The Shifter Romances The Writer

Hank nodded. “Which makes me think our perp has a record.”

Jenna Blythe stopped clacking the keyboard of her department laptop long enough to look up. “Your girlfriend is pretty active on social media.”

“She’s a public figure. And a popular one.” Just how popular Alex was starting to understand. “What’s your point?”

Jenna turned the laptop around. Roxy’s Facebook page was on the screen. “My point is that she posted Saturday’s signing as an event. The whole world knows exactly when and where to find her tomorrow.”

Alex let out a soft curse. “That complicates things.”

“Just a bit.”

Hank leaned on the table. “I’ve already got Nick Hardwin and Greyson Garrett working crowd patrol for the parade, but I can deputize a few more. That would free up another deputy to help keep an eye on Ms. St. James. Of course, if she’d just cancel the signing—”

“You heard her,” Alex said. “She won’t. And I don’t need extra help. In fact, I think it’s a good chance to catch this guy. She won’t ever be out of my sight, so the minute he shows up, it’s over.”

Jenna frowned. “You say that like you know what the guy looks like.”

“I know his height. And I know his scent. He’s human, but I can pick him out. And most of Roxy’s readers are female. This guy is going to stick out like a sore thumb.”

She pushed her chair back. “Good point. But I still think you should have backup. And I think I should do it. I’ll blend in with the demographic.”

Hank tapped a finger on the table. “That’s a good idea. In fact, why don’t we get some of the other women in town to assist?”

Alex liked that idea. “You think Ivy would help?” Hank’s wife was a werewolf just like he was.

Hank shook his head. “I’m sure she would, but she’s already scheduled to work at Delaney’s.”

Alex looked at Jenna. “Okay, then how about your sister?”

The valkyrie snorted. “She’s not exactly the bodyguard type.”

“But she’s a valkyrie like you and knows how to protect herself. And she’s a librarian. A book signing would be right up her alley.”

“True,” Jenna replied. “She’s probably already planning on being there, so helping out shouldn’t be an issue. So long as she doesn’t have a commitment immediately afterwards. But I’ll find out.”

Alex glanced at Hank. “Two valkyries and I should do it. Plus, isn’t the woman who owns that shop a witch?”

“Agnes?” Hank asked. “I think so. Maybe she and some of the other coven members could give us some magical aid. A little spell of protection or some such.”

Alex nodded. “I’ll talk to Agnes about it. I want to go over to the shop anyway, get the layout, see where the exits are, check if she has any kind of security system in place.”

“You going to tell Agnes what’s going on?” Jenna asked.

“I have to if I’m going to ask for her help. Besides, it’s her shop. She has a right to know. And an extra set of eyes can’t hurt.”

“Agreed.” Hank stood. “Whatever needs to happen to keep Ms. St. James safe, we’ll do it.”

“Thanks, boss. Jenna.” Alex gave a wave and left.

Ten minutes later, he’d parked in the public lot on Broom Avenue, a block away from the bookstore, and was walking into the Bell, Book & Candle. There were a few browsers and a clerk behind the counter, a young man with pointed ears. Alex didn’t recognize him, but Roxy’s stalker definitely wasn’t fae, so whoever the clerk was, he was cool.

Agnes Miller was crouched in the front window, working on a display of Roxy’s books. He’d never formally met Agnes, but he recognized her from around town. He leaned over the small partition. “Ms. Miller?”

She looked up, a trio of straight pins sticking out of the corner of her mouth. She put down the book that she was holding, took the pins out of her mouth and smiled. “That’s me. Can I help you, Officer?”

“I’m a friend of Roxy’s and I’m also going to be handling security for her signing tomorrow. I was hoping you could show me around and we could have a little talk.”

Her expression took on greater concern. “I didn’t realize she had hired anyone. I can assure you, my events are very well run.”

“This doesn’t have anything to do with you or your store so much as…” He lowered his voice. “Roxy has an overeager fan that we’re concerned may show up. In fact, we’re anticipating it. So if we could talk in your office, maybe?”

She nodded. “That’s not good. I had no idea. We can absolutely talk.” She stood, then opened the small door that closed the window partition off from the rest of the store, and jumped down. “Follow me.”

For an older woman, she was certainly agile, which was made even more impressive by the fact that witches never looked their age. They had their spells and potions and magic to hold back the hands of time. If Agnes appeared fifty, she might be seventy. Or older. But she’d act thirty. The streaks of color in her hair were evidence of that.

“Lead the way.”

She started off and he fell into step behind her. She pointed at the young fae man behind the counter. “Leo, mind the shop, I have a meeting.”

Leo’s brows rose and he smiled. “You got it, Agnes.”