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“I’ve never seen him before and didn’t stop to ask.”
At the top of the stairs, Lawrence carried her across the landing to the first of six doors, pushing it open with his foot. Although it looked much the same from what she remembered on the tours, fresh paint and the lack of tables of brochures lent it more of a homey feeling. New curtains, but the same furniture, and it still retained the feel of a place that took you back in time.
And there were less knickknacks now. A welcome relief since after years of working in Curiosities Toni had an aversion to them in her home.
“Is he . . .”
Lawrence laid her down on the bed. Sitting next to her, he reached down and began to untie the straps of her sandals. If only she weren’t so tired . . .
“Dead? No. Although he will wake up, hopefully in the police station, with a wicked headache.”
After removing both sandals, Lawrence scooted her to the side and pulled the covers over her, tucking her in like a baby. Slightly ridiculous, maybe, but extremely sweet nonetheless.
“So he was robbing the store?” Toni turned on her side and closed her eyes. Just for a second.
“I’m not sure. I heard sirens, so I didn’t stick around to ask questions.”
Although it was a struggle, Toni forced herself to open her eyes.
“What aren’t you telling me?” she asked. “What’s wrong?”
“Don’t worry about—”
“What’s wrong?” she repeated, certain something was bothering him.
“I don’t believe he saw me—”
“But he could have. And I suppose that’s a problem?”
Lawrence frowned, two lines appearing along the corners of his otherwise perfect mouth. “It could be. If nothing else, the way I got there so quickly could lead to questions—”
“Such as how you knew he was in the shop? If it comes down to it, can’t we just say we were walking close by—”
“Yes. Now close your eyes,” he said. “We can discuss this tomorrow.”
“But Birdie will worry—”
“I’ll take care of it. You need rest.”
It was all the permission she needed. The pillow felt so cool and soft under her cheek, and with Lawrence sitting next to her . . .
Toni yawned and allowed herself to succumb to the darkness.
* * *
“These late-night calls are becoming tiresome—”
“Kenton. Please.”
Lawrence shot a grateful smile to Alessandra and strode past Kenton, who helped himself to a drink. They’d come minutes after he called.
“Does this have anything to do with the cacophony of sirens that have been blaring on Main Street for the better part of an hour?” Kenton asked.
Ignoring Kenton, or at least his sarcasm, he explained what had happened.
“Wait, where is Toni now?” Alessandra asked, clearly concerned for her friend’s safety. Lawrence reassured her Toni was sleeping soundly upstairs—close enough for him and Kenton to hear should anything or anyone attempt to disturb her.
“Sleeping, after what happened to her aunt and uncle’s shop?”
