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Archer didn’t call Sunday night, but after she’d swum the next morning, she came in through the patio doors and found him in her kitchen, making breakfast. “Well, good morning, this i s a surprise.”

“I hope a good one. I knocked, but then I heard you splashing in the pool, so I used my key.” He turned and kissed her. “Denver omelets and hash browns. I hope you aren’t going to work this morning.”

“No, Shirley is handling the store. I think she’s hiding from her daughter.” Rarity pulled her towel closer. “Let me go change and I’ll be right out. Just don’t leave, okay?”

“Wasn’t planning on it,” Archer confirmed. Killer barked at him and he shook his head. “No human food today. At least not until we get this cooked. I don’t think you like raw potatoes.”

“I’m not sure there is anything that dog doesn’t like,” Rarity said as she went into her bedroom. She paused at the door. “I’ll be right out . Don’t leave.”

Rarity didn’t know why she was so worried, but the last month or so hadn’t been exactly normal between th e two of them.

When she got back to the living room, he was sitting at the table. Breakfast was already plated and waiting for her. He’d also poured coffee. She sat down and picked up her cup. “This looks grea t. Thank you.”

“I know you’ve been busy with the store and all. I wanted some time for us. I wanted to update you on what’s be en happening.”

“If you want. I’m not going to push.” She picked up her fork and started eating. She was waiting fo r him to talk.

“Edith probably told you that Dad’s not doing well. She came over to visit this week. I don’t think Dad has much time. But he’s alert and convinced he has to find Grandma’s books. I thought that maybe telling him about the books resurfacing would help, but it’s made him more frantic. He said there’s a secret he never told us. A secret he can’t tell us.” Archer leaned over and put his head in his hands. “I can’t deal with all of this. He’s freaking me out. I know it’s the pain meds messing with his mind, but what if h e gets worse?”

“That must be hard.” Rarity wasn’t sure how to respond, but she knew that Archer was hurting. “Look, you take as much time with your family as you need. Don’t worry about me. Killer and I will be here when you need us.”

“That’s just it, I want to be here, not there. I can’t leave Dana alone with him. He’s been combative and hard to deal with. The nurse says it’s normal for his stage, but it means Dana can’t be there alone for long. He was sleeping when I left. I told her to text if she needed me.” He started eating. Then he set down his fork. “Rarity, I’m worried that Dad’s condition might be hereditary. What if I bring bad genes to our kids?”

“One, we don’t have kids, and two, remember, I already have cancer in my health history. I think you should be more worried about my genes passing down to our imaginary rug rats. Is this why you were hesitant about moving in with me?” Now the last few weeks were beginning to make sense.

“Partially. I didn’t want to spring this whole thing with Dad on you. Dana and I are struggling enough. You shouldn’t have to deal with it too.” He took a bite of his omelet.

“I cook at the house for Dad and Dana . It calms me.”

“You’re a good man, Archer Ender. I’m here no matter what’s going on. Just tell me what you need.” When Archer didn’t reply, she squeezed his hand and changed the subject. Standing, she went to the kitchen and retrieved the coffeepot to refill their cups. “So how many books were stolen from your grandmother’s house? Just the two?”

“Four rare and valuable books were taken that night. Two of them have shown up at your bookstore in the last two weeks. All that’s missing is a first-edition copy of The Fellowship of the Ring by Tolkien and an early Nancy Drew. Not sure which one, but my Dad had the list on his crazy board. Now it’s in a box on the floor. I could go through the madness and text you.” He leaned back in his chair. “Why now? Why are the books showing up now? Is it because of my dad’s condition? And if so, why didn’t whoever took them just give them ba ck years ago?”

“Since your grandmother was killed during the robbery, maybe they couldn’t risk exposing themselves.” Rarity thought about the copy of The Hobbit she’d bought at the bookstore. “Hey, I’m heading into the Lost Manuscript in Flagstaff later today. I was planning on talking to the owner about collecting additional rare books and what I should be looking for. Maybe you should come along? Or m eet me there.”

“I’d love to, but Dana’s got an appointment later today and I’ve got to go back to Dad’s. Jack’s handling the store. No hikes are scheduled until this weekend. It’s a juggling act.” He stood and kissed her. “Let me know if any more random books show up at your shop.”

Rarity walked him to the door and watched as he drove his Jeep away. She felt bad that Archer was going through this. It was hard to lose a parent, especially when the kids were in charge of everything. Life didn’t prepare you to deal with a dying loved one. There wasn’t a class at school or required reading on how to deal with your emotions or on what to do for your parent when they need help. Rarity wondered if Archer had any aunts or uncles that he could contact. Sometimes having someone there who knew the family helped.

Or not. Rarity sent a blessing up in the air to his family and then pulled her to-do list closer. She wanted to relax since this was the only day she had off this week, but she had things on her mind. Including William Jully’s death. She’d told Jonathon that she would read the file they’d found last night, but instead, she’d watched reruns of Project Runway . She loved competition shows where everyone had a dream. She’d found strength in the shows when she was uprooting her life a few years ago. She’d found her dream. She hoped others coul d do the same.

This morning, instead of turning on the television, Rarity sat at the table and opened the file. She had her murder notebook open as well and started making notes. Drew would probably be over soon to pick up the file since she was certain that Jonathon had mentio ned it to him.

She wrote Ruth Agee with a question mark, then made notes on her age and other identifying information. The woman was Hispanic with curly hair and was eighty-two. She had dementia, but other than that, she was healthy. She went to physical therapy three times a week and had been settled enough to take walks in the park most days. The file also had a personal trust accounting, but even though it had a few hundred in the account, the spending d idn’t seem off.

Rarity frowned. If Ruth was this healthy, why had she died? And why did George think that William Jully was involved i n her passing?

She went through all the pages, but nothing jumped out. Even her blood tests were good. A note from a doctor during an annual visit mentioned that the patient was expected to live several more years and needed a social evaluation regarding the current placement and funding avail able for care.

As Rarity went through the pages, there was no report from the social worker, but there was a note from the business office manager, McKenzie Jones, that the patient’s financial status would cover several more years of care at her current rat e of spending.

“Too bad you didn’t live to spend all your money.” Rarity closed the file. Nothing jumped out that screamed, This is why I was killed . No conspiracy theory issues. No lack of funds. Sedona Memory Care would have been better off if she had lived longer. “So why did you die? Was it your time? Heart attack?”

She called Shirley. “Hey, quick question. If someone was transferred to the hospital, would it show in their file at the home?”

“Definitely. I used to check George’s file for any updates. Once, I was out of town and they took him in for a test at the hospital. The time he left and the time he came back was noted, and on his bill that month, they listed a transfer.” Shirley paused. “Is this about the fi le you found?”

“Yeah, there’s nothing about how she died or when. The notes stop October fifth.” She wrote the date on her notepad. “I guess I need to find out when and how Ru th Agee died.”

“Well, I’m at the bookstore now; if you need anything, let me know. I’ve got several friends from my church here. Kathy’s talking about going home later this week. I have to say, I’ll be glad to be back to a normal schedule. She keeps asking if I’m okay or if I need something. She’s making me feel old. She rearranged all my plasticware yesterday.” Shirley paused and said something to someone at the other end. “Sorry, I need to go. And don’t worry about the leftover books from the festival. I’ve already got th em reshelved.”

As soon as she hung up, Killer ran to the door, barking. Rarity went and opened the door to a surprised Drew, who looked like he was about to knock. “You’re here for the file?”

She opened the door wider, and Killer ran out to greet his friend. Drew swept him up in his arms and stepped inside. “So are you psychic now? You open the door before I knock and know why I’m here?”

“I pay attention. Killer outed you on the porch. He must have heard your steps or maybe when you parked your truck in the driveway.” She walked into the kitc hen. “Coffee?”

“I have time for a cup.” He followed her and sat at the table. “So what did you think of the fil e? Any clues?”

“It might be Ruth Agee’s, I’m not sure. The name of the patient has been blacked out. Do we know when she died?” She handed him a cup. “She had funds to pay for the nursing home for several more years. I doubt they wa nted her gone.”

He pulled out his notes. “Since George was ranting about Ruth Agee, I asked Marsha Graves, the social worker, to look her up. Ruth was losing cognitive abilities, but she was healthy. Marsha said she enjoyed painting in her craft room at the facility. They had an aide who worked with her and took her for walks outside the facility. She was shocked to come in to work on a Monday and find that she’d passed on duri ng the night.”

“Did she say who inherited her money?” Rarity realized she hadn’t thought of that question, so she wrote it down in her notebook.

“I didn’t ask.” Drew tapped the file. “W hy would you?”

“Sally Ball went to great lengths to destroy this file. If it’s Ruth’s, why would she do that unless it linked the care center with a crime?” Rarity sipped her coffee. “What have you found out about W illiam Jully?”

“You mean his death?” Drew was still petting Killer, but Rarity felt his eyes watching her reactions.

“Actually no, about his life. Who was he? Why did he leave the other nursing homes? I found he worked in two. One in Tucson and one in Flagstaff.” She met Drew’s gaze. “And yes, why would some one kill him?”

He sipped his coffee. “You’re looking for someone besides George in a fit of rage.”

“Can’t be a fit of rage since it was an overdose. That’s methodical and planned. Rage is immediate, reactive.” Rarity ran her finger over the top of her cup. “But as for George, yes—I’m looking for someone else. Especially since Lizzy Hamilton is talking about being released from the care center and how her fiancé is going to marry her. Is there any chance she knew William before he came to Sedona Memory Care?”

Drew kissed Killer on the head before setting him down on the floor. He stood, grabbing the file. “Usually, you have a stronger theory than all the se questions.”

“What can I say, I’m off my game.” She smiled at him. “It’s probably Archer’s family issues that are clouding my instinct.”

“Or having George and Terrance looking like they’re on the hook for Jully’s murder.” He paused for a minute. “How’s Shirley doing w ith all this?”

“She’s working. If she keeps busy, she doesn’t have to think.” Rarity stood and followed him to the door. “Is there any way that George didn’t do it? The floor nurse doesn’t think he could have figured out the right meds or dosage to kill someone.”

“I’m waiting for a report from a doctor I asked to examine George. I hope to have him out of solitary before the end of the week. I agree. I can’t see the guy actually planning and pulling this together. But then, Terrance was seen both arguing with Jully and in the administration wing the night of his death. I’m sure you didn’t want to hear that either.” He opened the door. “Neither option is a good one. Oh, and one more thing, my mom didn’t recognize anyone new on your security video. She said to tell you s he was sorry.”

“It was a long shot, anyway. I think we’re looking too narrowly. I’m sure the answer is in Jully’s history. Maybe the sleuthing gang can find some other suspects for you.” She g rinned at him.

“If I didn’t know Dad was part of your group, I’d shut you down for interfering with an investigation. I hope having my father there keeps you guys from doing something stupid.” He stepped out on the porch.

“Hold on, buddy. We’ve given you valuable information before. Don’t forget that.” After he’d acknowledged her comment, he hurried to his truck. Rarity leaned on the doorframe and watched him leave. Killer sat on the porch, watching him as well. She knew that Drew worried about the group and one of them getting put in a compromised position. But everyone was being care ful. She hoped.

When she went back inside, she spent a few minutes writing out the questions she’d asked Drew. Maybe Jonathon could answer some of them or follow up with his son. She felt like she had at least something to add to tomor row’s meeting.

Then she smiled at Killer. “Do you want to go with me to Flagstaff?”

Killer went to stand by the back door. His signal to her that he needed outside. Rarity thought he might not know they were taking a road trip, but he’d be good company for her as she drove. And maybe she’d find out more about Marilyn Ender’s missing books. At least she’d be doing something, even if it wasn’t looking into Jully ’s background.

When she got to the small strip mall, she took Killer over to a grassy area in case and as she waited, Gretchen came out of the small pet store that was next to the bookstore. Rarity waved and ca lled her name.

Gretchen smiled and walked over, but Rarity could tell she hadn’t recognized her from their pet care night at the nursing home. “Hi, I bet you don’t remember me,” Rarity started as she stepped toward her. “I’m Rarity Cole. I w as at Sedona—”

“Memory Care night.” Gretchen smiled back as she made the connection. “Sorry, when I see people out of context, it takes a while. What are you doing in Flagstaff? You own the Sedona book store, right?”

“I do, and I wanted to talk to you about doing an adoption Saturday event at the store. I sent an email, but you’ve probably been busy. I’ve got two teenagers attached to the bookstore who are going to grow up to be future community activists. They love planning events, but I wanted to make sure it was something you did before I floated the idea to them.”

“Are you kidding? I’d love to do an adoption event. If anything, it raises awareness of spaying and neutering. And sometimes, we get some forever homes for our charges.” Gretchen reached into her purse and handed Rarity a card. “I’m so excited about more events in Sedona. I was afraid that William Jully would have talked Sally into canceling next month’s event at the facility. He had me kicked out of the Flagstaff Extended Care facility last year because of one accident. He thinks the do gs are dirty.”

“You knew Jully when he worked at Flagstaff Extended Care?” Rarity didn’t bring up the fact that Jully wouldn’t be canceling any events anytime soon.

“Yeah, he was the night manager there too. I heard he left under questionable circumstances, but I never found out the details. I was shocked to see him in Sedona. Of course, he was his normal snarky self.” She leaned down and rubbed Killer’s head. “Aren’t you adorable? Anyway, I’ve got to get home. My dog was out of wet food this morning, so she’s probably eating the curtains right now. A cobbler’s kids , am I right?”

Rarity watched as Gretchen hurried over to a small SUV and climbed inside. She was parked next to an older red Corvette. Gretchen waved as she backed out of the parking spot. Killer sniffed Rarity’s leg. She picked him up and put him in the puppy purse, tucking his leash inside the tote with him. “Well, wasn’t that interesting?”

Killer leaned his head on the furry edge of the tote and closed his eyes. Apparently, he didn’t agree with Rarity’s assessment of their accidental meeting with the shelter administrator. But Rarity was feeling hopeful that maybe with one more stop, she might find out more about why Jully had left the Flags taff facility.

She went inside the store, and an older woman sat reading at the cash register. She looked up at Rarity and smiled. “Welcome to the Lost Manuscript bookstore. And who’s the cutie i n your purse?”