Murder of a Bookstore Babe

“Thank goodness for small favors.” Skye snuggled up to him. “I wish I knew what Vince is up to. I have a feeling whatever it is, he’ll end up smelling like a rose and I’ll be the one shoveling the fertilizer.”

“No doubt.” Wally squeezed Skye’s hand. “But it will be good practice for you. You said you’re trying to stand up to your mom more.”

“True.” Skye gestured to the parked vehicles. “I see Hugo still hasn’t moved his inventory.”

“No.” Wally grinned. “But did you notice what’s on the windshields?”

Skye squinted, then snickered when she saw the telltale neon yellow rectangles tucked under the wiper blades. “Uncle Dante will have a fit when Hugo comes crying to him about all these parking tickets.”

“Maybe.” Wally paused at the bookstore’s entrance, allowing Skye to go in first. “But I pointed out to the mayor that if he wants to encourage new businesses in Scumble River, the town has to have a reputation for cooperating with them and making sure their needs are met.”

“I hope you’re right.” Skye couldn’t see her uncle taking sides against his only son.

As soon as they walked into the store, Risé rushed up to them and hugged Skye. “Thank you for calling this afternoon to let me know that Kayla’s killer is under arrest.”

“You’re welcome.” Skye patted the older woman’s shoulder. “I phoned as soon as Wally gave me the go-ahead. I wanted you to know you were safe.”

“It was a relief to hear that no one is gunning for me,” Risé admitted. “It’s such a shame that Kayla’s young man thought he could change her into what he wanted, instead of loving her for who she was.”

“Yes, it is,” Skye said. “What he didn’t realize is that any relationship is under the control of the person who cares the least, not the most.”

Wally arched a brow at Skye, then said, “It’s ten after six. We’d better find out what Vince has up his sleeve before your folks get here.”

The first thing Skye saw as she walked through the café’s door was a small wedding cake. Next to it was an envelope with her name scrawled in Vince’s distinctive half-printing, half-cursive handwriting. She hurried over, snatched the long white rectangle from the table, and tore it open.Sis,Sorry to do this to you, but it was the only way. Loretta and I eloped last Monday—we’ve been in Las Vegas this past week on our honeymoon. I needed to keep you in the dark so you could be the red herring for Mom. Remember our agreement. When she and Dad get here, you need to break the news to them. We’ll be here at six forty-five, so make it quick.Love,V

Skye handed the paper to Wally, who turned pale. “Maybe I am needed at the station after all.”

“No way.” Skye grabbed his arm. “You want me for better or worse, remember?”

Before Wally could respond, Skye’s parents arrived. As usual, May was in the lead, with Jed trailing a few steps behind her.

May stopped, stared at the wedding cake, then at Skye and Wally, and screamed, “No!” Sinking into the nearest chair, she moaned, “Tell me you didn’t elope!”

“Not me, Mom.” Skye hadn’t realized her mother might think she was the bride.

“Then what is that all about?” May demanded. “You scared ten years off my life.”

“Maybe you should have a drink first.” Skye walked toward the bottle of champagne that was chilling in a silver bucket.

“For heaven’s sake, just tell me.” May threw up her hands in exasperation.

Skye moved a couple steps farther from her mother, then said, “Vince and Loretta got married last Monday in Las Vegas.”

May howled, “My baby!” She popped up from her seat and threw herself against her husband’s chest. “My baby boy got married without me.”

Jed awkwardly patted his wife’s shoulder, and said, “No importance.”

May stiffened, drew back, and slapped him. “It is too important, Jed Denison!” May sobbed.

Skye gasped. She had never once seen either parent lift a hand to the other. Before Skye could process what she had witnessed, the café door opened and Vince and Loretta burst into the room. May’s tears disappeared faster than an ice cube in a deep fryer, and she flung herself into her son’s arms.

Vince drew Loretta into the circle, and the three of them spoke in low tones for several minutes. Skye heard the words “grandchildren” and “house in Scumble River,” then saw May embrace Loretta and smile.

Since all seemed forgiven, Skye popped the cork on the champagne and started pouring. After they toasted the new couple’s happiness, everyone hugged, and Vince and Loretta cut the cake while Wally took pictures using his cell phone.

Once they were all settled around a table to eat, Skye asked, “Vince, why did you have us meet at Tales and Treats? A bookstore isn’t your usual style.”