I should be concerned that Sterling knows how to do this, but that’s a future me problem.
“Ready?” I ask.
Clover nods, biting her lip as though she’s containing years full of joy.
Her hand slips into mine, and the rightness of the action washes over me. It settles the buzzing in my ears as I lead her to the door.
Clover’s fingers trail the spine of every book she passes until she eventually disappears into the thriller section. I take a moment to check the windows and ensure Wrecks isn’t dragging Chief into the next state.
When I spot him sitting on a bench while Wrecks chews at an iron trash can at his side, I figure they’re as safe as can be for now, and skirt around a stack of books until I find Clover.
“Are you looking for anything specific?” I ask, mostly curious about what she reads in her downtime.
She gasps and bumps into the bookcase, knocking over several books that I quickly help her retrieve from the floor. “Nope. Just browsing.”
She’s acting suspicious, almost as if she’s searching for security cameras. Is my little Honeybee a shoplifter? Needles prickle the base of my neck. Am I going to have to carry her out of here and get her some help?
“Clover, what are you?—”
She pulls a Sharpie out of her pocket, wearing a grin I’ve never seen on her before.
“Oh no,” I say.
“Oh, yes.” She grabs a book off the shelf. Clover Danes…it’s her book. She really went wild with that pen name. This one has a bloody wedding dress on the cover. “There are six copies here, can you believe it? I’m signing all of them.”
“That’s— Is that allowed?” Even as I ask, I’m blocking her body with my own while scanning the store for employees.
“Surprise signed copies. Readers love it. I’ve never ventured far enough to really see my books on the shelves before.” She’s…giddy.
That, more than anything else, gives me insight into her life.
“This feels like vandalism.”
“It’s free marketing. Lots of authors sneak into bookstores and do it. It’s a thing. I’ve seen it all over TikTok.”
“Fine.” My palms sweat. This feels so illegal. “I’ll keep watch.”
“You’re the best.” The smile she flashes just for me nearly makes my knees buckle.
If I go to jail, it just might be worth it.
She signs each copy with messages likeFor the brave readersandMay you find your courage. She’s almost finished when the clerk calls out, “Excuse me?”
Clover freezes.
“Are you Clover Danes?” the woman asks.
“I—um—” Her wide eyes search for the employee.
“Oh, my God. You are!” The clerk starts fanning her face. “I love your books. The twist ending inThe Deadly Vowwrecked me. I didn’t sleep for two nights.”
“How did you know who she was?” I ask, considering that Clover doesn’t do public appearances.
The woman holds up a hardback book and turns it around. There, on the back, is a small photo of Clover.
“I hate that they put that on there,” Clover grumbles.
“Can I get a picture?” the clerk asks, thrusting her phone into my hands. “Oh, can you sign our stock? You’re our October author of the month.”
