Page 49 of Silver Player

[Billy]

The expression of horror on Roxanne’s face is not the look I was hoping for moments after giving her an orgasm. She came so quickly, but that only meant there was more to come, every pun intended. Only now, her bookstore being robbed is a bigger buzzkill than Mrs. Pritchard’s interruption earlier.

“We need to call the sheriff,” I say to Roxie who hasn’t moved. Her eyes remain wide, staring at the open drawer, empty of cash. She has one of those old-fashioned registers with keys like a typewriter.

“Roxie?” She hasn’t responded, and I approach her. When my hand touches her upper arm, she flinches. Dull eyes glance at my face, but I don’t think she’s registering me.

“I’ve been robbed,” she whispers. I reach for her again, not allowing her to pull away from me. She’s shaking, and I tug her to me. Wrapping my arms around her, I hold her to my chest while her arms dangle at her sides.

“Hold onto me, darlin’.” She needs something to grasp, to pull herself together.

“Who would do this?” She pulls back, but I don’t release her.

“I don’t know, baby, but let’s call the sheriff. We don’t want to waste time as it just happened.” I should have run outside to see if I noticed anyone sprinting down the block or driving off, but I didn’t think that quickly, and I didn’t want to leave Roxie alone.

I dial 911 and get Vikki Stunner on the line. Yes, that’s her real name, but it’s not a label for her appearance although she’s a decent looking woman.

“9-1-1. How can I help you?”

I proceed to explain how BookEnds has been robbed, and the sheriff is dispatched.

“Billy Harrington, is that you?” Oh boy. I hadn’t identified myself when I called. I don’t need to be wasting time with conversations. We need a sheriff here stat.

“Yes, ma’am,” I answer.

“Don’t you ma’am me. I’m younger than you, remember?” Vikki starts. “I haven’t seen you lately. Been spending a lot of time at that bookstore?”

I recognize a fishing expedition when I hear one, and I’m not about to take the bait.

“Jerry told me you’ve been over there quite a bit.”

I want to tell Vikki her husband should spend more time at home, minding his own business than minding mine, but I don’t, mainly because I like Jerry. He’s a regular, and regulars are good for business. Second, I don’t mention it because I’m relieved Jerry married Vikki after she hit on me one too many times years ago.

“You should come to dinner some night.” I’m still holding Roxie in my arms while this conversation continues, and I feel the weight of Roxie’s eyes on me. She doesn’t miss the seductive attempt through the phone, and I cringe. I have no interest in Vikki, married or not, but especially married. Married women are definitely not of interest to me.

“Thanks for the invitation, Vikki, but I’ll need to pass presently. Can you tell me when June will be here?”

June Barne is the first female sheriff of our community, and even though her last name reminds me of a purple dinosaur, she’s one tough cookie. In her uniform, she’s a badass, but I remember her from my high school days. She was almost as much of a troublemaker as I was. June lives by rules now, but she walks a fine line along those rules, knowing where the straight and narrow grows hazy. Fortunately for me, June and I haven’t crossed any lines over the years.

Vikki gives me an ETA of June’s arrival, and I thank her, ending the call.

“Where’s Sadie?” I ask, suddenly worried this wasn’t random or only done downstairs. Roxie’s eyes widen, and I race for the back of the store. Taking the steps two at a time, I rush through the door at the top marked private. I quickly cross the living room for Sadie’s room but find her bed full, covers pulled up to the pillow. My fingers twitch to brush back her midnight hair which Roxie told me isn’t her natural color. I want to stroke her peaceful cheek, but then again, she isn’t here for me to wake her.

What the fuck?

After double-checking the locks on the back door, I return downstairs to find June asking Roxanne a few questions.

“So, you’re saying, you were in the store when it happened, but you didn’t hear anything?” June’s brow pinches as she narrows her eyes at Roxie.

“No, I was…I was in the back.” Roxie pauses as I approach, and I swipe a hand along her lower back. I mean it as comfort, but she stiffens, and I instantly drop my hand. Unfortunately, June doesn’t miss the touch.

“And you’re the one who called 9-1-1?” June nods at me.

“I did. I was in the store with Roxie when it happened.”

June’s brows rise, her smooth forehead furrowing. Her hair is pulled back into the most severe bun I’ve ever seen, tightly tugging her skin near her temples.

“And where were you located in the store?” she questions.