Chapter Six

The next morning, Shelby got up early after a restless night and took her time getting ready to go in to the store. She felt like she’d barely slept and wondered if she could hide away in the back room at the store later for a short nap. Not going to happen. For one thing, she didn’t have a chair in there. Something to think about? Probably not.

She wasn’t sure why she felt unsettled. After all, Edie was in good hands. Matthew’s. And she was prepared for the book signing. What could go wrong? Maybe that was it. She couldn’t think of anything, but she didn’t want to jinx the day.

As she fed J.T., she thought about how much she had enjoyed the dinner the night before. Usually, she felt on edge when in a new social situation, but with Savannah and Liam, she had been relaxed.

She sat at the kitchen counter, coffee in hand, watching the cat scarf down his food for a few minutes, then heated a croissant in the microwave and took it and her coffee to the upper deck. J.T. was right on her heels, and as soon as she sat, he leaped onto her lap. Like he’d been doing this for years. That brought a smile to Shelby’s lips. A nice change from the worry lines she was certain had been etched into her face the previous night, after what had happened to Edie. Incidents like that drove home how fond she’d grown of her aunt, even though part of her still struggled with the fact that both her father and aunt had deceived her about what had happened to her mom for so many years. She gave her head a shake, as she always did these days when the disturbing thoughts returned. She was grateful for what she had now.

However, she was a bit hesitant about the coming of the winter months and the fact that her home, the houseboat she rented, would be pulled out of the water and berthed on land. She’d have to move, giving up the somewhat exotic lifestyle she’d been enjoying for several months. Shelby’s contingency plan was to move into Edie’s house, the Cox family home since the mid-1920s. When she’d first moved to town, she’d been hesitant to give up her independence even for a few months. But now that she had made the decision to stay, she was sure a few months in the house would work out just fine.

Shelby had to admit it would give her the chance to ask some more questions about her mom and dad. What better way than to be in the same house as Edie for hours on end?

She had stopped by the hospital after dinner the night before to check on Edie. The fact that her aunt had refused to stay overnight had created a whole new batch of problems in Shelby’s mind, but she had been assured by both Edie and Matthew that everything would work out just fine. In fact, Edie had insisted the injury wasn’t all that serious. While Shelby highly doubted that, she knew when to back off and exit gracefully. Matthew had said he’d take care of Edie. She wanted to find him and have a talk about Edie as soon as they both got to the island in the morning.

Pushing worries about Edie to the side momentarily were other concerns about what had happened the afternoon before in the store. She still couldn’t believe that woman had actually made a scene, but she had seen and heard the encounter herself. She also realized that Savannah could easily have canceled the second signing. Shelby thought that was what she might have done in the same position. She was grateful that hadn’t happened and was determined to make sure the day’s event went smoothly and happily. Although she had a small fear the woman might show up again. Maybe she should mention it to Matthew and he could keep an eye out for her.

No wonder she hadn’t slept well.

She quickly checked her smartphone and looked for Jenna Dunlop on Twitter. If the woman had followed through on her threat, Shelby wanted to be prepared. However, she couldn’t find an account in that name, nor was there any hint of a scandal on Savannah’s Twitter feed.

Shelby glanced around the bay one more time, her eyes resting on several ducks floating away from her houseboat. She hated to leave such a tranquil spot, but on the other hand, she also loved being at the bookstore. She left J.T. on the chair, wondering if he would follow her inside and spend the day cooped up or decide it was a day for wandering.

She finished getting ready, grabbed her bags, and was just about to pull the door shut as she left when J.T. dashed inside. She’d made the right choice in leaving out some extra dry food.

She decided to go directly to the shuttle and save her usual visit with Erica for the end of the day. She looked forward to that part of her routine, but today she couldn’t shake the apprehension that had plagued her overnight, and it wasn’t something she wanted to share. She was certain it wouldn’t take long for news about the bookstore confrontation to spread around town. She just hoped it didn’t bring out gossipers who’d want to bombard Savannah with questions.

The boat ride over to the island seemed choppier than usual, although there was lots of sun and not much of a wind. As she stepped onto the dock, she spotted Matthew at the bottom of the stairs. He was still there once she’d climbed them.

“I thought we should have a talk about Edie,” he said, and turned to lead the way up the path to the castle.

Uh-oh. That feeling had definitely returned. She’d planned to phone Edie from the store, not wanting to wake her if she was having a late-morning lie-in, but maybe she should have done so anyway. She unlocked the door and stepped inside, glad that Cody wasn’t due in for another hour.

“What’s up, Matthew? How is Aunt Edie this morning?” Shelby asked as she dropped her bags behind the counter.

“She’s assured me that she’ll be just fine and the whole thing happened because of that cat, so it could have happened to anyone, and not to fuss over her.”

Shelby chuckled. Her aunt sounded in fine form.

Matthew grinned and continued, “But I don’t think she should be working in the store on her own or even walking there.”

“I agree, and I’m sure we can work something out with Trudy. But when she does come back to the store, I could drive over in the mornings to drop her off before catching the shuttle. It’s overnight that I’m most concerned about.”

He leaned against the counter and pushed his ball cap back, leaving his hair in disarray. The look suited him, Shelby thought. Sort of intellectual, like her dad had often looked when he emerged from his study.

“She’ll probably be all right,” Matthew said. “There’s no reason for her to go upstairs in the house. It’s just getting her up the front steps and making sure she doesn’t go out back on her own.”

Shelby groaned. “Easier said than done.”

“I agree, but I think this really shook her up. The surgery had been expected, but this came from out of nowhere. Maybe she’ll be a bit more sensible in the future. There’s no way she wants to be housebound again and back to using a walker.”

“I’m sure she doesn’t, but she also seems to think she’s superwoman.”

“That kind of runs in the family.” He peered at her as if he was looking over the frames of nonexistent glasses.

Shelby chose to ignore that. “Do you have any suggestions?” She knew what she was hoping he’d say, that he’d stay over until she got better, but she was also prepared to volunteer if necessary.

He nodded. “I know you’ve got the cat to look after, so I could move in until she’s back on her feet. It’s slowing down on the island now, and as long as I get back here early in the mornings, it should be all right. I’ve got my own boat, as you know. Of course, I have to be here tonight for our overnight guest.”

Shelby tried to keep the smile from her face. “That would be great of you, Matthew. I know she’d appreciate it, and I certainly do, too. I could stay with her tonight.”

“I’m sure Trudy would be happy to do it also, if you give her a call.” He pulled his cap back down over his forehead. “Okay, it’s settled. Now I just have to convince Edie.” He winked and walked to the door. “By the way, that author sent over some flowers first thing this morning.”

She didn’t envy Matthew having to tell Edie of their new plans. But now she had a bookstore to run and a book signing to prepare for. And some flowers to enjoy. She found the bouquet of cut flowers, a variety of fall colors and varieties, in a green crystal vase, perched at the end of the counter. They certainly added a cheery note to the place. She wondered, yet again, about the encounter the day before and fervently hoped Jenna Dunlop didn’t reappear that day.

By one PM, Shelby wished she’d taken a break instead of opting to work right through her lunch hour. Although Cody had arrived on time, it had turned out to be a busy day, with lots of late-summer tourists. Shelby imagined many were anxious to get a final visit in to the castle before it closed for the winter. She bet it was like that at the other two tourist destinations in the Thousand Islands, Boldt Castle and Singer Castle, as well.

The bookstore door opened, and Shelby glanced up in anticipation. She hoped it wasn’t Savannah Page, because she planned to be at the dock to greet her, but the author could just as easily come early.

Chrissie Halstead, who handled PR and, temporarily, volunteers for the Heritage Society board of directors, entered and rushed over to the counter.

“Do you have any idea what’s happening out there in the main hall?” She pointed to the door.

“Uh, not really. I’ve been busy in here. What’s happening?”

“It’s crowded, that’s what, and I have them lined up and waiting for your signing to begin. I wonder if it had anything to do with that confrontation in your store yesterday?”

“You heard about that?”

“This is a small town, Shelby, and the news is all over. You shouldn’t be surprised. You know, they do say even negative publicity is good. But back to my concern. I’m worried about all these customers clogging the main entrance. They keep drifting towards it, and I can’t spare a volunteer to stand and keep an eye on them.” She glanced at the Fitbit on her wrist and gave it a tap. “Is your author here? Maybe you could start earlier to ease the congestion?”

Shelby was caught off guard. Never in her wildest dreams had she anticipated a crowd large enough to throw the ever-confident Chrissie into a spin. “Well, I would, but our author hasn’t arrived yet. I’m expecting her on the one o’clock boat. In fact, I was just about to go down to meet her.”

“Well, maybe you should consider bringing her inside through the French doors in the conservatory and slipping around the edge of the crowd. By the time they realize it’s her, she’ll be tucked inside. Then I’ll tell the crowd you’re just getting her settled and it won’t be much longer. Okay?”

“Sure. That sounds reasonable. There’s a really big crowd?”

Chrissie smiled. “There is. I’ve been doing a lot of promoting on social media, and it’s paying off.” She looked around the store. “Will you need help? Can you handle this?”

“Cody is on his lunch break but will be back any minute, so we should be just fine. Thanks anyway.”

“Well, I’ll stick my head back in now and then, and if you need help, I’ll be happy to do whatever. By the way, I love what you’re doing to your hair these days. Ciao.” Chrissie gave a small wave and headed back into the hall.

My hair? Shelby hadn’t changed the style or the color since she had arrived in Alexandria Bay. It was still long and curly and brown, although she did tend to wear it pulled back more often these days.

She could hear the voices growing louder outside the door. A crowd … wow. She hoped they could handle it. She appreciated Chrissie’s offer of help. Not so long ago, she hadn’t been too sure they would even be friends. Not after Shelby had pegged Chrissie’s fiancé as a possible murder suspect in his aunt Loreena’s death.

She was glad all of that was behind them. She didn’t like to have conflict in her life.

Cody returned, pulling the door shut behind him and turning to Shelby with a huge smile on his face. “It’s bedlam out there. We’re going to clean up today.”

Shelby laughed. “So Chrissie has been telling me. She also wants us to start the signing as soon as Savannah arrives. I’ll slip out and wait at the dock. The boat should be in any minute. By the way, you’re looking especially awesome today. It couldn’t be because of a certain visiting author, could it?”

Cody’s cheeks turned red, and Shelby bit back a smile. “Red looks great on you, by the way.” She meant his bow tie rather than his cheeks, which had deepened in color.

She hurried down to the dock, feeling her excitement mounting, and arrived just as the tour boat was pulling in. She waited until she spotted Savannah and Liam, gave them a wave to attract their attention, and after quick hugs, led them to the castle and the door Chrissie had suggested.

“There’s quite a crowd lined up in the main hall already, so we’ll just try to skirt them this way,” Shelby explained, holding the French door open for them.

“I’m so pleased to hear that,” Savannah squeaked, and Shelby took a quick look at her. She hoped it was excitement she had heard in Savannah’s voice. The author’s smile, however, didn’t seem quite as vibrant as it had the day before. Shelby hoped everything was okay. Maybe Savannah was concerned that Jenna Dunlop would turn up again. Or perhaps, like Shelby, she hadn’t slept very well. She certainly looked polished and ready to meet her public, though. The stylish red pantsuit she was wearing hugged her curves, and the white-and-black polka-dot blouse added to the glam appeal.

Liam walked with his hands in the pockets of his windbreaker, watching where he was stepping, seemingly paying little attention to the others around him.

“Here we go. Keep close,” Shelby said, and led them into the bookstore, but not before a couple of alert fans tried to pin Savannah into giving them an autograph right there and then.

Cody rushed over to meet them. “I’m delighted to see you again, Ms. Page.”

Savannah laughed, delighted. “Please, I thought I asked you to call me Savannah. And it’s nice seeing you again, Cody.”

His face lit up, and he ushered Savannah to the table. “May I get you some water or coffee?”

“Water would be perfect, thank you.” She looked at Liam, who was scanning the store. “This is delightful, Shelby. As nice as, if not even more charming than, the one in Alexandria Bay, but don’t tell your aunt I said that.” She winked.

Shelby grinned. “She’d be pleased, believe me. Now, do you need anything else?”

Liam came over to stand behind Savannah’s chair once again. “I think we’re all set,” he answered, and pulled a pen out of his jacket pocket, handing it to Savannah. She put her hand on his, but he quickly pulled away.

Something’s not quite right, Shelby thought.

“If you don’t mind, we’ll open the doors right away,” she said. “They’re worried about it getting too crowded in the hall. I’m afraid we’ll have to bring them inside in batches; we’re such a small space.”

“That sounds reasonable.” Savannah pulled an extra pen out of her purse and placed it on the desk. “Liam will open the books to the title page again, if that’s okay with you.”

“Thanks, Liam.” Shelby smiled at Liam, who glanced toward the door as if preparing himself.

Savannah took a sip of the water Cody had set on the desk and also looked at the door, biting her bottom lip. Shelby hesitated, wondering if Savannah needed a minute to calm her nerves, which seemed odd, because she’d been so calm the day before.

Oh well, they had to get started. Shelby nodded again at Cody, this time to open the door.

The first two customers almost tripped over their own feet in their rush to get inside.

By the time four thirty rolled around, Shelby was exhausted. She looked from Savannah to Liam to Cody, and they all appeared to be in the same shape. They’d had new customers arriving even after the signing had officially ended, but Savannah had agreed to continue. Now Cody had put the Closed sign on the door. They all needed a breather. It also left them just enough time to put everything back in order and deal with the cash before closing. Shelby let out a sigh of relief that nothing had happened: no woman in a brown coat, no accusations, no distractions at all.

“I can’t thank you enough, Savannah. That was another terrific signing. A major success.”

“It was, wasn’t it?”

Savannah smiled, looking relieved. Shelby had never really thought about how exhausting a signing must be for the author. Having to be “on” for that long. Shelby had never been a big talker, and she could in no way think of how she’d do in such a situation.

“I loved that,” Savannah continued. “And such an enthusiastic group of fans. I really hadn’t expected this much happening in Alexandria Bay. And, of course, it’s such a treat to be signing in the castle. Thank you so much for having me. Both days have really been a lot of fun. I hope we can do it all again when my next book comes out. Maybe do a launch here, since the books will be set in the castle. We’ll keep in touch.”

Shelby beamed. Nice praise for Bayside Books, and a super idea as well. She could just imagine the crowds for that, although she wasn’t quite sure what the Heritage Society would think. Oh well, plenty of time to think about that later.

“So, what are your plans now? Back to the mainland before settling into the suite tonight?”

“Yes. We’re having a quick bite at Riley’s, as recommended yesterday by Trudy. And then I’ll just grab my overnight bag. The board has arranged a ride back over here with Terry’s Boats, I think it’s called.”

Shelby nodded.

“Anyway, I’m supposed to meet him at the dock at seven. I want to be over here before it’s dark. Liam is doing”—she looked at him—“what exactly?”

He shrugged. “I’d planned on a walk around town, since we really haven’t had a chance to do that, and then early to bed with a book. Not one of yours, I might point out.” He grinned. He seemed to be back to the easygoing guy from the night before.

Savannah chuckled. “He’s read them all, or so he says. Anyway, thanks again. I hope we’ll see you sometime tomorrow before we leave. Will you be in the store?”

“Tomorrow, yes. Maybe I’ll see you before you head back to the mainland in the morning.”

“Sounds great. Thanks again.” She gave Shelby a quick hug and then hugged Cody, too.

He was still smiling twenty minutes later as they waited for the final boat of the evening.