Murder of a Bookstore Babe

“Because everyone wants to fit in.” Bitsy’s green eyes hardened. “Lucy went from zero to hero, and no one wants to take the reverse route. She thought if she broke up with Mr. Popular Jock and dated the art freak instead, she’d have to give up being considered cool and her new friends would turn their backs on her.”

The other girls all nodded, but Heidi said, “Maybe. Or maybe she stuck with Connor because no one else loved her, and no matter how much better Sam might seem, he wasn’t a sure thing.”

“What do you mean?” Trixie tilted her head. “Her father loved her.”

“Maybe, but her dad pretty much abandoned her for his new family. He dragged her all the way across the country, took her away from her old friends, then left her living in an unfurnished basement with people who didn’t like her. Connor and his friends were all she had.” Heidi wrinkled her brow. “I don’t think it was popularity she was afraid of losing. I think it was love.”

Wow! Skye was impressed. She’d have to see if Heidi was interested in joining the school newspaper staff. With that kind of critical thinking, she’d be an asset to the Scoop, and working on the paper would give her a chance to make some friends.

Now that the girls had warmed up, the discussion took off, and the next time Skye looked at her watch, two hours had gone by.

Skye had just signaled Trixie that they should finish up when a girl who hadn’t spoken the entire time said, “Didn’t any of you find it a little unbelievable that Lucy was accepted so fast? She went from being invisible to being part of the in crowd way too easily.”

Skye was about to answer when Ashley spoke. “But that’s how it is. One day you’re nobody. Then something happens, and the next day you’re in.” She shook her head. “The scariest thing is that it can go the other way, too. You can wake up one morning and be out.”

“Something to think about.” Trixie rose from her chair. “Unfortunately, the store is closing soon, so we have to wrap this up.”

The girls grumbled a little, but after a few minutes they gathered their belongings and left to go home.

Once they were gone, Skye said to Trixie, “Since you got everything ready, I’ll clean up.”

“I can help.”

“No. Go ahead.” Skye started throwing away the used paper cups and crumpled napkins. “I know Owen likes you home before he goes to bed.” Trixie’s husband was a farmer who was up before sunrise.

“You talked me into it.” Trixie hugged Skye. “Thanks. See you tomorrow.”

Skye was putting the literature alcove back in order when she saw Xenia through the archway. She called out to her, but Xenia only waved and continued on. Skye finished folding a chair and added it to the stack against the wall, then followed her.

This was her opportunity to talk to Xenia about Kayla. But where had she gone? Skye checked the mystery, romance, and science fiction rooms. Next she tried the register area. Risé was leaning across the counter talking to Xavier in a voice too low for Skye to hear.

Xavier’s brows were drawn together, and he was patting Risé’s hand, clearly comforting his old friend. Skye wondered whether they were talking about Kayla’s murder, Orlando’s fall from grace, or maybe just the strain of opening a new business in a strange town.

As Skye watched, she saw Xavier reach over and cup Risé’s cheek. Skye was glad Orlando and Risé had moved to Scumble River. It was good to see Xavier with friends in town.

Smiling, Skye resumed her search for Xenia. A quick glance in the café showed it to be empty except for Orlando washing dishes. Skye shrugged. Xenia must have been getting off work when she saw her and had already left the store.

Skye made a mental note to track her down the next day, then went back to the literature alcove. Once she finished tidying the space and made sure everything was back where it belonged, Skye picked up the empty pitcher and tray and walked into the central area. She looked around for Risé, but she wasn’t behind the counter.

Figuring that since the store had closed several minutes ago, Risé might be taking a break in the café, Skye headed in that direction.

When she approached the door, she stopped and put the tray under her arm in order to grab the handle. As she did so, she heard Orlando say, “If you don’t stop, he’s going to tell everyone.”

“But it’s not right.” Risé’s tone was stubborn.

“Right, schmite. Just lay off.”

“No.”

“Do you really want the entire town to know?”

Skye held her breath. What were Risé and Orlando hiding? As she leaned forward to hear better, the tray slipped from underneath her arm. It clattered to the floor, sounding like the cymbals in a marching band.

Immediately the voices fell silent.