A Victim at Valentine's (A Secret Bookcase Mystery Book 5) by Ellie Alexander

Author:Ellie Alexander [Alexander, Ellie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Storm Publishing
Published: 2025-02-10T00:00:00+00:00

I gave him a brief recap of my morning.

He texted right away.

I’m so sorry. What can I do? I can be there momentarily.

I explained the store was busy and promised I’d check in later. It felt good just knowing that Liam was in the loop and thinking about me, too.

“Are you okay, Annie?” Fletcher asked, joining me at the counter and pulling me away from my phone screen. “Sorry, I slipped away for a minute to help a customer. I didn’t miss a sale, did I?”

“No. You’re fine. I’ve been helping Dr. Caldwell review the surveillance footage.” I tucked my phone in my pocket.

“Is Victoria on it?” His voice was barely audible as he stared at the floor like he already knew the answer but couldn’t face it.

“Yes.” I watched him trace a pattern on the hardwoods with his shoe.

He looked up at me with a glimmer of hope. “That’s good, right?”

“I’m not sure,” I said gently. “Dr. Caldwell’s team will review the videos from the last few days and take a closer look. Are you sure about Victoria?”

“Annie, I’m sure.” He cleared his throat and ran his index finger along his jawline. “You trust me.”

“I do.”

“Then, trust me on this. I know I’m not the best when it comes to small talk or flirting or really anything dealing with the opposite sex unless the topic of Sherlock Holmes comes up.” He picked up a letter opener and flipped it in his hand. The blotchy blush that seemed to appear whenever he talked about Victoria crept up his neck. “I believe Victoria, and if you give me a little time, I think she’ll tell me the truth about what she and George were partnering on. She was close to telling me last night. I don’t think she’s trying to be secretive. I think she’s worried that if she says anything, she’s in breach of her contract and will ruin the deal. Will you at least give me the rest of the day to see what I can find out?”

“Yeah, I will.” I felt bad that he needed to defend himself. That wasn’t my intention. “You’re right. If we’re going to be partners, then I need to trust you completely, and I do, Fletcher. I just feel protective of you, in a little sister sort of way.”

He returned the letter opener to its spot on the counter. “You’re like a sister to me, too. I’ve got this, though.”

“Okay.” I bobbed my head in agreement and dropped it.

“What’s the plan for the rest of the morning?” He peered into the ballroom.

Aaliyah was doling out instructions and the first clues. As soon as she finished, readers would be set loose through the store to start the hunt.

“Should we tag team managing the front desk and floating through the store? I’m not anticipating many sales until story time wraps up.”

“Sounds good. I can take the first shift here.” He picked up one of the schedules. “Hal’s in the Dig Room. Do you want to

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