I stared at the space she just occupied. I knew Claudine hated me, but to drag her mom into her obsession with ruining my life was low even for Claudine. Mom Ryan was sweet and said to grab happiness if I could. She approved. I know I didn’t need anyone’s approval, but I respected Steve’s parents.
I plopped down on the couch.
Happiness, I should grab happiness. Did Clark make me happy? Yes, he did. Could he be my happiness? It was too early to know, right? Maybe, maybe not. My head hurts.
Chapter Nine
I had a few customers just before lunch and decided to stay open during lunch. Two customers wandered in and asked how I was doing after my morning ordeal. Fortunately, they both purchased books. I had several more customers after lunch. It was more than usual, and I think it has to do with the possible break-in and the rumors about the window breaking at my home. By the time two o’clock rolled around, people asked me if vandals damaged all my windows at home. After explaining more times than I wanted, the last customer left and the store was quiet. I plopped down on the couch more emotionally tired than physically.
My cell rand and I recognized Georgie’s tone.
“Hi, is it finally quiet at the grill, too? I’m taking a break.”
Georgie spoke quickly, and I could hear her concerned voice. “Yeah. I would have called sooner, but I couldn’t take the time. Are you all right? Were you hurt? What do the police think?”
“Breathe, I’m fine. Someone tossed a rock at the front door at home and tried to break-in through the back door of the store. I wasn’t there for either incident. Bill Todorov took a report, and Clark is going to replace the front door. No big deal.” I leaned back and put my feet up on the old wooden coffee table.
“Uh huh. Bull, Annie Ryan. Dot texted me and told me there was a death threat.”
“Is Dot supposed to give out classified information?” I bit my lip. I didn’t want Georgie to worry, so I wasn’t going to mention the note.
“Doesn’t matter. Your Aunt Irene brought it up at the weekly bridge club meeting, and the news is all over town.”
I tried to sink deeper into the couch. I wanted it to swallow me, and I could stay hidden. Hearing my best friend’s worried voice made me feel more vulnerable.
“You’re right. There was a note saying I should die, and Bill thinks I have made an enemy. Between the dog abuse call, near break-in here, and the window and note at home something is going on. It also started after I inherited Yummy. Bill thinks there might be a connection. Aunt Irene and Clark think so, too.”
“Clark, hmm. He’ll protect you. Are you going out again soon?”
“Not sure, but I’m making him dinner tonight after he fixes the broken door.”
“Dinner and a long night. It’s just what you need. Maybe a nice breakfast, too.” Georgie began to laugh.
“You’re wicked.” I smiled.
“Gotta run, behave and I’ll call you if I hear anything.”
The afternoon was quiet. I think all my curious customers had heard the rumors and didn’t need to see the source for information. I dusted the bookshelves and straightened up the magazine rack. Yummy yipped at the back door a little after four and I hung the “Be back in five minutes” sign on the front door and took her for a quick walk out back. Just as we came back in, I locked the door, and my cell chimed. I had a text from Georgie.
I read the text and dropped back onto the couch staring at my phone.
“Just heard. Inga poisoned 4 sure. Arsenic.”
I must admit I knew this was a good possibility, but I still held out hope that she overdosed on one of her meds or the coroner missed something. It was a fact. Someone murdered Inga. I shuddered even though the store was warm. Could the same person who killed her be coming after me? Georgie and Clark were worried that it was true, and Officer Bill wondered about my enemies. I sat back and closed my eyes. A few minutes later I heard loud knocking on the front door.
Darn it, Annie. You forgot to turn the sign around. You’re going to lose the customers you have. I ran toward the front door yelling, “Just a minute.”
I opened the door and came face to face with the six foot two inch stocky frame of Detective Heidelberg. I noticed his pinched eyebrows, and scowling face. It can’t be a good visit.
“Come in Detective Heidelberg. I was walking my dog and forgot to unlock the door when I returned.” I held the door open wide.
“It’s just Berg, Detective Berg.” He entered the store staring around at each bookcase and display with his hands clasped behind his back.
His name was Heidelberg, but he said it was too long. He would change it legally, but his parents live in a retirement village a few miles out of town, and I heard they’re not happy with his decision.
“What can I do for you, detective?”
“Do you know anyone who would want to see Inga Kelleher dead?” He asked.
“No,” I shook my head from side to side.
“You were close. She gave you her dog. Are you sure you don’t know.”
“We weren’t that close, and I don’t know why she left her dog to me,” I explained. He looked at me as if he thought I killed Inga.
“Yup, so you say.” He walked around the store checking down each aisle.
“Are you accusing me of something,” I stood with my hands on my hips. He was getting under my skin.
“Nope, nope, just thinking out loud. You sure you don’t know who might want her dead or for that matter who wants you dead?” He stared right through me.
I felt
