Look Both Ways by Carol J. Perry Read Free Book Online Page B

‘person of interest’ by Salem police in their investigation into the death of antique shop proprietor Shea Tolliver. Mr. Campbell was at one time Ms. Tolliver’s business partner, but reports say that the two became alienated more than a year ago.” The picture on the screen changed to Campbell’s mug shot. The announcer continued. “A police spokesperson emphasized that Campbell is not at this time being detained in connection with the death and is cooperating with authorities. He was arrested this morning for a violation of a court order, but he has posted bond and has since been released.”
    â€œWhat does Pete think about all that?” my aunt asked.
    â€œI have no idea,” I said. “We haven’t talked about it since he called this afternoon to tell me that my description of that man had been good enough to get him picked up. You know Pete hardly ever discusses police business with anybody.”
    â€œThat’s as it should be.” She nodded affirmatively. “He’s a good man, Lee. Your, uh, friendship seems to be developing nicely.” She raised one eyebrow with an expectant look. I chose to ignore the unspoken question.
    Is it developing “nicely?” Where is it leading? I don’t know.
    I changed the subject. “Talked to River today.”
    â€œOh, how is she? I like that girl.”
    â€œShe’s fine. Read my cards, as usual. Nothing dire there, apparently. We talked mostly about furniture.”
    â€œThat seems to be the topic of the day. Did you and Pete get to open the secret compartments?”
    â€œJust one,” I said.
    â€œWhat was in it?” She leaned forward, eyes sparkling.
    â€œIt was the double-pocket compartment,” I reported. “Two little tissue-wrapped items in it.”
    â€œWell? Don’t tease. What did you find?”
    I laughed. “You sound like a little kid. Okay. I’ll tell you. We each picked one. Mine was a nineteen fifty-one Benjamin Franklin silver half-dollar.”
    â€œThat was nice. What did Pete find?”
    â€œPete’s was an old Salem dog license tag.”
    â€œThat’s kind of touching, isn’t it?” she said. “A remembrance of a loved pet is something a sensitive person would value.”
    â€œWe thought so, too.”
    â€œSo you didn’t open the other compartments?”
    â€œNo. I’m not going to do it until he can come back and open them with me.”
    â€œGood for you. I’d be much too curious to wait even another minute to see what else is in there,” she said. “But, Maralee, you look tired. Why don’t you do as Pete suggested and get some rest?”
    â€œYou’re right. I’m beat. It’s been a long, strange day.” I looked around the room. “Where’s O’Ryan? He scratched on the door to get out right after Pete arrived. Did he come down here?”
    As though he’d heard his cue, the big yellow cat strolled into the den and sat in front of me, golden eyes fixed on mine. “Mmrupp,” he said, then turned and headed for the front hall.
    â€œI guess he’s ready for bed, too,” I said as I followed him. “Good night, Aunt Ibby. I love you.”
    â€œLove you, Maralee. Get a good night’s sleep.”
    I climbed the stairs and opened the door to my apartment. Taking a long look around the kitchen, I decided that a proper table and chairs to replace the folding variety would be my next purchase. I’d buy some vintage dishes of my own, too.
    I guess I’d better get River to show me how to arrange them all for balance and harmony.
    O’Ryan had already gone into the bedroom. I tagged along behind him. Smoothing the rumpled bedcovers, I picked up the piece of tissue paper, along with the treasures Pete and I had unwrapped.
    â€œGuess I’ll put these back where we found them,” I said aloud. Talking to O’Ryan as though he was a