Summer Reading is Killing Me

CHAPTER EIGHT

CHAPTER EIGHT

As I started dialing Clint’s number, my phone chimed out Foreigner’s Hot-Blooded. Clint’s name and number popped up on the screen. Darn Juliet for messing with my ring tones.

“ Hi, Clint. Sorry for not answering earlier. I left my phone on the coffee table when I went out this evening. I’ve lots to tell you,” I blurted.

“ I was worried about you. When you didn’t answer my calls earlier, I thought about jumping in my car and heading home to check on you. Jaime called to report you found Elody Campbell dead at Longfellow Park this morning. How are you holding up?” Clint asked.

I heard the concern in Clint’s voice and hurried to reassure him. “This may sound weird, but I’m okay. I didn’t know her, so I guess I feel a little detached. Does that make sense?”

“ It does. It’s always harder when you know the person. I’m glad you’re okay. Jaime said it was a violent crime scene. Elody Campbell was a senator’s daughter which means the FBI are making noise that they plan to take over the case for Senator Campbell’s safety. Jaime is determined to run the investigation without the feds breathing down his neck. He doesn’t think Elody’s murder is related to the Senator or his staff.”

“ Tina told me that Elody is the ‘it’ girl on the club scene and a Tweetaholic. I suppose I should pull my head from the library stacks and read something about the famous for being famous crowd. I wonder if Audrey Hepburn would tweet if she became a star today,” I mused.

“ More than likely. I appreciate stars like James Dean and Bette Davis, but they had their own love-hate relationships with the press. Check out Elizabeth Taylor and all the scandal attached to her marriages. They didn’t have a way to spread their gossip as quickly as stars do today. Times they are a changin’, my lovely Phee.” Clint sang.

“ Well, aren’t you the Bob Dylan wannabe!” I laughed. “So what has Jaime learned about Elody’s murder that makes him think it’s not related to the Senator?” Subtle, Phee, I thought.

“ Nothing he’s shared with me.” Clint’s voice turned serious. “I want you to leave the investigating to the professionals. After last year, I couldn’t handle anything else happening to you.”

“ I’m just curious,” I fibbed. Lying sounded so harsh. Fibs were like small half-truths. It’s splitting hairs, but I didn’t want him to worry about me. I twisted my hair nervously around my finger as I changed the subject. “How was your day?”

“ I’ve been in class with our new deputy, Lu Gifford. You and I are going to have dinner with Lu Monday evening if that’s okay. How’s my little guy, Watson?”

“ That’s fine. I’ll pick up a nice bottle of wine and a six-pack of beer. We can grill out. My parents are keeping Watson until tomorrow morning because I went out to the movies with Grant tonight.” I slipped the last news in quickly. Juliet and Wade had planted a tiny seed of doubt in my brain this morning. It sprouted and grew flowers in the last few minutes.

“ Okay.” Clint drew out the word. An edge crept into his voice which made my stomach tighten.

“ I ran into him at Nellie Jo’s. We needed to clear the air. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you beforehand, but I didn’t think you would have a problem with me meeting with an old friend,” I said a little defensively.

“ I guess I understand,” Clint said slowly. “Do you want to talk about it? You’ve been avoiding him, but I think it’s good you finally cleared the air with Grant. You’re a kind soul, Phee, and you want to save everyone. That’s why I love you.”

I smiled and the knot in my stomach uncoiled. “You’re the sexiest, handsomest, most understanding boyfriend in the whole wide world, Clint Mason.”

“ I know. Can I have that engraved on a plaque so I can hang it in my office? So tell me about this evening.”

“ It was awkward at Nellie Jo’s. Everyone was watching us. I felt like a bug under a microscope. I don’t get people like Elody wanting to be watched by the public. It would freak me out. This morning wasn’t the time or place for us to clear the air with people trying to eavesdrop. We went to the movies because that’s always been our thing. I feel like such a jerk after we talked. Grant wasn’t the reason his mom killed those people any more than I was. Everyone in town’s been treating him like he’s the criminal, including me. He’s leaving Miller’s Cove, and it’s all my fault!” I wailed.

“ It’s not your fault. You can’t blame folks for how they feel. I guarantee you that Grant understands why you’ve avoided him. He’s not an i***t, for heaven’s sake, so stop beating yourself up over it. You aren’t responsible for the whole town. If you were, I’d ask for a new patrol car and a raise,” Clint joked trying to lighten the mood.

“ It’s been one of those days. I’m tired and have a guilty conscience about Grant. I don’t want it to ruin the rest of the evening though. I want to end today on a high note by flirting with a good-looking deputy on the phone.” I blushed at a sudden thought. “Don’t tell my mom we have phone s*x!”

“ I’ve missed you,” Clint’s voice lowered to a husky growl, “I don’t think I’ve told you lately, but you’re the hottest librarian I know.”

“ Hmm. . . I’m the only librarian you know, but it’s a start,” I changed my voice to what I thought was a sexy French accent. “And how are you going to make up for ze days you’ve been gone?”

For the next few delicious minutes, Clint told me how he planned to make me smile when he returned.