Proof of Murder (Beyond the Page Bookstore Mystery #4) - Lauren Elliott Page 0,88

far side of it. Is this the air duct in the hallway at the top of the stairs? She could clearly hear voices echoing through it from the foyer below and decided it must be. Obviously, this wasn’t a heating duct, but a ventilation shaft. If her eyes weren’t deceiving her, there was also white scum on the ledge below the grate and the entire area was surrounded by scratches in the dust. She snapped a picture with her phone, not sure if she would even be able to make out what she was looking at now, but thought it was worth reporting to Marc, anyway.

She inched her way down the stairs, feeling the wall for more alcoves and more empty air surprises in the dim light. When she reached the bottom, she was confused. If this was built as a ventilation shaft for the house, it should open out into the fresh air someplace not hit a dead end. Addie traced her fingers around the uneven bricks of the wall in front of her, pushing and prodding. Her fingers stumbled across a thumb-styled lever tucked in a corner. She pushed it up, nothing happened. She pressed it down. It wouldn’t budge. Then she remembered the similar-looking lever inside the chamber behind the fireplace and flipped it to the side. The wall slid open with a shudder. She was in the fireplace chamber.

Addie took a steadying breath and flipped the fireplace lever in the same manner. The back wall of the hearth slid open, and she poked her head out, checking for questioning eyes. Coast clear, she exited, fished her ballpoint pen out of her purse, and pressed the tip into the center hole in the scroll work on the mantel. She scurried around the large desk, the last remaining piece of furniture in the otherwise empty room and opened the library door. Scanning left and right, she slid out into the hall and mall-walked out the back door. Simon. She had to find Simon. But at the bottom of the porch steps, a hand grabbed her arm and spun her around.

Chapter 28

“Addie, I didn’t know you were here.”

“Hi, Blake. I . . . I was just inside looking for Simon. He dropped me off and then went to find a parking space.” She swiped away the strings of cobwebs dangling from her bangs. “You haven’t seen him, have you?”

“Yes, I was just speaking with him. I think he’s over by the far table.” Blake eyed her. “Were you crawling through the bushes to get here?” His eyes darted to the back wall.

“Did Marc tell you about our discovery yesterday?”

“He mentioned it, yes.” He kissed her cheek. “But I must run. I’m sure you noticed on your trip through the house that the movers came last night and packed up most of what’s left to take to my warehouse in Boston. The rest of what’s left out here will be packed up tonight after the sale’s over.”

“I know this weekend didn’t go as planned, so I hope you didn’t have to haul too much away.”

“Not too bad. A few larger pieces of the bedroom furniture were sold, and the buyers have made arrangements to pick it up by tomorrow. The rest of the books and collectables . . .” He shrugged with a short and humorless chuckle. “Well, it’s actually a blessing.”

“Why would it be a blessing? You don’t get paid until it’s all sold. Charlotte’s brother will continue to hound you.”

“Duane?” He barked a laugh. “No, he’s not going to be an issue anymore.” Malice laced his words.

“I take it you paid him, then. You know, when we overheard you and him arguing about it.”

“Something like that, but I must run now. Lots to finish up here. I hope to see you before I leave town tomorrow afternoon. If not, then promise me you’ll stop by the auction house the next time you’re in Boston.” He pressed her hand in his and bounded up the stairs into the house.

Addie spotted Simon at the refreshment table, pouring a coffee from a large urn. “There you are.” She linked her arm through his. “I’ve been searching everywhere for you.”

His lips turned up at the corners. “Does that include crawling around in the bushes looking for me?” He picked webs from her hair. “I think that one still had its host attached.” He nudged her playfully.

“Don’t be silly.” She shook her head and brushed her hand through her hair. “We have to