Chapter 11
Drew showed up and opened the box. He read the note, put it into a plastic bag, and wrote something on the front. Then he pulled a kitchen chair over to where Rarity still sat with Terrance. Killer was curled on her lap.
Drew leaned toward her. “Hey, how are you?”
“I was all relaxed and ready for a movie. Now, I’m just confused. What’s going on, Drew?” She scooted closer to the edge of the couch. “Why would someone send me a finger? And whose finger is it?”
“Nobody’s. At least that’s my guess. I think it’s made of rubber. The why is pretty clear from the note. They think you’re too involved in the investigation. I’ve warned you before, this sleuthing club was going to get you in trouble. Now, it’s possible the person is from out of town, since they left it on Terrance’s doorstep rather than yours. I guess I should have looked at it closer when we found it. Did Killer show any interest in the package when you had it here at the house?”
“Nothing. If it was a real finger, he would have smelled the decay, right? Heck, I should have smelled the decay.” She took a sip of the coffee Archer had made after he’d called Drew.
“Yeah, that’s another reason I’m pretty sure it’s fake.” He rubbed a hand over his crew cut. “But if they were from out of town, how would they have known about the sleuthing club?”
“I don’t know.” Rarity leaned back into the couch.
“And with that, I’m heading back home. If you want to question me more, I’ll be up for a few more hours. I haven’t unpacked or started laundry yet.” Terrance patted Rarity on the shoulder. “Hang in there. We’ll find out who sent this to you and why. They can’t be all that smart since they left it at my door instead of yours.”
After Terrance left, Drew refilled his coffee cup. “I’m sure it’s someone who doesn’t live here. Anyone in town knows where you live. It’s not a secret.”
“What did the note say?” Rarity asked.
Drew and Archer exchanged a look.
“Oh, no. We’re not playing the ‘take care of Rarity’ game. Not tonight. What did it say?” she pushed.
Drew got up, took the bag off the table, and handed it to her. “The note says that you should stay out of Janey’s murder case, or you’d be the one missing a finger. They don’t want you dead. Just something to warn you off.”
“Well, that’s comforting.” She read the note, then handed it back to Drew. Then she glanced over at Archer. “Do I need to finish the chili?”
“Nope, it’s done. I’m just letting it cool. Then it needs to go into a plastic container, and it’s ready for tomorrow. Just put it in the Crock-Pot two hours before you want to serve, and you’re done.” Archer explained the process.
“Are you having a party without me?” Drew asked.
“I’m sure you know that the sleuthers’ club is coming over here for a meeting. And a potluck, since your dad is bringing a salad,” she added. “Hey, have you heard from Sam? She’s not returning my calls.”
“She’s home with her brother. The DA allowed me to put a tail on him, so I get reports every time they leave the house. I wish she’d call you. I know she’s not likely to talk to me until this is all finished. And who even knows about then.” He stood and put the chair back at the table. “I’m heading home with your package. I don’t think you need to worry, but maybe Archer should stay over for a few nights.”
“And what if I don’t want him to stay over?” Rarity stood and followed Drew to the table. “He can’t be here tomorrow. He has a hike. I’m not letting him turn down work to babysit me.”
“My dad will come early and stay with you. He might as well be useful if he wants to be involved in this. So, Archer at night, my dad during the day, until we catch this guy.” He juggled the box. “Rarity, this threat changes things. I don’t want you to be alone. I couldn’t live with myself if someone hurt you because I didn’t take this threat seriously. Even though it seems silly.”
“Okay.” She took her cup to the sink.
Drew and Archer exchanged looks, and Rarity almost laughed. They’d been expecting more of an argument from her. Drew nodded and headed to the door. “Okay, then. I’ll talk to you as soon as we know something about this box or who might have sent it.”
“Sounds great. Thanks for coming over, Drew.” She waited for him to leave and then shut the door and locked it. She turned to Archer. “Good thing you brought over an extra set of clothes last month.”
“I really wasn’t counting on using the clothes due to homicidal maniac alerts.” He put his arms around her. “Are you sure you’re okay? That had to be quite a shock.”
“Just a little odd. Someone knows the area enough to know that the book club is looking into Janey’s death but doesn’t know what house I live in?” She rinsed some dishes that Archer had used to make the chili and put them into the dishwasher.
“I can clean up after myself.” Archer took a spoon out and tasted the chili. “I think it’s cool enough to put away. Do you have a large plastic container?”
They dug through her leftover containers and found one big enough. Then she looked at Archer. “I’m going to bed.”
“My morning starts a little later tomorrow, so I’m staying up and watching the rest of a game. Mind if I sleep on the couch?”
“You know where the linens are.” She gave him a hug and leaned into him a little longer, trying to calm her racing heart. “I don’t care what his motivations are, this is just mean.”
“He’s trying to scare you.” Archer rubbed her back.
She didn’t lift her head off his chest when she answered, “He’s doing a good job.”
* * * *
The next morning, she woke to the smell of bacon. She hurried and got dressed and went out to the kitchen, where Archer was making omelets.
He poured a cup of coffee and set it on the island for her. “We’re going to have to go to the store. You don’t have any cookies or other necessities.”
“Sorry, I didn’t realize I was having a houseguest until last night. Do you want to run to Flagstaff tonight? After your hike and my club?”
“Sure. I’ll pack a bag at the apartment, too, so I’m ready for a few days.” He smiled at her. “It’s going to be okay. Drew’s going to find the guy.”
“So you don’t think it’s Marcus?”
He frowned as he turned back to check on the eggs. “What do you mean?”