“Okay, it’s your call. There’s a private security firm in Bozeman called Fletcher Security. They’re discreet and professional. If you want someone to monitor her without disrupting her life, they could be perfect.”
“Would they be following her around?” Frank asked, frowning at the thought.
“Nothing that intrusive,” William assured him. “More like having someone keep an eye on her property, maybe visiting the bookstore as a customer. Basic monitoring without interfering with her daily routine.”
Frank nodded, feeling some of the tension ease from his shoulders. “I’ll talk to her tomorrow and see if she’s comfortable with something like that.”
“And if she’s not?” William asked.
“Then I’ll respect her decision.” Frank’s voice was quiet but determined. “But I want her to be safe.”
William studied him for a moment. “You care about her.”
Frank didn’t bother denying it. “I do. More than I expected to.”
“Well, that complicates things,” William said with a sigh. “But it doesn’t change our plans for tomorrow. We’ll take Tommy to his swimming class, and then we’ll come back while the security company is installing your alarm system. After that, you can speak with Isabel, and I’ll contact Fletcher Security based on her response.”
“Thank you,” Frank said simply. “Remember to send me the bill for most of Isabel’s security system. She won’t let me pay for everything, but I can make it more affordable.”
William nodded. “Until your alarm system is installed, we need to make sure you’re safe. I’ll take the first watch. You should get some sleep.”
Frank started to protest, but William cut him off. “You’re no good to Tommy or Isabel if you’re exhausted. I’ve got this.”
“Okay. Wake me up in a few hours.” As Frank went to his bedroom, he paused at Tommy’s door, nudging it open to check on his grandson. Tommy was sprawled across his bed, one arm flung over his head, breathing deeply.
With Tommy fast asleep, Frank continued along the hallway to his room.
Isabel wouldn’t be happy about someone protecting her, but it was important. If Sterling Industries was responsible for Sarah and Tony’s deaths, they wouldn’t let a remote town like Sapphire Bay get in their way.
CHAPTER 25
Isabel looked around the crowded bookstore and smiled. Bookstore on the Bay was buzzing with activity. All her earlier misgivings about no one coming disappeared after the first few minutes of opening. Everyone was excited by the changes.
The soft cream walls she’d painted had brightened the space dramatically, and customers were already using the new reading nooks.
“You’ve worked a miracle,” Kathleen whispered as she slipped past with a tray of cookies. “I haven’t seen the store this busy in years.”
Isabel smiled, her heart full. “It’s the community that’s made it happen. Everyone pitched in.”
That was the truth of it. Once word had spread that she was remodeling, volunteers had arrived to help her. Teenagers offered to move furniture, and retired carpenters asked if she needed shelves repaired. Even Pastor John brought his youth group to help paint the children’s section. The transformation had been as much about the people as the place itself.
“Isabel!” Mabel Terry called from across the room. “The new mystery section is perfect! It’s much easier to find what I’m looking for.”
Isabel waved in acknowledgment, mentally checking off another successful change. With the help of her friends, she’d reorganized the entire fiction area. They’d created separate sections for mysteries, romances, and science fiction novels, so they weren’t jumbled together.
The bell above the door jingled and Tommy burst into the store. Frank followed behind, and Isabel’s smile faded. Dark circles shadowed his eyes, and his normally upright posture seemed weighed down by an invisible burden. William entered last, his watchful gaze focused on the people inside the room.
Isabel walked over to them, concern mingling with her happiness at seeing them.
“Welcome to the grand reopening,” she said, bending slightly to meet Tommy’s enthusiastic high-five.
“It looks amazing!” Tommy’s eyes were wide as he took in the changes. “There are so many people in the children’s area!”
Isabel smiled, though her eyes kept returning to Frank. He looked even more exhausted than when he’d told her what was happening. “Why don’t you check out the new adventure books, Tommy? If you’re quick, some of Kathleen’s chocolate chip cookies might still be in the children’s corner, too.”
Tommy looked to his grandfather for permission.
“Go ahead,” Frank said with a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes. “But stay where William and I can see you.”
