Elizabeth C. Main - Jane Serrano 01 - Murder of the Month by Elizabeth C. Main Page B

feet.
    “ Maybe I’d better go take a look. Can you watch the store?”
    “ Sure, if you want.” His voice was offhand, but his look of relief told me that I was doing exactly what he had wanted all along. Why hadn’t he just said it straight out in the first place? I’d tossed him a copy of the recently unpacked Prove It, Puppy! on my way out.
    When I’d arrived at the grounds of the imposing Paulson residence, I circled the block to the far corner of the property in search of what had originally been the carriage house. There, I found Laurence sitting in the sunshine that streamed through the open windows of his apartment. Mr. and Mrs. Paulson had donated the main house to the Oregon Historical Society some years ago, and that organization had converted the carriage house to a rental. The place was small, but it suited Laurence’s simple needs.
    . “Hi, Laurence. Coming to the store today?” I deliberately kept my tone calm, though I didn’t like the unnatural pallor of his skin.
    He slowly turned his head and spoke without smiling. “Probably won’t be anyone buying books, and it’s too damned hot to go anywhere anyway.”
    “ But you said—”
    “ I know what I said, but I’ve changed my mind. Can’t a man change his mind?”
    “ Of course. It’s your store, but … maybe you should see Dr. Pomeroy.”
    “ Just because I’ve decided not to work today? Maybe you should mind your own business.”
    Ignoring his rudeness, I spoke in my most soothing tone. “You seem not quite yourself this morning.”
    “ That ought to please you, the way you’re always badgering me to change. Say, what are you doing here anyway? The store can’t run itself.”
    “ Tyler’s there.”
    “ Tyler? What does he know about selling books?”
    My exasperation finally broke through. “I don’t know, Laurence. Probably nothing, but he was worried about you, okay?”
    “ Did he say he was worried?” He half smiled for the first time.
    “ Not in so many words, but, yes, he was worried.”
    He digested this new concept before speaking again. “I didn’t think he worried about anything except getting away from here as soon as possible, though I don’t know where he’d escape to, since it’ll be a while before Carrie’s well enough to have him at home again.” At the look on my face he said irritably, “I know, the chances aren’t good, but Tyler shouldn’t be stuck living with some old goat he hardly knows.”
    “ Don’t talk like that! You care what happens to him, and that’s important. He needs stability and I’m sure he likes being here more than he lets on. Why, he practically jumped at the chance when I asked him to help out at the store today.” Remembering Tyler’s laconic “Sure, if you want” I knew I was shading the truth on this statement, but the pleasure it brought to Laurence’s face was enough to clear my conscience.
    “ He did? I never thought of asking him.”
    “ Probably because you’re such an old goat. All I know is that he’s down there working right now—by his own choice. Maybe he could work there part-time on a regular basis. Give him something to do and let him know he’s useful.”
    “He’d probably foul everything up,” he said gruffly, “but it might work. Maybe you could sort of teach him the ropes?”
    “ Sure, and you’ll see Dr. Pomeroy.”
    “ If I have any more trouble, I’ll go, but I’m feeling better now.
    “So you’ll rest at home today and Tyler will work with me. How’s that?”
    “Fine. Now go.”
    I’d returned to the store and worked with a surprisingly agreeable Tyler the rest of the day. He was a quick study, not only understanding procedures the first time I explained them, but offering good suggestions.
    I’d meant to call Laurence last evening to tell him how well his grandson had done but I’d been sidetracked by Bianca’s excited call. She couldn’t wait to tell me that Sheriff Kraft had closed the investigation without