She went on to tell them all about their spa day and what they’d learned from the staff members. “Drew confirmed that Martha had bought tons of their products. And the staff members at this spa think their doctor is some kind of medical god. So, they’re very convincing when they talk about their products and services.”

  “Except we found out that most of them still eat fast food. At least they like tacos,” Rarity added.

  “Yeah, we found them at the closest drive-thru to the spa, eating real food, like normal people.” Sam laughed at the memory. “So, they aren’t as all-in as they appear when they’re at work.”

  “I wonder if we could use that somehow?” Rarity put a question mark by Ingrid and Vi’s names.

  “If you need someone to go back to the spa and ask, Malia and I will go.” Holly raised her hand excitedly.

  Rarity looked at Sam. “I told you they’d be questioning our investigative techniques.”

  “Not your skills, but maybe wondering why you’re getting the primo assignments. Although it was a good idea to go out there.” Holly stood and got another brownie. “Another week gone, and we’re out of suspects.”

  Rarity sat down and reviewed the murder board, as they’d begun to call it. “Maybe. But I’m thinking there’s still a few questions we don’t have answered. Like, who gets Martha’s money? If it’s her best friend from years ago, Madame Zelda, maybe she has an alibi, but she used someone else to do the deed.” She paused for a moment. “I think we’re looking at this wrong.”

  “What do you mean?” Shirley had opened her notebook and was writing down the new information.

  “We’re looking at who might have killed Martha, but not the why. Why would someone kill her? I think if we answer that question, the murderer will become obvious.” Rarity took another brownie off the plate that Holly was passing around.

  The clock chimed nine, and Shirley stood up. “I’ve got to get home. George worries when I’m later than normal. I’ll talk to some people at church and see if anyone knows who Martha’s heirs were. Malia’s uncle gave a talk a few years ago about preparing our wills. I wasn’t there since George and I have had our wills for years, but I think I remember Martha attending.”

  “I’ll try to track down Vi and Ingrid from the spa. They both said they had dogs and talked to Martha a lot about them. Maybe I can use the ‘I need to find her vet’ approach.” Rarity glanced over at Killer, who was still asleep on his bed by the fireplace. “And I have a real vet appointment for him this week anyway, so I’ll see if anyone there knew her.”

  “For being such a grump, she sure did talk to a lot of different people about Killer.” Sam stood and grabbed a trash bag from the counter by the register.

  “Pets bring out the best in us,” Shirley said as she walked toward the doorway. “I’ll see you all next Tuesday. I’m having so much fun.”

  Soon everyone had left besides Sam. “Let me clean out the coffeepot for you.”

  Rarity went over and locked the door, turning the sign to closed. “Sounds good. I’ll grab the rest of the lemonade.”

  “We’re close to figuring this out, I can feel it.” Sam waited for Rarity to pick up the pitcher before heading back to the small kitchenette in the back of the building. “Everyone is so involved in finding information.”

  Rarity sighed as she found an empty bottle to pour the leftover lemonade into. “That’s what worries me. What if the killer figures out what we’re doing? What if he or she comes after one of the girls? Or Shirley?”

  “Or one of us? Remember? We’re doing the investigation stuff too. In fact, we went to that creepy spa on Sunday.” Sam dumped the leftover coffee and washed the pot and the coffee filter holder.

  “Yeah, but we know what we’re doing.”

  “And you’re saying the others don’t? Wow, don’t let Shirley hear you say that.” Sam set the pot and filter on the plastic drainer by the sink. “Look, I know you’re worried about this. But we’re all adults. We know what we’re getting ourselves into. And, as far as Holly and Malia go, I think it’s good to have the group to keep them out of trouble. If the two of them went off on their own and didn’t think they had to answer to the book club, they might have Kelly O’Reilly tied up in some basement trying to sweat the truth out of him.”

  Rarity laughed as she put the drink into the fridge and changed places with Sam so she could wash the glass pitcher. “You’re right, of course. We’re a mediating factor for those two. But they’re smart and a little impulsive. Malia found the car before we even knew Martha was dead.”

  “True, but she talks to a lot of people. I’m don’t know what her job is, but she seems to know everyone in town.”

  Killer barked from the doorway of the kitchen.

  “And there’s our alarm clock. He says it’s time to go home and snuggle up in bed after he gets his treat.” Rarity fed him at the shop on Tuesday since they got home so much later due to the book club. “Are you going home or heading out?”

  “Home. Drew said to call him when I got home and maybe he’d come over for a while.” Sam grinned. “I cleaned house all day yesterday just on a maybe he might be showing up. At least the public parts. I’m going to lead him out to the deck so he doesn’t see the dust in the television room. I didn’t get that cleaned.”

  “I think a couple of hours on the deck would be lovely.” Rarity made shooing movements with her hand. “Go on, I’m going to dump this trash in the dumpster, then I’ll be out of here too.”

  “I’ll wait until you’re back inside, then you can walk out with me. I’ll feel better. You remember someone was hanging out back when they broke into my shop,” Sam reminded her.

  “Technically, they didn’t break in, but I get what you’re saying. I’ll be right back.” Rarity grabbed the two trash bags and went out the back door into the alley. The moonlight was just beginning to make the world bright, but the area had streetlights that lined the back area where the alley touched the open desert. She didn’t see anything or anyone out of place, but a shiver went down her spine anyway. She paused at the steps, listening. But all she heard was the occasional car going past on Main Street and the faint sound of the patrons enjoying the country music at the Garnet.

  She hurried over and tucked the sacks into the dumpster she shared with the rest of the businesses nearby. As she stepped away, she almost tripped over a box that was lying near the dumpster. She picked it up and realized it was filled with bottles of what sounded like pills. She took it inside, wondering if someone had set it down when they’d dropped off the trash and forgotten to pick it back up.

  “What’s that?” Sam asked as she watched Rarity come back inside.

  “Someone left this box out by the dumpster. I wanted to check and make sure it wasn’t by mistake, since the trash pickup is tomorrow.” She took a knife and opened the seal. Bottles and containers of salves and supplements were in the box. She held one up for Sam to see. “These are from the spa.”

  “Who were they sent to?” Sam asked as Rarity turned the box lip back down so she could see the shipping label.

  She read it and then looked up at Sam. “Madame Zelda.”

  Chapter 17

  Instead of Drew meeting Sam at her house, he said he would come to the bookstore after Sam called him and told him about the box of spa items they’d found. Rarity thought about making more coffee as they waited, but decided against it. If she drank any more, she’d never get to sleep. She and Sam sat near the fireplace and waited for Drew to arrive.

  Killer lay in Rarity’s lap. Every once in a while, he’d raise his head with a look on his face that said he was wondering when they were going home, but then she’d just pet him and he’d settle again.

  Finally, Drew arrived, and when Rarity opened the door for him, she realized he had Archer in tow as well. She held the door open wider. “I didn’t think it took two of you to pick up a box.”

  “Archer’s driving you and Killer home. I’ll take Sam home, but I have to drop this box off at the station first.” Drew stepped inside and looked around. “Where did you leave it?”

  “It’s on the coffee table.” Rarity pointed to the fireplace area. Then she shut the door after Archer. “I’m sorry he dragged you down here. I can walk home by myself.”

  “No problem. Besides, if Drew’s concerned, so am I. I was just watching reruns of Gilligan’s Island anyway. I love that show.” Archer nodded to the fireplace area. “Should we go join the others?”

  When they got there, Drew had his camera out and was taking pictures of the box. “Where did you find this?”

  “Out by the dumpster. I brought it in so it wouldn’t be picked up in the morning when the trash came. The sanitation guys are really good about cleaning up around the dumpsters when they come by. So, if someone had just forgotten it, it would have been gone when they went back.”

  “Or it could have been a bomb that exploded when you shook it.” He met Rarity’s gaze. “Next time leave an unattended, unexpected box where it is and just call me.”

  “You’re being a little dramatic, aren’t you?” Rarity sat in one of the wing chairs.

  When Drew didn’t respond, but just kept staring, she held up her hands. “Fine, I won’t pick up any unexpected packages without calling you first.”

  “Thank you.” He went back and, using a pen, turned the shipping label forward to get a picture of Gay Zelda’s name. “I don’t think Gay mentioned that she was a patient of Dr. Conrad’s as well.”

  “Would she?” Sam asked. “I mean, if you talked to me about someone killing an old friend, I’m not sure what doctors I was seeing would be part of the discussion.”

  “True.” He used a rubber glove to pick up and sort through the bottles in the box. “Not the same ones as Martha, but definitely from the spa’s brand.”

  “Everything is pointing to the spa,” Rarity said.

  “Except a motive. They want these people around to buy more of this crap.” He put gloves on and picked up the box. “Let’s get out of here. The bookstore is closing for the evening.”

  “Yes, sir.” Rarity shot Drew a salute, which he ignored. She went and got her tote and Killer’s bag. The little dog was at her heels the entire time. Archer took the bags.

  “You grab Killer. You’ll need a free hand to lock up.”

  Drew paused at the door. “The back door locked?”

  “Yes, and the lights are out back there.” Rarity pulled her keys out of her pocket and grabbed Killer, tucking him under one arm. “I’ve already checked, twice.”

  “Then let’s get out of here.” Drew paused at the door. “Thanks for calling me with this. I know I didn’t say that before.”

  “You are welcome. And I didn’t need a ride home.” Rarity locked the door and turned to face the other three already out on the sidewalk.

  “Tonight, you did.” Archer nodded to a Jeep parked behind Drew’s truck. “I’m over there.”

  When they arrived at Rarity’s house, she was surprised when Archer got out too. She pulled out her keys. “I’m beat. I’d invite you in, but I don’t think I’ll be good company.”

  He took the keys from her. “Stay here, and I’ll check out the house.”

  “You’re kidding, right?” When he didn’t answer, Rarity handed him her keys. “You don’t have to go to the trouble.”

  “When I call Drew and let him know you’re home, he’ll ask if I checked the house. I don’t lie.” He smiled and tossed the keys in his hand. “It will only take a minute, and you don’t want Drew dropping out of his mini date with Sam just to check on you, do you?”

  “Go ahead, I surrender.” Rarity laughed as he hurried to the front porch. He would call Drew and that would be exactly what Drew would do. Then Sam would blame her for the short date, and worse, accuse her of secretly liking Drew.

  Killer whined as he licked her face.

  “I know, you’re tired and want to go to sleep. Just give Archer a few minutes, and then we can go inside.” She glanced at her watch. It was almost ten. She looked over at Terrance’s house, but it was dark. Her neighbor must be already asleep.

  Early to bed, early to rise, just like her.

  Archer came out and handed her back her keys. “All clear. I wanted to tell you the other night your backyard is amazing. I love that pool. I just have an apartment over the shop right now, but I’d kill to have a setup like this.”

  “Probably a bad choice of words since we’re in the middle of a murder investigation.” She started walking to the house, and Archer followed her with the two bags.

  “True, but I don’t think Martha’s place has a swimming pool. At least not as nice as yours.” He followed her just inside the house and set her bags on the floor. “Have a nice night.”

  “You need to get back to the island?” she asked.

  “You know it.” He paused at the door. “I’m taking a group back out to Devil’s Bridge tomorrow morning at six if you want to come. No charge. I’d like your company.”

  “Sounds fun. If I don’t oversleep, I’ll be there.” She watched as he jogged back to the Jeep. He waved as he backed it out of her driveway. Killer barked as he heard the car leave.

  “Archer asked me to hike with him. Is that a date?” She shut the door and looked at the dog.

  Killer didn’t answer. Instead, he went to get a drink of water, leaving Rarity to figure out that answer all on her own.

  * * * *

  Rarity tossed and turned as she tried to sleep. She finally got up at five to get ready for her hike with Archer’s group. She looked at the five different outfits she had laid out on the bed. In frustration, she grabbed a set of shorts and a tank that kind of matched and got dressed. “Not a date, a hike.”

  Killer barked his agreement.

  “I’ll come back and get you after the hike, and then we’ll go into the store.” She poured herself a travel mug of coffee and filled her backpack with a couple of granola bars and a bottle of water. She tucked her hair under her hat and put on the pack. “Watch the house, okay?”

  Killer didn’t respond; instead he went to lie back down in his bed. It was too early for him.

  When she got to the hiking store, she saw Jonathon Anderson in the crowd. She waved, and he came over to meet her. “Good morning. Where’s Edith?”

  “She stayed in bed this morning. She’s a little under the weather, so I thought I’d get out of her hair. We bought a book of hikes, so I’ve got unlimited hiking until the end of the season. I’m trying to make it worth the cost we paid. Archer’s a good kid. We like to support him when we can.” He nodded to her cup. “Good idea. I think I’ll start bringing coffee to start my day. I only got one cup in before I left the house.”

  “Drew said he went to school with Archer. So you’ve known him a long time?” Rarity glanced around for the woman who was always answering the tour office phone when she called. “Do you know his wife?”

  “Archer’s not married.” Jonathon frowned as he looked down at her. “Drew said he brought him over to your house on Sunday. He wouldn’t do that if the guy was married. Drew has a strict moral code. He’s always been that way. I think that’s why he went into law enforcement. He thinks people should always do the right thing.”

  “Oh, I guess I thought that he worked with a spouse here at the tour office.” Rarity could feel her cheeks heating up.

  “No, that’s Calliope. She’s a college student and avid hiker. I think she wants Archer to hire her on as a guide when she graduates, but I’m not sure his business will be there in two years.” He shrugged. “I probably shouldn’t be telling you any of this, but I’m a freelance business consultant, so I’ve been helping Archer set up his business. He’s a sharp kid, like I said before.”

  The bus pulled up and stopped in front of the shop. “There’s our ride.”

  “After you.” Jonathon held out his hand, and Rarity made her way to the bus line.

  When she reached the top of the stairs, she met Archer’s gaze. “I’m here.”

  “Glad you could make it. I’m sorry Killer isn’t a little bigger so he could come along. I’d be afraid that something might happen to him on the trail as small as he is.” Archer pulled her closer and waved Jonathon onto the bus. “I’m glad you made it, though.”

  “I was excited to be invited. Besides, Killer needs his beauty sleep. I’ll go get him after this and take him to the bookstore.” She grinned. “By the way, I’m going to have to order more trail books. The last ones you suggested are selling like hotcakes.”

  “That’s what I like to hear. Go have a seat, and we’ll get this party rolling.” He turned to the next person in line. “Thanks for choosing Ender’s Adventures. Do you have your ticket?”

  As she made her way down the aisle, she saw Jonathon pointing at the seat in front of him. She slipped in next to an older woman. She tucked her backpack under her seat, then held out a hand. “Hi, I’m Rarity.”

  “Chloe Evans. I’m the pastor’s wife, but don’t hold that against me.” The woman had bright silver hair cut in a pageboy and a smile that lit up the area around her. “Jonathon tells me you’re the angel who took Killer in after Martha died. She loved that dog.”

  “I can see why. He’s really special.” Rarity settled in. “I take it you knew Martha well?”

  “As well as she’d let anyone get to know her. Well, except Kelly. Man, she was head over heels over that guy. You couldn’t tell her anything when it came to him.” She glanced out the window. “He never was good enough for her.”

  “Now, dear, you don’t know what goes on inside a relationship.” A man sitting with Jonathon interrupted their conversation. “People have been trying to figure out why you stay with me for years.”

  “My husband, the joker.” Chloe nodded toward him. “James, this is Rarity. She owns the bookstore downtown.”