Proof of Murder (Beyond the Page Bookstore Mystery #4) - Lauren Elliott Page 0,33

They sounded like they were here for the auction.”

“I guess that’s why they came in here.” Paige glanced over her shoulder to the front of the shop. “They’re book dealers and couldn’t get into the library over there or something. I gotta go.” She disappeared from the door.

“Thanks again, Catherine.” Addie swiped at her eyes. “I’ll call you later, but I’d better get out there now.”

“Want some help?”

“I couldn’t ask you to wait on my customers. You have enough work with running the hospital volunteer program and everything else you do in the community.”

“Nonsense. I spend as much time browsing these shelves as you and Paige do. I think I can handle working the floor until it settles down a bit.”

“You’re a lifesaver today.” Addie grinned. “In more ways than you’ll ever know.”

Chapter 11

Addie and Catherine headed out into the bookstore. Addie made her way around shelving units in one direction, Catherine the other. It didn’t take long until the extra hands on the floor were sought out, and Addie was surrounded by eager book lovers. When she pointed them to the area she reserved for her older and rare books, some had no difficulty in expressing their disappointment at the selection they found. One man made it quite clear that he was only interested in rare first editions, and he wasn’t alone in his request. Addie found herself reciting the same apology line ad nauseum, explaining she didn’t keep valuable books in her shop but only editions that were old and well-loved.

It became clear to her that the rescheduling of the auction was having a trickle-down effect that wasn’t positive, and she was bearing the brunt of it. Brokers and dealers knew what they wanted, and Addie didn’t appear to have it. She could only hope that when the regular shore excursions started the passengers would be less discerning. If not, perhaps for the high season she’d have to consider stocking some of her prized-possession books that she kept at home. But she quickly squashed that thought. The extra security that would be required at her store made her shudder and count the tallying dollar signs—which, after the day she’d endured, had her thinking of ingenious ways to give demanding bibliophiles paper cuts.

Nope, this was probably a one-day event, and if Charlotte hadn’t died and the Holmes books hadn’t gone missing, none of these people, as odd as they were, would have set foot in her little shop, but the news wasn’t all bad. The rarer, less valuable books she did have in stock were flying off the shelves. She’d be able to increase her auction budget whenever it was rescheduled for after the autopsy was completed. Fingers crossed it would be soon, and she wouldn’t be sitting in a jail cell that day. Would Marc let me Facetime the auction ?

Addie sought out Catherine as the tour group trickled out of the store. “There you are, and why am I not surprised to see you hiding in the mystery section?”

“Oh, Addie.” Catherine echoed Addie’s chuckle and struggled to her feet, using the bookcase as a support. “Today was the most fun I’ve had in a long time, plus”—she held up a book—“I even had time to do a bit of shopping for myself.”

“Sleeping Murder: Miss Marple’s Last Case. I see you’re still on your Agatha Christie kick.”

“I can’t get enough of her, and this one looks fascinating. Apparently, Miss Marple exorcises a ghost from a haunted house.” Catherine flashed her a teasing smile.

“You’ve been speaking to Paige or Serena or both of them, haven’t you?”

“Remember, I’ve lived in this town for a long time and grew up hearing those rumors. Don’t be so quick to discard them.” She rubbed her right knee.

“Are you okay?”

“Yeah, just not a kid anymore and crouching to restock books, well, let’s just say it’s not as easy as it used to be.”

“I’m thinking maybe it’s time for you to head home and put your feet up for a while.”

“I can’t agree more with you.” She grinned and waved the book. “I’ll just go pay for this, head home, and see if I can learn some pointers about ghost purging from the expert here to pass on to you.”

“I’m not going to let you pay for that. It’s my gift to you for all your help this afternoon. We couldn’t have done it without you.”

“You don’t have to pay me anything. I was happy to help.”

“I know, and I appreciate that, but please.” Addie