Read to Death at the Lakeside Library by Holly Danvers

Author:Holly Danvers
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: CROOKED LANE BOOKS

Chapter Twenty

By the time Rain and Julia rolled into Lofty Pines after their journey to Waters Edge library, it was twilight. Julia had spoken extensively to Irene on the ride home regarding the Laura Ingalls Wilder manuscripts, and true to Pearl’s word, the woman had the gift of gab. Rain wondered if it had depleted her friend of words completely, which would have been a momentous occasion, to say the least. They both remained quiet, each lost in her own thoughts, until finally Julia asked, “Hey, can you do me a favor? Swing by Sycamore Road on the way home, would you?”

“Sure, why?”

“Because Jace mentioned that Lily’s other house, the one she had up for sale, is on that road. I just want to drive by and get a feel for it. After talking to Irene, I’m wondering if Lily’s prior residence was one that might have some historical value. Irene mentioned that at one time Laura Ingalls Wilder had some close friends who lived in the area. Perhaps someone the author knew owned Lily’s house years ago, and that’s how she came into ownership of it. If it’s a newer house, then probably not. But it’s worth a drive-by, for a look-see, don’t you think?”

“Did Irene think that there were undiscovered manuscripts lying around?”

“She didn’t think so, but couldn’t say for sure. If anything, they would have to be authenticated by a handwriting expert to determine if they were actually written by Laura Ingalls Wilder.”

“Here we go again with handwriting expertise.” Rain chuckled.

“Right?” Julia grinned. “Maybe we should be the ones to authenticate them if they actually exist.

Rain made a right onto Main Street and then a left onto Sycamore, then slowed the speed of her SUV to a crawl as the two searched eagerly for a “For Sale” sign. It was more than a half mile down the road before Julia pointed out a white garrison colonial with black shutters and exclaimed, “Hey, look! That could be it. Pull in here.”

A shadowy figure in the distance caught Rain’s eye. “Wait—who’s that at the door?” she asked.

“Dunno,” Julia replied, squinting. “That’s a very good question.”

Rain struggled to get a visual too, but then a realization hit when she noticed the coiffed hair. “Hang on a second. That looks like Naomi. And she’s playing around with the lockbox. It sure doesn’t look as if she has a showing, does it? She’s all alone, and she’s looking over her shoulder a lot. Wonder what she’s up to.” Rain rolled the SUV along the curb and turned off the headlights.

Naomi stopped what she was doing and looked in their direction, as if straining to see whether she was being watched. This caused Rain to tap Julia frantically on the arm. “Duck! duck!” she exclaimed as she sank deep into the seat to hide from view.

Naomi looked furtively in both directions before slipping inside Lily’s house and closing the door behind her.

Meanwhile, Rain and Julia peered covertly over the dashboard.

“Now what?” Julia whispered.

“I really hope Naomi didn’t recognize my SUV.

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