Ink and Shadows(Secret, Book, & Scone Society #4)(44)

“Speaking of libraries,” Nora said, reaching for another book. “This is Murder Past Due. It’s the first book in the Cat in the Stack series by Miranda James. It’s also set in Mississippi. It features a charming librarian named Charlie Harris and his equally charming cat, Diesel.”

Gertie put a hand on Nora’s arm. “Oh, just look at that darling cover! I want to read this one too. It’s just perfect. I’m so glad we came in today. Aren’t you, Hank?”

Before Hank could reply with his ubiquitous “yep,” Nora asked if she could help him find a special book.

Hank’s cheeks turned pink. Though was he was probably in his seventies, he looked like a little boy who hadn’t expected his teacher to call on him.

“I really enjoyed our train ride from Asheville. It’s been a long time since I’ve been on a train, but I’ve always liked them. My sister gave me Murder on the Orient Express for Christmas one year, and I read it in one night. Do you have other mysteries with trains?”

“Let me think.” Nora’s eyes moved over the shelves. “Have you read The Great Train Robbery or Thrilling Stories of the Railway?”

Hank confessed that he’d never heard of either book.

“My husband hasn’t had much time to read,” Gertie said, smiling tenderly at Hank. “He worked every day of the week so that our five kids could graduate from college free and clear of loans. He finally retired a few months ago, and his GP wants him to take it easy. So if books with trains will help him relax, then we’ll take all of them. I’ve always spent my evenings reading, and now, my love will be joining me.”

Later, after Gertie and Hank had paid for their books and were quietly deliberating over whether to snack on chocolate book pockets or grab something at the Gingerbread House after visiting another shop or two, Nora’s anger returned. It wasn’t as fierce as before, but it was there.

The bookstore should have been busier. There should have been more lodge guests browsing the shelves, but they weren’t even coming inside. More than once, Nora saw people with turquoise totes stop in front of the display window. They’d study the magical, bookish scene before walking away, their lips pursed in disapproval.

“Gertie?” Nora called from behind the checkout counter. “You and Hank definitely want to visit the bakery. If the Sugar Plum Fairy traded her wings for an apron, you’d have Hester, the owner. Not only is her food delicious, but it’ll make you feel good too.”

“Sounds like we should go there next,” said Hank. “Thanks for the advice.”

Coming out from behind the checkout counter, Nora approached the couple. “Seems like you’re getting plenty of that today. I overheard you say that you were told to skip this store. I won’t mention it to your guide, but lodge employees don’t usually tell guests where to shop.”

Hank pointed at the logo on his tote bag. “It wasn’t our guide. It was the concierge.”

“That’s right,” added Gertie. “She got on the tour bus and told us that most of the stores in town were gold stars, but a few were what she called ‘think twice’ shops. We should think twice before visiting those merchants. Isn’t that what she said, Hank?”

“Yep.”

Nora struggled to maintain her calm. “What stores were on her think twice list?”

Gertie fished around in her purse and withdrew a tiny notepad. “Soothe, Red Bird Gallery and Gifts, and Miracle Books.”

Nora feigned confusion. “Did the concierge say why those places were on the list?”

Gertie exchanged a puzzled look with her husband before answering. “It seems strange, now that we’ve been in your shop, but the lady said that these places were considered—what was the word, Hank?”

“Disreputable.”

“That’s it. She said that she and her friends steered clear of those stores, so we might want to as well.” Seeing the hurt in Nora’s eyes, Gertie reached out and took her hand. As she gazed down at the bubbled skin and the partial pinkie finger, her face filled with compassion. “Don’t worry, sweetheart, Hank and I will tell every guest not to pay a lick of attention to that concierge. You made us feel like family, and we’ll come back again. You can count on it.”

Gertie’s kindness tamped down Nora’s fury, but not for long. The couple was barely out the door before Nora was calling June.

“You’re shitting me!” June exclaimed when she heard what had happened. “That concierge is breaking the rules. Lodge employees aren’t supposed to recommend one local business over another. The concierge is supposed to pass out the downtown shopping map, explain the trolley schedule, and make dining reservations. My boss will lose his mind when he finds out that this woman was bashing local businesses.”

“I want her to lose something,” Nora seethed. “A few teeth would be a good start.”

“Honey, I’ve got this,” June said. “I’m going to record this woman’s think twice speech. I’ll come to town on the next trolley, but I need to hurry if I want a seat in the back. I’ll wear a hat and sunglasses and keep my face hidden behind a map. I tell you, girl, I’ve got this.”

Nora relaxed a little. If anyone could put this situation to rights, it was June.

Around noon, Nora waited for the lunch rush to begin. This was a popular time for locals to pick up special orders or select their next read. It was also when many of the lodge guests who’d started shopping at the other end of town reached Miracle Books.