But would Greg Thompson make up the harassment? Why? For the attention?
Calvin had said that to me. People do a lot of crazy things for attention.
It wasn’t so ridiculous to rule out.
“But I think you must know more about what’s going on than the papers say,” Greg said with a grin.
I was taken aback by the comment. “Why do you think that?”
“Detective Winter came to speak to you, but your helper here closed up shop,” Greg explained while jutting a thumb over at Max. “He was also the one to arrive when you were attacked the other day.”
Whoa.
Hold up.
Danger, danger.
“Who told you that?” I slowly asked. How would he have known? Both shops were closed, there was no one around to see, and I highly doubted Calvin was offering that information willingly.
“Sebastian?” a new voice chimed in.
We all turned toward the door, and I was surprised to see Duncan, the young guy I sold a Dickinson book to. He smiled brightly at me, pulling off his beanie and waving.
“Oh, Duncan, hi,” I said, taking the opportunity to inch away from Greg.
“I came to see you, but your shop is closed.”
“Yeah, sorry about that.”
“Are you okay?” he asked worriedly.
“Sure. You know, I should get back, so if you want to come along….” I turned around, feeling the need to make up an excuse for Beth to join me, to get her away from Greg because I was very quickly drawing some uncomfortable conclusions about him, but Greg was shrugging his coat on with the clear intention of leaving as well.
“Let me know if you need anything today,” Beth said.
“Thanks, Beth.”
Max grabbed his coat and joined Duncan and me. As we were walking to the door, I hung back to make sure Greg followed us out.
“Be careful, Sebastian,” he said as we stepped into the freezing cold.
I glanced up at Greg. “Of? Stepping on cracks, lest I break my mother’s back?”
Greg laughed. “You’re a bit of an asshole.”
“Ah, well, much obliged.”
“Keep me apprised on what’s happening, will you? You’ve obviously got an in with the cops.”
“Not as much as you’d think.” I had a cop in me the other day, though. Did that count?
Greg said his good-byes, and I was left to reopen the Emporium. “You put up your decorations,” Duncan said with a smile as he looked around at the lights and garland.
“Oh, well, Max and my dad did most of the work. I was in the hospital briefly.”
“But you’re okay, right?” Duncan asked, his eyes growing big.
I waved a hand dismissively. “Very okay,” I insisted. I was trying to be nice, but so many people wishing me well was sort of exhausting.
