“I am. Don’t worry,” Ellen said, giving me a pat on the arm. “I really have done this before. Many times, if I’m honest. It’s been a while, but it’s not something that one forgets.”
“All right,” I said. “I’ll help with the questions if Ellen will wear the wire.” Meeting Detective Johnson’s approving gaze, I pointed a finger at her. “But you’d better promise to show up immediately if you hear anything threatening. I don’t want Ellen, or anyone else, hurt.”
“We’ll have a team at the ready,” Detective Johnson said. “First sign of trouble and we’ll be there.”
“Okay.” I inhaled deeply. “I guess you’d better give me those leading questions.”
“I’ll have the team work on them tonight, and we’ll email you as soon as they’re ready.”
“That should work,” I said.
Detective Johnson rose to her feet. “Good. Just leave your email address with the receptionist. Now, I’ll wish you a pleasant evening, and again, thank you.” She looked at Ellen. “Leave your phone number at the front desk too, Ms. Montgomery, so we can set up all the details of fitting you up with the wire. And thank you as well.”
“Always happy to be of service,” Ellen said as the detective left the room.
I pressed the back of my hand to my forehead. “Have to check to make sure I don’t have a fever,” I told Ellen when she cast me a concerned look. “Because this whole situation has me feeling like I’m delirious.”
“I know it must seem strange, but I’m confident you’ll manage,” Ellen said, as we exited the conference room. I provided the receptionist with my email, and Ellen left her number before we headed out the front doors of the station.
“Don’t you find this all the least little bit overwhelming?” I asked as we walked to my car.
Ellen shook her head. “After what I’ve seen in my life? Hardly. Just another day at the office.”
Chapter Twenty-Eight
By Saturday afternoon, my concern over my participation in what was basically a police sting operation had me so hyper that I decided to take a walk to the Beaufort docks.
Alicia encouraged me to go. Or rather, she basically told me to “get out of the kitchen.” I guess my constant pacing was fraying her last nerve.
I acquiesced without complaint. Everything was set up for the evening’s event, and Alicia already had to share the kitchen with Damian, so I knew I wouldn’t be missed. Besides, strolling along the waterfront always calmed me.
When I reached the Front Street end of the boardwalk, I walked a short distance before I paused to once again admire theCelestial. Todd Rowley was on the deck of the yacht, polishing some of her chrome fittings. He returned my wave with a broad smile.
“See you tonight,” he called out before I turned away.
Although I’d planned to continue my walk, the picture window of Bookwaves beckoned, and I climbed the few steps to the wooden porch of the building that housed Julie’s bookstore. Ipaused for a moment to study the window display, which was filled with what Julie always called “beach reads.”
When I pushed open the front door, a bright jangle of bells accompanied my entry. I hadn’t visited the bookstore in several weeks and was amused to see that the front table held a varied assortment of titles, all of which featured predominantly red, white, or blue covers.Get a bang out of your summer read, the banner draping the front of the table said, a theme emphasized by the sparkling, firecracker-style decorations.
“Getting ready for the Fourth already?” I asked Julie as her head popped up from behind a range of shoulder-height wooden shelves.
“It’s a huge tourist week.” She stepped around the shelves to greet me. “I mean, the Big Rock week is busy, but not as many of those people are looking to buy books. The Fourth and the few weeks leading up to it are when I see more visitors who want something to read. You know, on the beach or while enjoying waterfront views.”
“I guess that’s right. Hard to read when you’re managing a fishing line.” I was happy to see that Julie looked less stressed.
She swept her hair back and whipped it up into a ponytail she tied off with the scarf she’d draped around her neck. “Sorry, even with the air on, I always get hot moving books.”
“I’m sure. Having had to do that in Chapters’ library several times, I know it’s hard work.” As I gazed at my friend, I shifted my weight from one foot to the other. I wanted to tell her about assisting the police with finding Lincoln’s killer but knew I couldn’t say anything. Although perhaps I could find a way to reassure her that her ordeal as a suspect would soon be over.“Speaking of Chapters, you’re coming to the Tey discussion tonight, I hope?”
“Yes. I told Scott I’d be there, so I guess I should come.”
I widened my eyes. “Ah, do I sense some interest? Not that it’s a bad thing. He’s definitely into you, from what I’ve seen.”
Julie glanced down at her hands, which she’d clasped tightly at her waist. “Now, don’t start any rumors.” Her tone was serious, but when she looked up at me, her eyes were sparkling. “He’s an interesting guy, and we share a love of books. That’s all there is to it.”
“For now,” I said. “Don’t worry, I approve.” My smile slipped as I considered one little wrinkle. “Unless the police prove he murdered Lincoln, of course.”
Julie waved off this idea. “I can’t imagine that. And anyway, you have me on your suspect list as well.”
