Murder of a Bookstore Babe

Although when “Right Back Where We Started From” poured out of the speakers, the irony wasn’t lost on her. Judy’s news had put them back to square one in the investigation. Skye opened her mouth to comment but stopped herself. She knew she couldn’t resist talking about the case for long, but she’d hold out as long as possible. Wally deserved a reward for all she was putting him through in order to marry her.

When they arrived, she handed Wally her key and he unchained the barricade barring their entrance into the private club, then chained it back up once she drove through. From ten in the morning until six in the evening, a guard was on duty. He or she checked membership identification, punched guest cards, and unlocked the gate, but after hours, members had to fend for themselves.

Once Wally was back inside the car, Skye drove a short way up a narrow gravel road bordered by grassy areas dotted with trees and picnic tables—all empty at this time of day. Just before the main beach area, which had locker rooms and a pavilion, Skye turned down a dirt path that led to a small lake at the back of the club. She parked on the grass and hopped out of the Bel Air.

Popping the trunk, she handed Wally a cooler and grabbed a basket and an old bedspread, then led him toward the lake. It was a short, steep hike down to the water, but that slope provided them with privacy from the gaze of anyone casually driving by. As she had hoped, the beach was deserted. They were alone at last.

Wally helped Skye spread the quilt on the sand, then sat down and took off his shoes and socks. “Too bad you didn’t tell me we were coming out here. I’d have brought my swimsuit.”

“Don’t worry.” Skye’s expression was poker-faced as she kicked off her sandals. “We have everything we need.” She handed him a Beck’s and a bottle opener before unpacking their picnic supper.

“When did you arrange all this?” Wally took a swig of the ice-cold beer.

“I swung by the supermarket before meeting you at the church.”

“So that’s why you didn’t want me to pick you up,” Wally deduced.

“Yep.” Skye put a paper plate heaped with fried chicken, potato salad, and biscuits in front of him, along with a napkin wrapped around a plastic fork and knife. “You’re always doing such nice things for me. I thought it was about time I reciprocated.”

“Sugar”—Wally’s voice deepened—“you have no idea all the nice things I’d like to do for you.”

“We should probably talk about that, now that we’re engaged.”

“What do you mean?” Wally bit into the chicken leg he’d picked up.

“There’s a lot of stuff I haven’t asked you about and probably should have.” Skye stared at the smooth blue water. “For instance, I had no idea you hadn’t been in touch with Darleen since she left here two years ago, or that you two had had a prenup.”

“Oh.” Wally wiped his fingers on a napkin. “What else?”

“Money.” Skye took a deep breath. “I know your father is wealthy, but I’m completely in the dark about what your financial situation is like.” Her stomach felt queasy. She hated discussing issues like this, but she summoned up a smile. “You know I pretty much live paycheck to paycheck and plow anything extra into my house.”

“Money never seemed that important to you.” His tone was cautious.

“It’s not the cash per se,” Skye hurried to explain. This was what she’d been afraid of. Growing up rich, Wally had probably been pursued by a lot of women. “It’s how money affects people.”

“Ah, now I understand your concern.” He scooted nearer. “Okay. I don’t have a trust fund. I do have a small inheritance from my mother, which would be about enough for us to pay cash for a really nice house. As for my father’s empire, I don’t know who’s in his will or what he’s done about the company, but I doubt my name is mentioned.” He took her hand. “Does that make you feel better?”

“Yes.” Skye kissed his cheek. “I’m not crazy, and I like being comfortably well-off as much as the next girl, but the thought of being insanely wealthy scares the heck out of me.”

“Me, too.” Wally hugged her. “Anything else you want to know?”

“Not at the moment.” She had considered asking him whether he wanted children but could handle only one big life-changing question a day. And considering the annulment might take a year or more, she had time to work herself up to that topic.

“Good. I don’t want us to have any secrets.” Wally kissed her. “I want us both to go into this marriage with our eyes wide open, so ask away anytime.”

“You, too,” Skye said. Wally had worked with her mother for more than fifteen years, and even though May did not want him as a son-in-law, there was no way she had kept her mouth shut on her favorite topic—her kids. Which meant Wally already knew everything about Skye, so she felt pretty safe offering complete disclosure.

After they finished eating, Skye brought out a plate of chocolate-covered strawberries. “Are you ready for dessert, or would you rather wait a bit?”

“Definitely wait a while.” Wally patted his flat stomach. “I’m stuffed.”