector Lee had taken such an instant dislike to Solomon that she was determined to work like a bloodhound tracking down enough evidence to send him to prison. Several weeks later, Lee’s efforts came to fruition when she found an eyewitness who had seen Solomon rigging Max’s staircase a few hours before Emily’s mother arrived and was hurt so badly. With any luck, more witnesses would be found and Solomon would end up spending a few years behind bars after all.

It was a sunny Saturday afternoon when Derek and I traveled back to Dharma for the official reengagement party for Max and Emily.

I’d invited everyone who had anything to do with the odd adventure we’d been through recently. Gabriel, Ian, all my neighbors. Even Mary Ellen Prescott, but only because she’d seen right through the Byers sisters’ perky-blond facade.

The party was held on my parents’ terrace and even Guru Bob was in attendance. We’d had a little talk beforehand that had left me with more questions than answers. But I would think about that later. Now it was time to party. The champagne was flowing and Savannah had catered the affair, so the food was spectacular.

I left Derek talking with Dad and Austin, and went to find Emily. She looked adorable in a pink dress with striped white and green piping around the waist, neck, and cuffs.

After we greeted each other with a tight hug, I said, “Emily, you look so beautiful.”

“Thanks.” She blushed and moved closer to whisper, “Your mother suggested a quick trip to the Laughing Goat sweat lodge and I think it worked wonders.”

I tried not to roll my eyes as I backed away to scrutinize her more intently. “Mom swears by their fifteen-point detoxification program, and I have to admit it’s definitely working for you.”

I didn’t care how refreshed Emily appeared; I wasn’t about to slather myself in curried ghee and huddle inside a sweat lodge for a week. Mom swore by a lot of things I wouldn’t dream of taking her up on, including cosmic bilocation, espresso enemas, and gandoosha. Don’t ask.

I was all for a healthy complexion, but I was just as happy to leave the purging and gargling to Mom.

Emily told me she’d already found a new job teaching second graders in Marin County. She would start after the winter break, when she would move into Max’s farmhouse in the hills above Point Reyes Station.

“I’m there every weekend now,” she said.

“So you and Clyde?”

“We’re like this,” she said, holding up her crossed fingers. We both laughed.

“And how do you like the goats?”

“I love them,” she gushed. “And Max has created a new goat-cheese blend in my honor.”

“Ooh, what’s in it?”

“It’s a blend of sweet goat cheese, chocolate, and raspberries. It sold out the first day he took it into town.”

“Mm. I hope I can taste it someday soon.”

“You will.” She gave me a bashful look and added, “He calls the concoction Beauty and the Beast.”

“Aww,” we said in unison, then laughed together.

I hugged her once more, promised that Derek and I would come to Point Reyes for a weekend soon, and left her to mingle.

There were so many people I wanted to talk to, but none more than my best pal, Robin, who was currently negotiating to sell her Noe Valley flat in the city in anticipation of moving back to Dharma to live with my brother Austin.

We hugged, then stood yakking excitedly with our arms around each other. I’d known her since the first day my family arrived in Dharma, and we were still inseparable whenever possible.

She let me know how happy she was with Austin, and I gave her the quickie version of the Max Adams scandal. Then she laughed when I told her that Guru Bob had suggested I was destined to remain a Nemesis, seeking vengeance and justice for the dead.

“Why are you laughing?” I whined. “It isn’t funny.”

“I’m laughing with you,” she assured me, and squeezed my arm. “Look, I never would have survived the murder in my apartment if not for you and Derek. And then I found Austin, and my life is so full now. I’m happy, Brooklyn, and it’s all your fault.”

“Okay, I’ll gladly take responsibility for you being happy.” Robin had been in love with Austin since we were in third grade.

“Good,” she said with an affectionate bump of her head against mine. “And now that you’ve worked your magic for Max and Emily, you can’t quit now.”

“That’s what I was afraid of.”

Robin chuckled again, and I let it go. I was fine with the happily-ever-after part of the equation. It was just the part about tripping over dead bodies—or having them delivered to my door—that tended to get me down.

We both used up another tissue as we watched Austin and Max in close conversation. They had reunited briefly the night Emily was kidnapped, but this was the first chance they’d had to talk. The two had been best friends growing up and Austin had mourned Max’s death as deeply as any of us. I held my breath when it looked like Austin might punch Max in the stomach, but instead he punched his arm, then grabbed him in a tight bear hug that had everyone sniffling a little.

I mingle<>d some more, then spied Derek prowling the perimeter of the terrace. I smiled, reminded of the first time I ever saw him at the Covington Library. He’d been prowling and stalking then, too. Little did I realize at the time that it was me he’d been watching so intently.

That thought brought back something Derek had said to me a few weeks back, so I circled and met him halfway. He wrapped his arm around my shoulder and held me close.

I looked up at him. “Do you remember, before all the craziness happened with Max, you said we needed to talk? What was that about?”

He nodded, then glanced around at the crowd. “It’s nothing that can’t wait until we’re alone.”

“Now you’ve got me curious. Can you give me a hint?”

He touched his forehead to mine. “I think it’s time we discussed our current living arrangement.”

Concerned, I stared into his eyes, trying to gauge his feelings. “Are you unhappy with it?”

His eyes narrowed, causing mine to widen anxiously. Then he laughed. “Not at all. But I do think we need more room.”

“You want to move?”

“And leave Vinnie and Suzie?” he said, his tone teasing. “Never. No, I simply thought I might buy the unit next door to yours and open up the wall between the two. If you’re amenable, that is.”

“If I’m amenable?” I blinked, then swallowed. “Yes, I believe I am.”

He grinned, then kissed me. “Good. We can talk about the details later.”

“Okay.” I breathed deeply, relieved and scared and still a little shocked all at the same time. This was so unexpected. I mean, we were living together, but we weren’t living together. And of course I was crazy about him, but I still wasn’t sure what to think. I decided to try to relax and enjoy the party. I’d be doing a lot of thinking about things later.

Derek gazed across the terrace. “This might be the perfect moment to give the guests of honor their gift.”

I turned and saw Emily and Max talking quietly by themselves. “Yes, let’s go.”

Emily had insisted that none of the partygoers bring gifts, but mine was an exception to the rule. Derek and I walked up to them, followed by some of the friends and family who knew about the surprise.

I handed them the newly restored Beauty and the Beast. Emily started to protest, until she saw what it was.

“Oh, Brooklyn,” Emily said, holding her breath as she opened the crimson outer case and saw the book inside. “Oh, it’s stunning.”

I rushed to explain, “I know you originally wanted to keep the book all scruffy and tattered like my friend Max here.”

Emily giggled and Max smiled indulgently.

“But I just couldn’t deal with all the negative energy inside the pages. Those were some nasty hooves holding on to this book for too many years.”

There were a few chuckles, and I took advantage of the moment to breathe. Then I continued to talk, trying to justify my decision and rationalize why I hadn’t consulted with them on the final design. “Anyway, I went ahead and restored its timeless beauty. I hope you love the new version and find it beautiful. As new and beautiful and timeless as your love for each other.”

Emily burst into happy tears. A very satisfactory reaction, except that nobody cried alone when I was around. Derek handed me his handkerchief and I sniffled along with Emily.

“Thanks, honey,” Max said, and bent down to kiss my cheek.

“Thank you, Brooklyn,” Emily whispered, as the crowd around us applauded.

Beside me, Derek wrapped an arm around my shoulder. I gazed up at him and smiled. Was everyone as happy as I was at that very moment?

Emily cleared her throat and gripped Max’s arm firmly. “Brooklyn, I want you to know that my Beast and I will cherish and enjoy this book forever.”

I felt someone nudge my elbow and turned around to find Ian waggling his eyebrows at me. I winced as I realized I’d forgotten to ask Emily about donating the book to the Covington. I shook my head at Ian, but he just smiled.

Max took the book from Emily and said, “And since we want everyone to cherish and enjoy the book as much as we do, we’re donating it to the children’s wing of the Covington Library, where it’ll bring happiness to children of every age.”

My eyes widened and I whipped around. “You didn’t.”

Ian laughed. “I did. I’m pushy that way.”

The crowd burst into applause again, and Ian cheered the loudest. “Champagne for everyone!”

“A toast!” Dad cried, holding up his champagne glass as Savannah’s waiters sifted through the crowd, pouring the bubbly for everyone.

Emily and Max exchanged glances, then looked at me. Emily was blushing as Max said, “We’ll be toasting with ginger ale. We’re having a baby.”

I gasped and Derek laughed as I fumbled for his handkerchief again. I couldn’t help it. I just loved a happy ending.

Turn the page for a sneak peek

at the next Bibliophile Mystery,

Peril in Paperback

Available from Obsidian in August 2012

“We call it the library suite,” my hostess said, beaming with pride as she led me into the spacious bedroom suite that would be all mine for the next six days.

“I can see why.” Gazing around the room, I hoped my expression remained calm despite a volatile mix of shock, fascination, and trepidation coursing through me as I took in the mad proliferation of books.

I love books, but this is ridiculous, I thought.

“Isn’t it marvelous?” she said, smoothing the pale sage duvet cover on the king-sized bed. “Ruth teases me about my book obsession, but I have a good time with it.”

“I’m stunned,” I muttered. It was the truth. The number of books she’d managed to cram into this spacious bedroom/sitting room was astounding.

I’m Brooklyn Wainwright, book restoration expert and lover of books, good food and wine, and lately, doughnuts. I had driven up to Lake Tahoe that morning with my two favorite neighbors, Suzie Stein and Vinnie Patel, to spend a week at the home of Suzie’s wealthy, eccentric aunt Grace Crawford.

Grace’s good friend Ruth Kinsley had convinced Grace to celebrate her fiftieth birthday with an old-fashioned house party on the lake. In her invitation, Grace had promised her guests that this weeklong party would be the most delightful, fabulous shindig ever—the sort of party we’d all still be talking about for the next fifty years.

“I looked over my guest list,” Grace said, fluffing one of the pillows, “and I couldn’t think of anyone but you for this room.”

“That’s sweet,” I said, hoping she could hear a trace of sincerity in my voice as I parked my rolling suitcase near the foot of the bed. “You know how much I love books.”

“You and me both,” she said, laughing as she glanced around. “I guess that’s pretty clear.”

I did a slow turn and gazed at the four walls, which were covered with nothing but full bookshelves. The occasional window interrupted the shelves, and, of course, there were necessary pieces of furniture planted here and there: an elegant dresser; a small but comfortable love seat that faced two matching chairs at one end of the long room; the bed, with its ornate, paneled headboard filled with—you guessed it—books. Other than those spots, bookshelves filled every inch of wall space. Even the dresser held a row of books.

“I had no idea you had so many,” I said.

She lifted her shoulders in a shrug. “I can’t seem to quit collecting.”

Duh, I thought to myself as I continued to survey the room. I knew Grace was a book lover. That was how we’d met. About a year ago, Grace had mentioned to Suzie that she wanted some of her favorite books rebound, so Suzie had recommended me. Since then, Grace and I had done business several times. I’d visited her home once before and we’d had afternoon tea in her grand salon.

I liked her. She was down-to-earth and fun. Except for this massive home perched on the shores of Lake Tahoe, you’d never know the woman was a self-made billionaire who had earned her fortune in the fast-paced computer games industry. Her personality was the oddest blend of laid-back sixties cool, nerdy earnestness, and old-world elegance. Her quirky sensibilities—such as putting a suit of armor in the bathroom or serving bite-sized Twinkies next to the cucumber sandwiches at afternoon tea—made me smile.

Plus, she’d given me quite a bit of business lately. I liked that about her, too.

Vinnie had once referred to Grace as a hoarder, but I’d recently dealt with a true hoarder. I didn’t get the same uncomfortable feeling from Grace’s house as I had from that person’s. Grace was eccentric and a rabid collector, but a hoarder? I didn’t think so, although someone walking through this room might want to argue that.

When Grace called to invite me to her birthday party, she’d asked if I wouldn’t mind doing some work while I was here. I had immediately agreed and had packed my travel set of tools and repair supplies. I was always happier when I was busy with books. Grace not only wanted some repairs made but she also requested that I oversee the archivist she’d hired to catalog her extensive library.

Glancing around now, I realized what a huge job it would be. Heck, it would take more than a week to catalog this one bedroom alone. The archivist and I had our work cut out for us.

Grace was watching me, so I smiled and gave the walls one more glance. “Thank you so much. I know I’ll enjoy my time here.”

She seemed pleased as she nudged her glasses higher on her nose. “The library is at the end of this hall, so you can come and go without disturbing anyone else in the house. That’s another reason I thought this room would be perfect for you.”

I smiled, determined to ease her mind. “It couldn’t be better. You know me. Can’t get enough books, right?”

She laughed. It was a sweet trill, completely incongruous with her geeky personality, but charming. “I’ll let you get settled, and I’ll tell you what I’ve told everyone else: I want you to feel free to explore the whole house. I know you’ve been here before, but you’ve hardly seen any of the rooms. There are many surprises.”

“I can’t wait. I’ve heard about some of them,” I said with amusement. Vinnie had already given me a hint of some of the more bizarre features of this gigantic fun house.

“Oh, good.” She rubbed her hands together gleefully. “I would start with the conservatory. I have a nice collection of exotic flora and it’s such a soothing, pretty space. But when you get tired of all that peace and quiet, the game room is not to be missed.”

“That’s what Suzie said.”

“And the music room is pretty special if you’re into musical instruments. We have a three-hundred-year-old harpsichord that still sounds beautiful. And we can supply a complete wind and brass section for anyone who’s in the mood to jam. Or you can just have a seat and watch things happen. I’ve rigged some puppets to play saxophone and guitar. It’s totally awesome.”

I laughed as she morphed into an excited young gamer. “It sounds fascinating, Grace. I can’t wait to do some exploring.”

“It’s an adventure for sure.” She took a breath and seemed to remember she was a grown-up. Then she patted my hand and held it as we strolled to the door. “Now, don’t forget, we’re meeting for cocktails at five o’clock in the gold salon. That’s up the stairs to the left and halfway down the hall. It’s on the north side of the house, overlooking the lake. I can’t wait for all my favorite people to meet and mingle.”

“I’ll be there,” I assured her as we waved good-bye to each other. I stood at the doorway and watched her walk down the wide, wood-paneled hall and turn a corner. She didn’t know me very well, but suffice it to say I wouldn’t miss a cocktail party for the world. I decided I would scout out the gold salon on my tour that afternoon. I didn’t want to be late for cocktails. That would be rude.

Twenty minutes later, my suitcase was emptied and stowed in a corner of the walk-in closet. I had hung up my dressy clothes and folded everything else and put them in the dresser drawers. All my toiletries were arranged along the counter in my private bathroom and I’d placed the books I’d brought with me on the table next to the love seat under the bay window. As it turned out, bringing a few books along wasn’t quite as necessary as I’d thought it would be when I’d packed them. But how was I to know Grace Crawford owned every book ever written?

“Are you all settled?”

I glanced up and saw my friend Vinnie standing in the doorway. Suzie stood behind her wearing a happy grin as her gaze swept my odd, book-filled room. “Wow.”

“Yeah, tell me about it.”

“Holy shawarma, Brooklyn,” Vinnie whispered, her voice tight with alarm as her eyes goggled in shock. Abruptly, she whipped around and wagged her finger at Suzie. “This is exactly what I was afraid of. I’m certain there are no other rooms to give you, so Suzie, you must apologize to Brooklyn for your aunt’s crazitude.”

“I’m not sure that’s a word, babe,” Suzie said.

“It should be,” Vinnie said darkly. “It describes her perfectly.”

“I think this is cool,” Suzie said, walking into my room and looking around. “Besides, Brooklyn knows Aunt Grace is a book nut. And she’s been here before.”

“But I never saw this room,” I muttered, then chuckled. “If Derek were here, he’d laugh his ass off. Me, entrapped by books. Obviously, my book-lover karma has come back to bite me on the butt.”

“Wow, two butt references in less than ten seconds.” Suzie studied me. “You must miss him a lot.”

“Derek does have a very attractive bottom,” Vinnie allowed, her tone indicating she took the subject of Derek’s bum seriously. I appreciated that since I did, too.

“I do miss him,” I said. “But I’m happy to be with you guys. And Derek’s very happy that I decided to come out here for the week. He figures there’s a lot less chance of my getting into trouble if I’m with you two.”

“Not that I believe there will be any trouble,” Vinnie said, rapping her knuckles against the smooth wood top of the dresser. “But I’ll knock wood just in case.”

“Good thinking,” I said, touching the wood frame of the bathroom door. I could use all the good-luck rituals and charms I could get.

It had been only a few months since I’d found myself at the mercy of someone who wanted to kill me. And that hadn’t been the first time it had happened. I’d tried to make light of it, but the jokes were losing steam. The fact was, I had an alarming tendency to find dead people, followed by an ineffable need to carry out justice on their behalf. Invariably, I would end up in a face-to-face confrontation with the dead person’s killer.

It had gotten so bad that I’d finally sought spiritual guidance from Guru Bob, otherwise known as Avatar Robson Benedict, the leader of my parents’ commune and an all-around awesome guy. But it had been eight long weeks since I’d had any further run-ins with dead people, so I was hoping all that was behind me.

“For the love of Shiva, there are books on the ceiling.” Vinnie stared up in horror, then glared at Suzie. “How can we be sure that Brooklyn won’t be smothered in her sleep? You must do something, Suzie.”

“I’m fine,” I said with a casual air. “It’s just a bunch of books up there.”

But Vinnie was starting to freak me out. Grace had indeed managed to hang bookshelves from the ceiling. It was odd and unique and beautiful, really, the way the narrow shelving fanned out from the central chandelier. Although you couldn’t really call it shelving; these were more like attractively paneled, triangle-shaped lobster traps. Book traps, I suppose you could call them, since there were books inside each of them. The traps were made from different shades of wood and they overlapped and spanned out to the corners of the room in a pretty swirling pattern. Like an elaborate spiderweb, I realized.

While unpacking, I had discovered the intricate rope-and-pulley system Grace had rigged to manipulate the movements of her ceiling contraption. I knew she was a computer wizard and an engineering genius, so maybe she’d thrown this creation together on a spare Saturday, but I’d never seen anything like it. The thin ropes snaked down one wall, where they could be loosened to move each book trap up and down for access to the books inside.

On a positive note, the ceiling was at least twelve feet high, so I wasn’t likely to suffer claustrophobia from the thought of all those traps enclosing me in their web.

I tried to ignore the shiver that skittered across my shoulders at that possibility.

“Okay, that’s pretty freaking weird,” Suzie admitted, staring up at the odd sight. “But you have to admire her ingenuity.”

“Ingenuity.” Vinnie rolled her eyes at her partner. “Your aunt is crazier than a wagonful of monkeys, but your unconditional love for her is admirable, I suppose.”

Suzie shoved her hands into her pants pockets. “My unconditional love for you knows no bounds, sugar.”

“Oh.” Vinnie slapped her hand over her mouth, overcome with emotion. She flung her arms around Suzie and squeezed. “I love you, too, Suzie. Even if your aunt is a wack-a-doodle.”

Suzie winked at me over Vinnie’s shoulder, and I smiled at the clever way she’d wrapped up that conversation. But their easy affection made me think of Derek again and I was surprised at the depth of my own longing. I missed him more than I’d ever thought I would and wished he were here with me. But that was impossible. He’d left a week ago to begin a monthlong security assignment in Europe, where he was posing as the fiancé of some megabucks socialite who’d been receiving death threats.

I would just have to suck it up for the next month. I was perfectly fine without him. I really was. And I trusted Derek completely so that wasn’t an issue, even though I hadn’t been able to stop myself from Googling the woman at the center of his assignment. Just as I’d feared, Thomasina Marchand was young and gorgeous and artistically gifted. She dressed impeccably. And did I mention her immense wealth? Not that Derek could ever be swayed by material things, but nevertheless, I’d been suffering little pangs of jealousy ever since he’d flown off to pretend he was in love with her.

But that was completely normal, right? Anyone would have those little pangs, right? Of course they would. It didn’t mean anything. Derek and my connection was beautifully sound and solid. We had a happy, loving, exciting, and totally trusting relationship. He simply had an assignment to carry out, protecting Thomasina from threats of death until next month, when she became twenty-five, the age specified in her father’s trust. I knew Derek would perform his job to perfection. And then he would come home to me. That was all there was to it. I wasn’t worried. Nope, not me. No way.

“Come on—let’s go check out this crazy place,” Suzie said, putting her arm around Vinnie’s waist.

“Yeah, okay,” I said. “But do you guys mind if I make a quick phone call first?”

“Of course not, Brooklyn,” Vinnie said, her smile serene again. “Why don’t we meet you in the conservatory in fifteen minutes? Will that give you enough time?”

“More than enough. Thanks.”

They reminded me where the conservatory was, then walked out, closing the door behind them. I went to find my cell phone and sat down to make the call to Derek. I listened to the ringing of his phone and felt more connected to him already. I wasn’t sure whether that made me a lovesick idiot or just a lonely girlfriend. Either way, it was kind of pathetic, but I didn’t care.

“Hello?” a woman answered, whispering breathlessly into the phone. Derek’s phone. “Who is this, please?”

I had to bite my tongue to keep from saying, “Who the hell is this?” Who was this woman and why was she answering my boyfriend’s phone? Was this Thomasina? I decided on the spot to make it sound like a business call.

“I must speak to Mr. Stone immediately. This is his office calling.” I sounded officious and demanding, which was exactly how I felt.

“Ooh, so sorry, Derek can’t come to the phone.” Her voice was tinged with a vague but plainly Western European accent. French? Belgian? Sexy. She giggled softly. “He’s…ooh…he’s…ah…occupied.” Her rapid sighs made it sound as if she were in the throes of rapture. Seriously? Was she kidding? What the hell was going on?

Oh, God. Did I really want to know?

“Adieu,” she added in that same sultry tone, then disconnected the call, leaving me to blink and stare at my phone in shocked disbelief.