A Fatal Booking by Victoria Gilbert

Author:Victoria Gilbert [Gilbert, Victoria]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: CROOKED LANE BOOKS

Chapter Fifteen

I offered to help Arnie navigate the way back to the aquarium building, but he waved me aside.

“Thanks, but I can manage,” he said, with a little grunt as his foot hit an uneven section of the path. “I may take things slow, but I can get there under my own steam.”

“That’s fine, but if you need any assistance, I’m here.” I followed his halting progress with concern. He did seem a bit wobbly. I was worried that he might’ve sustained a concussion. “Did you see who shoved you? It will definitely help the police track down your attacker if you can make a solid identification.”

Arnie shook his head. “Unfortunately not. They pushed me from behind, and when I caught a glimpse of them running off, all I saw was someone in jeans and a black hooded sweatshirt of some kind.”

I inhaled a deep breath. “I also ran into that person. They were rushing inside the building when I was heading out.” I didn’t think it wise to mention my concern that it could’ve been Linnea or Zach. I’d share that suspicion with the police, not one of my guests.

“Did you get a better look at them?” Arnie asked, shooting me a sharp glance.

“Not really. I could tell it wasn’t a large person, at least in terms of girth,” I said, as I held the door open for Arnie to reenter the aquarium. “Not sure about height, since they were hunched over. And I didn’t see their face, hair, or any glimpse of skin. So I can’t provide much information, I’m afraid.”

“Too bad.” Arnie cleared his throat. “Now, Charlotte, I hope you won’t mind if I don’t want to talk to the authorities right away. I assure you I’ll inform them about this incident, but I’d rather wait until tomorrow, when I’m already scheduled to speak with one of the detectives again.” He lifted his hand when I began to protest this decision. “To be honest, I don’t feel up to dealing with their questions right now.”

“I’m not sure that’s the wisest course of action. Let’s face it—you might be in danger,” I said, as we approached the lobby.

“Not at Chapters, surely.” Arnie clutched my forearm, stopping me in my tracks, and fixed me with a pleading gaze. “I tell you what, why not ask your detective friend to add some extra surveillance tonight? Wouldn’t that work? I really don’t want to make a fuss, and if our hooded stranger wanted to try again, I’ll bet they’ll think twice if they notice a significant police presence around the B and B.”

“I suppose.” I frowned. I didn’t like the idea that Arnie’s attacker was walking around free, but I also didn’t feel I could force him to make a report today. I, on the other hand, could certainly express my concerns to Amber Johnson and let her decide when she wanted to send officers to Chapters to talk to Arnie. Whether he likes it or not, I thought, tightening my lips.

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