Literary Larceny (A Shelf Indulgence Cozy Mystery Book 6) by S.E. Babin

Author:S.E. Babin [Babin, S.E.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Oliver Heber Books
Published: 2024-08-27T00:00:00+00:00

SEVENTEEN

Hardy followed me back to the store. By that time, the sun had slipped below the horizon, and darkness had fallen over Silverwood. Mitch and his contractors were long gone, and Harper had left hours ago. He motioned for me to stay in the car while he got out and did a quick perimeter check.

When Hardy came back, he opened the vehicle door and helped me out. Harper had left a lamp light on, the golden glow highlighting the store with warmth.

The clever girl had moved the lamp to showcase the locked cabinet. The Birds of America volume was still there, the case still locked tight.

Hardy nudged me behind him, his hand resting on the butt of his gun. He carefully navigated his way through the shop, me following close behind him. Once he’d inspected every nook and cranny in the store, his posture relaxed.

“It’s safe.” He turned to face me. “Where are the cameras?”

I walked him through the store and let him collect the cameras. He double-checked everything to ensure they were all working, then pulled the memory cards out.

“Got somewhere we can look at this?”

I led him behind the desk and showed him the store laptop. Hardy waited for me to log in and slide it over. With a few taps, he was in, flipping through footage.

“Want some coffee?” I asked.

“Have any decaf?”

“I do. I’ll make a fresh pot.”

“Thanks.”

A few minutes later, the scent of fresh coffee permeated the store. I set a fresh mug in front of Hardy who grunted his thanks and made myself comfortable on the couch.

“Nothing on the first one,” he said, slipping a new card in.

“I doubt they’d come back this soon.”

“Never discount a criminal’s eagerness to meet their goals.”

I snorted and sipped my coffee, waiting for him to get through the next one.

By the third, I was nodding off. Outside, the town was in full darkness, a few streetlights illuminating the town square.

“One more,” Hardy said, jerking me out of my sleepy reverie.

“Thank goodness,” I muttered.

His teeth flashed white. “I’ll be back first thing in the morning with an officer.”

“It’s not necessary.”

He looked over at me. “You’re worth millions, Dakota.”

“Maybe. But no one knows it yet.”

Hardy grunted. “Not yet. There are too many people involved in this for my comfort. How soon will Liam get you the certificate?”

I shrugged. “Probably tomorrow.”

“What’s your next step?”

“I’ve never done this before, but I assume I’ll need to take it to someone who’s discreet and handles sales like this.” I sat up abruptly. Why hadn’t I thought of this earlier?

“Dakota?”

“Daniel. I’ll take it to Daniel. He’ll be able to help.”

Hardy’s face darkened. They didn’t like each other much. Hardy rightly suspected Daniel was interested in me. Daniel didn’t like how Hardy treated me.

“He’s the best choice,” I said quietly. “He’s already filthy rich.”

Hardy snorted. “Even rich people commit crimes to get more money.”

“He wouldn’t.” Daniel was sometimes uncomfortable with the level of his wealth. He’d want for nothing ever again. “I trust him.”

“I don’t like it.”

“You mean you don’t like him,” I teased.

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