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Archer hadn’t come to walk her home Thursday night. So Friday morning after her swim, Rarity called him. When she got voice mail, she quickly left a message about their joint commitment to the pets and people event that night at the nursing home. She asked if he wanted to meet for dinner before the event at the Garnet. Then she told him she had a question about his grandmother. When she hung up, she hoped the guilt over possibly not escorting her to the event and the curiosity about why she was asking about his grandmother would overcome whatever secret he’d been hi ding from her.

At least she hoped. Killer was watching her. “I know, you mis s Archer too.”

Rarity decided to focus on the day ahead rather than pine for a man who might not be in her life anymore. Both Katie and Shirley were scheduled to work that day. Katie had her high school group tomorrow, which meant she’d be busy setting up and planning for the next month’s event.

When Shirley came in, Rarity could see the stress and lack of sleep on her friend’s face. Katie had stopped for coffee and donuts at Annie’s, and the three of them headed to the fireplace to plan for the upcoming week.

Katie set her coffee cup down and turned to Shirley. “Okay, spill. You look like you haven’t slept and you haven’t said more than ten words since I arrived. Wha t’s going on?”

Shirley sank farther into the couch. “Rarity knows this, but George has been threatening violence at the nursing home. He hasn’t done anything yet, so that’s the one thing keeping them from kicking him out. Jully exaggerated the attack yesterday, but Sally, she’s the administrator, is concerned.”

“Oh, no.” Katie sat straighter. “Is he getting m ore confused?”

Shirley laughed, but the sound was harsh. “I think he’s falling into another world. He thinks that this guy who works in administration is paying too much attention to Lizzy. George thinks he and Lizzy are going steady. Or, I guess, he and Lizzy are going steady. That he remembers.”

“Oh, Shirley. I’m so sorry.” Rarity knew that George’s new reality was killing her friend. “What happened when you went over to the nursing ho me yesterday?”

“I talked to George. He thought I was a social worker or something. He kept telling me all about Lizzy and what a wonderful woman she was.” Shirley closed her eyes for a minute. “Then I asked about William Jully and he got angry. George said that William is stealing from the patients and going into their rooms at night. He ha tes that man.”

Rarity sipped her coffee. “How long has this William gu y been there?”

Shirley opened her eyes and look ed up. “What?”

“Let’s say George is right. Maybe the problem isn’t George. Maybe it’s this William guy.” Rarity set her cup down. “From what you told me, George was always watching out for other people before he got sick. Maybe he still is.”

Shirley sat up. “I’ve been so focused on George’s new girlfriend, I didn’t think about that angle. I know this William Jully hasn’t been there long. He was the one who told me I couldn’t come to the nursing home as m uch last year.”

“What do you think about him?” Rarity asked.

“He’s all surface.” Shirley nodded as she seemed to be processing her thoughts. “Like you know he’s thinking something behind what he’s saying. I assumed he thought I was an idiot for still wanting George to remember our marriage. But maybe it was so mething else.”

“Let’s check him out tonight at the pets event. And maybe on Tuesday we can ask the sleuthing group to see what they can find out.” Rarity hoped that they could at least keep George safe in the nursing home. If someone was out to get him kicked out, maybe there was a nother reason.

* * *

Archer arrived at the bookstore around four and offered to take Killer home before they went to dinner. Jonathon, Shirley, and Katie had all left earlier, and Rarity was alone in the bookstore wh en he came in.

“I’m glad you’re here,” she said to him as he held Killer, who was licking his face like he had been gone forever.

“Rarity, I don’t want to hurt you. I have some things going on, and I’m not sure I can be the man you need right now...” Archer started, but Rarity hel d up her hand.

“I know you’re going through some things, but I want tonight to be easy. No commitments. No talking about the future. But I do need to ask you about your grandmother, Marilyn.” She leaned down to open the safe.

“Why are you asking about her? Please don’t tell me that someone talked to you about her murder.” Archer stepped closer, still h olding Killer.

“No, well, maybe. Jonathon mentioned that I should ask you about this book.” She pulled it out of the plastic and placed it on the counter before Archer. “Someone left it in the bathroom this week. I’m trying to fi nd its owner.”

He blinked and reached out but then pulled his hand back. Instead, he ran his hand through his hair and whistled. When he finally spoke, his voice was quiet. “That book belonged to Grandma Ender. She had it on a display shelf in the living room. Or at least after she moved in with us. She said the book was the rarest thing she’d ever found. She never let me touch it, but she had another copy that she read to me. Why would it be in your bathroom? You found it here at the store?”

She nodded, only able to answer one of his questions. “Did your grandmother’s copy have an inscription?”

“Yes. She told me it was funny because the book had been given to another Alice. She said she wished someone would write a book about a character named Marilyn. I always told her that I’d write a Marilyn book, for her.” He rubbed his hair again with his hand. “I’d forgotte n about that.”

Rarity stared at the book sitting between her and Archer. “How did your grandmother’s book get left in the women’s restroom in my bookstore?”

* * *

They arrived at the nursing home right on time. Dinner at the Garnet had been strained, but it felt good to be together at least for one more time. Malia had been their waitress and she’d kept watching them, as if she was wondering what was going on. Rarity had seen that Malia was about to comment and she shook her head, hoping her friend would l eave it alone.

Walking through the parking lot, she was surprised at the number of expensive cars. Like BMWs and Mercedes. There was even a sweet red Corvette. She paused by one of the newer BMWs. It was the same model and color that her ex Kevin had bought the year they’d broken up. He’d gotten a bonus and spent it all on buying the car. Rarity had made the argument that maybe they needed an emergency fund, or to put the money away for a future house purchase. It was the first time he’d called her out for not being fun. Bu t not the last.

Archer turned back, as if realizing she’d stopped. “Som ething wrong?”

“No, I’ve been admiring all these vehicles. You don’t think they belong to staff, do you?” She hurrie d to catch up.

“Hardly. My sister, Dana, worked at a nursing home as a CNA for a few years in college. She barely made rent money.” He shook his head as he studied the cars. “I know I spent some money on the Jeep, but it’s a workhorse. These are a way to show of f your money.”

Rarity nodded. She and Archer were on the same page in so many ways. So why were they having issues?

When they went inside, Archer took her jacket and hung it on the rack in the nursing home waiting room along with his. They’d walked from the Garnet to Sedona Memory Care, but the walk, like dinner, had been quiet. Rarity didn’t want to push or ask the wrong question. All she wanted right now was for them to have a fun n ight together.

And with all the pups wanting to be rehomed, she thought they might do that.

“Oh, good, we were hoping you two would show up. The rest of the volunteers are already on the floor with their dogs.” Gretchen, the director of Sedona’s Pet Safe Zone, handed them each a puppy. “This is Candy and Donut. The Sedona Elementary fifth-grade class voted on this litter’s names when they were dropped at our shelter. I’m sure their new owners will be changing those. I’d always want to eat when I played with my dog.”

A woman walked by and rubbed the top of Candy’s head. “I’m out of here. I’ve got a dinner reservation in Flagstaff.”

“Bye, McKenzie!” Gretchen called as the woman walked out of the building. Gretchen leaned over to Rarity. “That’s the business office manager. She got a new car and she’s been dying to get it out on the road.”

Rarity let Candy snuggle up to her as she watched McKenzie climb into a new sports car parked in the front row. She met Archer’s gaze, and he shrugged. Administration staff must make more than the average CNAs did. “I’m sorry , are we late?”

“No, the others were all early. Drew brought his dad, which helped since we had a last-minute cancellation from one of our volunteers.” Gretchen turned as a tall man in a black suit called her name. “And I’m being summoned by Dr. Death.”

“Dr. Death?” Rarity turned to stare at the man. He looked like he was scowling at the open cages scattered aro und the floor.

“Sorry, I shouldn’t have called him that. He’s such a downer.” Gretchen ushered Rarity and Archer toward the sliding doors that separated the lobby from the actual rooms. “Check in with the nurse at the station there. She’ll tell you what ro oms to visit.”

Rarity walked to the doors, which opened as they stepped closer. She turned back to see Gretchen app roach the man.

“When is this thing supposed to be over? You know our residents have strict schedules, especially around their sleep time s,” he barked.

“Your boss set this up; maybe you should talk to her.” Gretchen was holding her ground, but Rarity felt Archer pull on her sleeve and then the glass doors close d behind them.

Rarity couldn’t hear Dr. Death’s response. She walked up to the nurses’ station with Archer. “Excuse me, is that W illiam Jully?”

“Yes, that’s our junior administrator. He’s quite a catch if you like angry, snide men in your life. I understand he’s single. I don’t understand why.” She laughed as she reached up and rubbed Candy’s head. “You two must be Rarity and Archer. I know Shirley. She said you’d be here. She’s already walking around with the cutest Doodle mix. She said she’d let you visit Geor ge’s section.”

Archer glanced at Rarity, but she shook her head. She’d tell him on the way home. If he planned on walking with her. It was funny how much had happened since he’d tried to bre ak up with her.

“What rooms are we visiting?” Rarity asked the chatty nurse.

She handed her a list. “You have until nine or when Jully kicks everyone out. Gretchen got this approved with our administrator, but of course, Sally’s been called out of town. So he thinks he’s a god or something. So I’d say you have about fifteen minutes in each of your rooms. There are two residents per room. George’s room is that one.”

Rarity saw she’d already written George’s name next to the room number. “You must work wi th him a lot.”

“George is a lovely man. Very kind, very protective of the other residents.” She glanced around. “I’m so shocked he doesn’t remember Shirley at all. He’s nice to her, but he’s in love with Lizzy. The woman knows Shirley is his actual wife because seeing Shirley near George sends her into a tizzy. Tizzy Lizzy. I must be getting tired. I worked a double shift today.”

“We’ll go and let you get back to your work, then.” Archer nodded to the hallways branching off the nurses’ station. “Which way do we go?”

“To your left, the second hallway. Your rooms are on the left. There’s another group handling th e right side.”

Archer held out his arm, motioning for Rarity to go first. He hadn’t touched her all night. It was like it was their first date or they were colleagues rather than whatever they were now. She’d thought they’d been at the next step, but then somet hing happened.

She smiled and pushed the worry out of her head. Tonight, she was here with Archer and bringing some puppy love into the world. Literally. She kissed the top of Candy’s head and took a big whiff of puppy. It was the best drug in the world.

In the first room, two women were waiting for them and they took the pups eagerly. They were hesitant to give them back, but Archer assured them that the shelter would be back next month wit h the animals.

“Well, I hope the two of you get assigned our room again. We loved talking with you.” The older woman, Penny, s miled at them.

The other, Ester, cackled as they gathered the pups. “Of course, Penny won’t know if you come back or not.”

“I will too. I’ve been writing things down and it helps me remember.” Penny held up her journal. As she opened the book, she froze as she picked up a pen. “Now what was I writin g down again?”

Ester rolled her eyes. “See what I mean? We’re not all as forgetful as Penny, but we’re on our way there. I’m here recuperating from a hip replacement. I should have gone to Flagstaff, but I’ve known Penny all my life. This way, we get to spend some t ime together.”

Penny looked up from her writing. “Come visi t us anytime.”

Rarity smiled as she and Archer left the room. “They remind me of Sam and me. It’s like looking into a time capsule but int o the future.”

“You two would be horrible in here. They’d always have to be tracking you down.” Archer pulled her into a hug. “I know this is hard. Are you ready to go to t he next room?”

She felt fueled by the hug. “I’m fine. I get to go home after this and cuddle with Killer. For these people, this is their monthly dose of puppy love. I don’t think that’s enoug h for anyone.”

“Dogs are amazing at comforting us.” He released her and nodded to the next room.

When they entered, one of the residents was already asleep. Archer put the puppy next to him, and the man curled his hand around the dog unconsciously. The other man held out his hands. “Karl couldn’t stay awake. He’ll be sad that he missed these l ittle angels.”

Archer took the lead on the discussion, and when it was time to go, he slipped the puppy from the sleeping man’s arms. Rarity heard him whisper, “ Sweet dreams.”

As they walked to the next room, Rarity checked her watch. They were a little ahead of their scheduled visit, but she figured George wouldn’t mind. Shirley was always talking about how much he loved dogs.

When they walked into the room, they found George pacing. His roommate ran up to Rarity and took Candy from her arms. “What a cute baby.”

Archer held out the puppy to George, but he ignored them. Rarity turned to the doorway where William Jully stood, watching them.

George pointed to him and muttered, “He’s a bad man. No one se es it but me.”

“George, do you want to hold a puppy?” Archer asked as George started pacing again.

This time George looked at him. “Why would I want to hold a puppy?”

Rarity heard angry voices in the hall and stepped out to see Terrance standing nose to nose with William Jully.

“You need to leave George alone or so help me, you’ll be the one who needs medical care.” Terrance poked Jully’s chest with his finger to emphasi ze the threat.

“You realize I can get you banned for even touching me. Besides, no one listens to that old man anyway. Why would I want to hurt him? He’s making a clown out of himself better than I ever could.” Jully saw Rarity watching and held up his hands. “I’m not the aggressor here. You must see that.”

Terrance turned to see who Jully was talking to, and his face turned bright red. “Rarity, you don ’t understand.”

She watched Jully slither out of the hallway. Then she turned to Terrance. “Threatening violence doesn’t fi x the problem.”

“Some people don’t know anything else.” Terrance shook his head. “Sorry you had to see that. I need to col lect my puppy.”

Rarity went back into the room, where Archer was still trying to talk George into sitting down with the dog.

“I don’t want to hold a puppy. I’ve got things to do. I need to protect Lizzy.” He frowned at Archer and Rarity. “Why are you here with these dogs anyw ay? It’s late.”

“They are here so you can hold a puppy.” Another person had walked into the room behind them. “And you hold them because it’s a puppy. That should be reason enoug h, my friend.”

Rarity turned and saw Terrance. He smiled at her and reached for the puppy that Archer still held. He brought it to his face and the dog licked his cheek. “And she has puppy breath. Wha t’s her name?”

“Donut,” Archer said as he stepped back next to Rarity and Terrance walked over to st and by George.

“George, sit down on your bed and hold Donut for a minute. Archer and Rarity are here to visit.” Terrance nodded toward the bed, and George followed his instructions.

Whatever doubts Rarity had about Terrance working at the nursing home were forgotten when she saw him talking with George. The man trusted Terrance. “I thought you were retrievi ng your puppy.”

“I heard George’s agitation and thought I could help.” Terrance put his hand on George’s shoulder. “Now, is n’t that nice?”

“If these people want to help us, they need to get that man out of the building. He’s stealing from people. And worse.” George met Rarity’s gaze. “He sneaks into the rooms at night. And Ruth die d last month.”

“Who died?” the ot her man asked.

“Ruth Agee. She was in the next room,” Geo rge explained.

The other man waved his hand. “She was old. W e’re all old.”

“No. She didn’t die because she was old. That man killed her.” George was getting excited again. The puppy he was holding whimpered and started squirming, trying to get out of his tig htening grasp.

“Let me hold the dog.” Terrance reached his hand out.

George looked at the puppy like he’d forgotten he even held it. He handed it to Terrance. “You need to help us. I’ve told everyone. No one listens to me.”

Terrance handed Archer the puppy. “I think you guys have one more room. They’re going to kick us out soon.”

Rarity reached for Candy, and George’s roommate reluctantly gave her back to her. He kissed the top of the dog’s head first before handing Candy back. “You and your friends can come visit anytime.”

After they’d visited the last room, they met up with the group as they gave back their canine wards. William Jully stood by the reception desk and frowned as the pups were put into carriers and taken outside to th e waiting van.

Rarity and Archer followed the group outside. Drew and Jonathon stopped next to them. Sam headed to her car without saying anything to the group. Rarity met Drew’s gaze, and he shrugged. “Sam is FaceTiming with her brother in a few minutes. She needed to get home.”

Jonathon started to say something but then appeared to change his mind. Instead, he looked at Archer and Rarity. “Did you have fun visiting with the puppies? Everyone I met with was so excited to see them. I was surprised at how clear their thought process were when the dog s were there.”

“Most of the residents have good and bad days,” Terrance said as he joined the group. He looked back at the doorway. Rarity could tell that he was watching Shirley talk to Gretchen. From the way they kept looking back at William Jully, who had locked the front door, she could guess what they were talking about. Or she s hould say whom.

Archer dropped his voice. “You were good with George. He is convinced that William guy is a thief and a killer.”

“He’s not a nice man,” Rarity added. She agreed with George on at least that point. “Archer’s right, though, you calmed him. H e trusts you.”

Terrance’s sigh let Rarity know she’d hit a hot button. “I know. I’ve got myself in a pickle here. Uh-oh, Shirley’s coming this way. I’ve got to leave. Archer? Are you walking our girl home, or should I wait for her?”

Rarity wanted to remind both of them that she was standin g right there.

Archer grinned. “You can go ahead. I’ll escort Mi ss Cole home.”

Jonathon looked between Shirley and Terrance. “I’m missing something, but I’m not going to ask. I’m already in hot water with Sam. I don’t need two Sedona wom en mad at me.”

“Sam’s not mad,” Drew started, but then he slapped his dad on the back. “Well, at least she’s not mad at me. Things co uld be worse.”