Snuffed Out - Tim Myers [31]
Chapter 8
The next morning, I’d barely been in At Wick’s End ten minutes when there was an urgent staccato knocking on the front door. Some mornings were like that, when impatient candlemakers had to get their supplies before I was ready to open the shop. I was tempted to let them in early, since I was already there, but Eve had taught me that it was setting a bad trend, and in all honesty, we were open enough hours to fit just about anyone’s schedule.
It was impossible to concentrate on putting together my supply order with that constant barrage though, so I gave up and walked out front.
Sanora was there, and from the expression on her face, she was loaded for bear.
“What happened?” she demanded as quickly as I could open the door.
I said, “Calm down. There was some vandalism last night Pearly and I put up the plywood until I could call a glazier.”
“Why didn’t you call me, Harrison? It is my store, isn’t it?”
I nodded. “It’s also my building, and I’m responsible for what happens to it.” I tried to keep my voice calm and level. She had every right to be upset. The vandalism was a violation, and she no doubt felt like lashing out at anybody or anything within range.
“You should have called me,” she said, quieting down a little.
“I thought about it, but why ruin your night? Pearly and I saw it happen.”
“So who did it? Did the police arrest them?”
I admitted, “It was dark, and they got away. We’re putting in security lights over the next couple of days. I know it might feel like we’re locking the barn door after the horse is gone, but it should help from now on. I’m truly sorry it happened.”
The rest of the steam went out of her. She said softly, “Who would do this? Is someone trying to run me off?”
“I honestly don’t know.”
Sanora took a deep breath, then said, “Well I’m not going to give them the satisfaction. I’m staying, Harrison.”
“I’m glad to have you here, Sanora.” And it was true. What had happened in the past wasn’t a part of my time at River’s Edge. She’d been an ideal tenant since coming back, working hard and keeping out of trouble. Her check even cleared the first time through, something I couldn’t say about some of my other folks. For all the money Tick took in at her antique shop, it was a rare check indeed that went through the first time, no matter how steep I made my fee for bouncing them.
Then I remembered how quickly Sanora had gotten rid of the evidence in Aaron’s death. Would an innocent person do that? Was she being efficient, or was it something much more sinister? The problem was, I liked her, and I was afraid it might be clouding my judgment.
She studied me a moment, then said, “Next time, call me. Day or night.”
“I promise.”
Sanora nodded, satisfied, then said, “As soon as I get my hands on Pearly, I’ll read him the riot act, too.” She shook her head, then added, “Thanks for cleaning up.”
“It was the least we could do after letting them get away. Tell you what, why don’t I buy you breakfast?”
“I appreciate the offer, but I’m not all that sure Millie wants me here. This vandalism has made her frosty toward me again.”
I shrugged. “It’s your call, but I thought you just said no one was going to run you off.”
Sanora shrugged. “I’m willing to face her if you are.”
“Let’s go,” I said, then locked the shop door behind me as we headed for The Crocked Pot.
As expected, Millie wasn’t all that thrilled seeing Sanora with me. “What can I get you?”
“Two Rise and Shiners sound great.” Millie baked the most wonderful muffins, as big as dinner plates and tender as a baby’s laughter.
I said, “Did you hear about the break-in attempt last night?”
Millie, carefully keeping her gaze away from Sanora, said, “I saw the plywood.”
“Pearly and I were there when it happened. We both chased the bad guy, but he got away.”
Sanora asked, “It was a man, then?”
I shrugged. “Might have been. Of course, it could have just as easily