“That’s what worries me.You’re pretty good at this, and you don’t know when to quit.”He sighed.“Just watch your back.And call me if you find anything solid.”
“I will.”
Hawkins headed toward his cruiser, and Sam turned toward her car.As she did, she glanced back at Mountain Perk.
Through the plate-glass window, Sofia stood at the counter, clearly visible.Watching Sam with a thoughtful expression on her face.
Chapter Nine
Sam ran a few errandsafter that, but her mind kept running through what she’d learned that morning.Then she thought about Charlotte again, and how upset she’d been at finding Margaret.Maybe she’d bring her some food.
After running by the grocery store, Sam made a quick trip to her house to put all her purchases away.Then she stopped by Mountain View Deli to pick up two turkey clubs with all the fixings and a couple of bags of chips.She knew Charlotte liked their sweet tea, so she grabbed two of those as well.
The “closed” sign still hung in Twice-Told Tales’ front window when Sam arrived.She knocked gently, and Charlotte appeared a moment later, unlocking the door.
“You’re a lifesaver,” Charlotte said, her voice weary.She looked tired, with dark circles under her eyes and her hair pulled back in a messy ponytail.“Come on in.”
They settled into a couple of chairs in the main room of the store.Charlotte sighed.“I couldn’t bring myself to open the store yet.It somehow feels sort of disrespectful to Margaret.But I will tomorrow.I know I can’t stay closed forever.”
“Finding Margaret like that was so rough, I know.”Sam split up the food and drinks between them.“How are you really doing?”
Charlotte unwrapped her sandwich eagerly, as if she’d forgotten to eat.“I keep replaying it.I should have checked the back room before I locked up.Maybe if I’d found her sooner, she wouldn’t have died.”
“You couldn’t have known she was still there.Nobody could.”
“No, you’re right,” said Charlotte.“Logically, I know that.”Charlotte took a bite, chewing mechanically.“But I keep thinking about her being alone all night.Even if she was already gone.”Charlotte swallowed.“It just feels wrong.”
Sam said, “I know.”
They quietly ate their lunch for a few moments.Then Charlotte said, “Officer Martinez was very kind.Very professional, but not cold, you know?She took my statement and asked if I needed anything.”She took a sip of her sweet tea.“The chief spent more time peppering me with questions about who had access to the building, whether anyone seemed upset, and where everyone was during the meeting.He also wanted to know who left when.”
“What did you tell him?”
Charlotte sighed.“You saw how it was.There were people at the cash register, buying books.People chatting.Members were coming and going.But I did notice Dylan left almost the second we finished.And that’s not like him at all.Usually he lingers, wants to talk about the books, and ask for reading recommendations.But after the meeting, he couldn’t get out fast enough.”
“Do you think he was just uncomfortable?Margaret was being really critical of everyone.”
