Tuck graciously stayed and helped me dust the rest of the store, so when the doors opened at ten, the shelves gleamed and I felt unburdened. I had no doubt the sheriff and I would have a conversation soon about me inserting myself into another investigation, but for now, I felt good that he knew everything I did and that he might have a little more to go on in catching whoever killed Sidney.
I had also let him know about my sensation about being watched at Stephen and Walter’s, and he had decided he’d boat out to their house later that morning on the pretense that he needed to liaise with Fish and Game about illegal harvests on the river. Given that we were a water town, I knew that Tuck had access to a boat, but I’d never seen him on it. Somehow, though, the image fit, and I wished I could go along for the ride. I hadn’t yet had the opportunity to sail along the river on that side of town, and I loved the water. Today, though, I was needed at the shop, especially with the fundraiser coming up in just two days.
Soon, I was very glad I’d stayed, too, because we got a call from The Baltimore Sun about the event, and I was eager to answer questions and get the free publicity in tomorrow’s paper.
The store was also hopping, and when Marcus came in at eleven, I breathed a little sigh of relief. A group of mothers had come in unexpectedly to ask if they could hold their book club, right then, in our fiction section and let their children, with their hired babysitters, browse in the children’s area. “Of course,” I said outwardly even as I groaned inwardly. There were eleven children on hand, and while the babysitters managed them well, I knew that we’d have a massive clean-up when they left. I just hoped I didn’t have to pick up dirty diapers as I had done a few times.
The women, though, were reading Rules for Being a Girl, and so I was already predisposed to like them. Any group of moms who were confronting patriarchy were good with me. I even found myself recommending that they do their club here every month and offering a discount on their selection if they bought it from me.
The women were enthusiastic, and when they ordered nine copies of Ibi Zoboi’s Pride, I was so thrilled they had come in that morning, even as I could see the disaster that was the picture book section from the register. That disaster was a small price to pay, though, when most of the women ate lunch in the café and then came back to the shop to browse and buy. I was always glad to have new customers, and thoughtful readers like this made me especially happy.
The afternoon flew by, and about three when Mom and Lu came in with the streaming banners they were going to put alongside the road to the library to help folks find the event on Friday, I realized I was starving. I needed something to eat and to get off my feet. Lu had to get back to her truck, but I asked Mom if she’d go to Max’s with me for a salad. I still wasn’t ready to face him alone, but I knew Mom would be a good buffer if the situation got tense.
As soon as we walked in, Max greeted us himself, and while he gave me a small smile, he didn’t say anything except ask if we wanted the lunch or dinner menu. Lunch menus in hand, he led us to a table in the window and then disappeared into the back to let his waitstaff take care of us for the rest of the meal.
I ate a delicious spinach, walnut, and feta salad, and Mom ordered some stuffed mushrooms and a raspberry iced tea and we both spent the meal making sounds of delight with each bite. Max wasn’t the man I wanted to spend my life with, but I could spend my life eating in his restaurant for sure, that was if I could work up the courage to explain myself.
Fortunately, I didn’t have to do explaining today because Max didn’t come back out. I heard him in the back talking with someone, and for a second, I even thought I heard him laugh.
But I was more focused on telling Mom all about what I’d learned from Cagle this morning. She was, of course, quite interested. Dad was always polite when I told stories, but Mom was engrossed, especially when it came to what my dad called my “snooping.” It was clear from whom I’d inherited my curiosity.
“So he saw something but doesn’t know exactly what he saw?” Mom asked.
“Yeah, we think so. Clearly, he thinks he witnessed something he shouldn’t, but what he saw exactly is the big question now.” I sighed. “I’m sad about the whole situation.”
Mom took my hand. “Of course you are. Anyone’s death is a sad thing, and Sidney was a fellow book lover. That would make anyone sad.”
“Thanks, Mom.” I sighed and forced a smile onto my face. “Let’s talk about something fun. How’s the planning for Friday coming?”
If ever I wanted a distraction from my own life, I only had to ask my mom about her latest project, and I could delve into the details just by following the trail of her enthusiasm. Today was no exception. She was delighted about the small stage that the high school choir director was going to loan them for Laura’s reading, and the fact that the local news stations were coming had her overjoyed. “It’s going to be a big deal, Harvey, and I have you to thank.”
I laughed. “Are you kidding? This is all you, Mom. I sent one message, but you and Lu have done everything else. I can’t wait to see what Mindy decides to do with the money you raise.”
Mom got a mischievous grin. “She’s already got some plans. Want to hear what they are?”
“Of course,” I said and leaned forward. But I didn’t get to hear what Mom had to say because just then someone stepped up to our table and cast a shadow over it.
In the split second before I looked up, I took a deep breath, thinking it was Max come to clear the air, but when I lifted my eyes, I was shocked to see Reeves towering above us. I couldn’t get my words out because he looked like he wanted to wrap his huge hands around my neck and choke me.
Fortunately, my mother is never at a loss for words, and she said, “Can we help you?”
Reeves flicked his eyes to Mom and then back to me. “I need to talk to you, Ms. Beckett.” His voice was quiet, but somehow that was even more intimidating.
I found my spine and said, “I’m having lunch with my mother just now. You can find me at my store later.”
The man actually growled. “Now.”
Just then, I saw a hand reach up and grab Reeves’ shoulder in an attempt to turn him around. Reeves frowned and then looked over his shoulder. “What do you want?”
“Sir, these women are enjoying their lunch. I’d be happy to get you a table if you’d like, but if you are simply here to harass them, I’ll need to ask you to leave,” Max said.
I suppressed a smile both because Max looked so stern even as Reeves dwarfed him in size but also because Max was still being kind to me, even after I’d treated him horribly.
“Would you like a table?” Max repeated.
Reeves shook his head and then looked back at me. “I’ll be at your store. Don’t keep me waiting.” Then he stalked out the door and toward my shop.
I took a long deep breath and grabbed my phone. “I need to warn Marcus,” I said.
Max already had his phone to his ear. “Tuck, you are needed at Harvey’s shop.” Max looked at me. “A man – Harvey what was his name?”
“Reeves,” I said.
“A Mr. Reeves was just here at my restaurant intimidating her. He’s waiting for her at her store.” Max paused to listen to Tuck and then said, “Thanks.”
I sent my text, and Marcus replied immediately. “Got it. Tuck on his way?”
“Yes,” I texted. “You’re not alone, right?”
“No, Rocky and Galen are here. See you soon.”
I stood and Mom took out her credit card to pay the bill. “Thank you, Max,” I said. I was about to explain, briefly, my behavior toward him when our waitress returned with our check.
Mom handed her the card and then made herself busy with a hunt through her purse that rivaled the most intense archaeological expedition in the world.
“I’m sorry, Max. I know we need to talk, but maybe not today,” I finally blurted.
Max took my hand in his and kissed it, but not in his old, creepy way. This time, it was sweet and kind . . . and very platonic. “We don’t need to talk, Harvey. I understand that I was there at a time when you needed support, and I’m glad I could be.”
I smiled and suppressed the tears that threatened to spill over at his kindness. “Thank you for understanding.”
The waitress returned and handed Mom the slip to sign.
“Besides, I’ve met someone.” He turned toward the waitress and put out his hand. “Harvey, this is Mel.” He took her hand in his. “Mel, this is my friend, Harvey. She owns the bookstore down the street.”
I grinned. “Mel, it’s very nice to meet you.” I wanted to say something about her having a good man, but I felt that was a little over the top. “Come into the store sometime. I’d love to get to know you.”
Mel smiled. “Thanks, Harvey. I’ll do that.”
Mom stood. “Thanks for lunch, Max. As always, it was delicious. Harvey, we probably need to get down there,” she said.
I cleared my throat. “You’re right. Thanks, Max, and again, nice to meet you, Mel.” I would have lots of time later to feel the relief that my avoidance of Max hadn’t made things completely awkward between us, but for now, I needed to attend to a possible murder in my bookstore.