“I’ll look into that.”
Stanley leaned forward. “We appreciate it, Terrence. It may be arumor that the Remingtons want to chase Gray from town, but you might find it interesting that ever since my daughter and Gray officially began dating last week, her business has suffered terribly. Even through the Stroll she had very few customers. Believe me when I say it was unprecedented—and no coincidence.”
Caleb spoke up. “When my wife, Liddy, was at The Big Tease last week, Glenda Ellsworth told her she overheard RaeAnne and Ida Mae talking about the Remingtons’ scheme to chase Gray out of town.”
He jotted more notes. “No one saw the shooter last night? The car, anything?”
“We took cover right away,” Gray said. “But I talked to one of my neighbors this morning. She saw a white truck race away immediately after the gunshots.”
“Name?” Jameson asked.
“Ellen Lyons.”
“Anything else I should know?” His tone was moderated, his face unreadable.
“I think that about covers it,” Gray said.
“We take the safety of our citizens seriously around here. As I said, I’ll check into this.” When the chief stood, the men followed suit. “Thanks for coming by.”
Stanley extended his hand. “We appreciate your efforts, Terrence. Thank you.”
Once they reached the parking lot, Gray thanked the men for showing up today, then they parted ways. Their presence meant a lot to him. More than they would probably ever realize.
But Gray wasn’t a fool. The chief might have the best of intentions, but going up against the powerful Remington family? Turning on one of his officers? Seemed pretty unlikely.
But he’d done all he could do. If it wasn’t enough... well, that was the story of his life.
The bookstore was closed today, but he headed there anyway. He’d put out a newsletter to Shelby’s customer base, featuring their new releases and advertising their December sales. He’d line up a few weeks of social media posts that would carry her through Christmas. But first he had to stop by his house.
Gray might not be able to expose the Remingtons’ scheme, but he could and would save Shelby’s store—if it was the very last thing he did.
Chapter 43
Oh, if someone could just bottle this scent.Shelby breathed in the smell of Ollie’s sweet head, letting the baby’s fragrance calm her. Liddy had arrived a few minutes ago and the infant was perched on Shelby’s shoulder, checking out the coffee shop’s atmosphere. “He’s becoming so alert.”
Liddy lowered her mug. “He loves sitting up and looking around. The sad thing is, I hardly get to cradle him anymore. And he’s officially out of newborn size.”
“Say it isn’t so.”
“I know. So sad they have to grow up.” A sparkle entered Liddy’s eyes. “But I have some news you are gonna like—it’s been killing me to keep it under wraps. You ready?”
“Oh my gosh, yes. I could use some good news.”
“Caleb and I”—Liddy beamed expectantly—“are moving to Grandville!”
“What?Are you serious?”
“We’ve been talking about it for a few weeks. Then these local landscapes he’s been doing—did you know he’s completed eight paintings in one week? He said he feels ‘set free.’ He wants to come home, and he’s been speaking confidentially with the gallery owners around town. Do you know Ben and Sara Freemont?”
“Wait. I’m still in shock over here.” Shelby gave her head a shake. “The Freemonts own Muse and Masterpiece.”
“Right. Well, unsurprisingly, Caleb had multiple offers, but he decided to sign with them.”
Shelby’s breath escaped. “He signed? It’s a done deal?”
“It’s a done deal.”
Shelby grabbed Liddy’s hand and squeezed. “My brother and bestie are moving to town!” She pressed a kiss on Ollie’s cheek, her eyes stinging with tears. “Oh, Liddy, I can’t tell you how happy this makes me.”
