“No, I’m at the store straightening out the mess Detective Berg made.” I pushed another book back in place.
“Did he damage anything?”
“Not that I can tell, and the first editions look as if they were untouched and the cabinet is locked.” I sighed.
“If you’ll be there for the next twenty minutes, I’ll have the keys to the mansion sent over via messenger.”
“I’ll be here. Thanks, Lucas, but I can pick them up.”
I listened while I straightened a few more books.
“No problem for my biggest client. Take care, Annie.” I heard him hang up his desk phone.
Biggest client? Me? Goodness gracious. I’m not sure if I like being the richest person in town. I’m not used to people doing things for me on this scale. I had to learn to be self-sufficient, and I’m proud of my accomplishments, but I do have a lot of work to do here. It’ll help to get the keys delivered. Do I need to tip the messenger?
I saw the dogs chase each other over my feet and Aunt Irene laugh. I watched her push her way along the shelves in my rolling desk chair while straightening out the books on the bottom three shelves. I took care of the upper shelves. The special displays on the top shelf appeared untouched. We made a good team.
My cell vibrated again. It was a text from Georgie:
“Danger. Mags released.”
I shuddered. Let’s hope she stays away or drops the lawsuit.
I texted back:
“Still working at the store. Let me know when you’re off. I’ll pick you up.”
She texted in reply:
“No need. Have my car. Meet at your place later.”
I heard a knock at the front door. I still had the closed sign up. I saw the messenger outside the door. I opened the door, and he entered. I needed to prove who I was. My picture and name on my license were sufficient. I signed for a small package and offered him a tip.
He said, “Mr. Stone took care of that. Have a good day.” He hurried on his way.
About twenty minutes later, Aunt Irene and I were satisfied the store would look good when I opened in the morning. We took our tired dogs home. Each in their own carrier, they whined at each other on the ride home.
I looked at her and said, “We don’t have to worry about them not getting along.”
Aunt Irene wiped a tear from her eye. “Thanks for taking me and everything, Annie. It does get lonely in my cottage especially at night. I have enjoyed Yummy so much. Having Peanut will help me a lot.”
I reached over and took her hand. She squeezed my hand so tightly; I thought my circulation would stop.
Chapter Eighteen
I told Aunt Irene to take Peanut to her cottage, and I would bring in all the supplies we purchased. I smiled when I saw the red leash embedded with rhinestones. Peanut is wearing a matching collar. Aunt Irene said the red goes well with her light brown fur and dark brown eyes. I understand why Yummy arrived with a similar rhinestone collar in blue. Inga and Aunt Irene were both dog lovers at heart. Inga spoiled Yummy, and Aunt Irene will do the same with Peanut. I can understand. I like to spoil Yummy, too.
After I dropped all the purchases in Aunt Irene’s house, she asked me to come in and have a sandwich and tea.
“I’ll be right back; I want to grab my mail and check it while I have lunch.” I turned and headed toward the front of my house.
I heard Aunt Irene say, “Okay” as I hurried to my mailbox.
The box, stuffed with mail, caused me a bit of difficulty pulling everything out.
How in the world does Meg manage to get it all in here without tearing anything? Hmm, what’s this?
I nearly dropped the pile of mail and caught it making a mess of the compact, neat stack Meg left. I caught a legal size envelope as it slipped out of the stack. My name and address were printed on the front of the envelope in letters that rivaled Laci’s kindergarten papers. I tore it open and raced back to my car. I called Aunt Irene and told her to lock her door, and I dialed 9-1-1.
Officer Bill arrived within minutes. I lowered my window and handed him the letter. He held up his hand long enough to put on latex gloves. He picked it up by one corner, frowned at the message and slipped it and the envelope in an evidence bag.
Tears slid down my cheeks. I can still see the printed words in my mind:
Why aren’t you dead yet, Annie?
Bill leaned in my window and asked, “Do you have any idea who did this?”
‘No,” I stammered.
I saw Aunt Irene and Peanut approaching my car. She climbed into the passenger seat and asked what happened. Before I answered, I asked Bill if he could check out my house to be sure no one is in there waiting.
“Of course, Annie. I was just going to suggest it.” He reached in and patted my hand that was still clutching my steering wheel.
When Bill opened my door and pulled out his gun, I shuddered.
Someone wants to kill me or at least wants me dead. Is Clark really involved? I slept in the same bed with a man who wants me dead. We went out on dates. How can someone be so conniving and evil?
Bill returned and said my house was clear. “I’ll take this letter back to the office. The Postmaster will also be involved now. It’s a crime to mail a threat beyond the usual broken laws. Don’t you worry, Annie, we’ll find who’s doing this.”
His smile didn’t do much to make me feel safer.
“C’mon, let’s have lunch before you leave with Georgie,” Aunt Irene said.
We placed both dogs in the puppy run and brought our lunch outside. The sunshine warmed the day, and it was beautiful on
