A Cover for Murder by Sue Minix

Author:Sue Minix
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: null
Publisher: Harper Collins Publishers Ltd
Published: 2023-01-15T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

Ravenous Readers was empty of customers when I returned from meeting with Veronica. Lacey sat on the brown-and-gold-striped couch with Charlie hovering beside her, his face etched with concern. Savannah lay with her head in Lacey’s lap while Lacey stroked her between the eyes.

“What’s going on, guys?” I asked, dread bubbling into my chest.

“Lacey had another dizzy spell,” Charlie replied. “She almost passed out this time.”

“I did not!” She glared at him. “It’s nothing. I stood up too fast, and Mother Hen here is making a big deal out of it.”

I lowered myself onto the couch beside her, easing Savannah aside with my knee. “It’s the second one today. That is a big deal. Perhaps you should see your doctor.”

Lacey shook her head. “I’m only dehydrated. I’ve been busy and forgot to drink enough.”

Charlie jumped up. “I’ll go get you some water. Be right back.” He trotted to the mini fridge we kept under the coffee bar and came back with a bottle.

After three quick swallows, Lacey nodded her thanks. “That’s much better.”

“Come on. Bottom’s up.” Charlie gestured toward the bottle.

She drank down to the halfway point and showed it to him. “There, you happy?”

I rested my hand on her shoulder. “Lacey, I think you should go home for the day.”

“Nonsense.” She stood and did a little tap dance. “See? I’m fine.”

“And I’d like you to stay that way.” I rose to meet her gaze. “Get some rest and see how you feel tomorrow.”

Lacey shot me her stubborn-is-my-middle-name look. “I’ll drink some more water, and I’ll be fine. No reason for me to go home.”

“Dehydration isn’t good for the baby, either,” Charlie pointed out.

“I know that, but who will close the store?”

He brightened. “We will.” Patting me on the back, he continued, “Between the two of us, we’ll get it done. Besides, you’ve been teaching me, remember?”

“Well, yeah, but . . .”

“No buts,” I said. “You’re going home to rest.”

Lacey gave me a faux pout. “You can make me leave, but you can’t make me go home and rest.”

“True. I’d assumed I was the only immature one around here. Guess I was wrong,” I replied with a smile.

“You know what happens when you assume.” She gathered her purse and jacket from behind the register. “I wouldn’t mind having an afternoon off, though. Lots of stuff going on. I have to—”

“Rest!” Charlie and I chorused.

“And drink water,” he added.

“Got it. I’ll see you in the morning.”

“Only if you feel up to it.” I waved her out the door. “Now, shoo!”

She flapped a hand at me and ducked out of the store.

I turned to Charlie. “So, what do we need to do to close this place up?”

“Other than break down the coffee bar? Hell if I know, but how hard can it be?”

The last time I said those words was when I offered to help Angus when the diner was shorthanded. The job turned out much more complicated than I’d expected. I suspected this one would as well. “I thought you said she’d been training you?”

He shrugged.

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