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“That smells amazing.”
“I know. It’s an easy recipe too. I’ll show you sometime. I think your group will love it.” He nodded to the door. “Terrance is home. He came by to thank you for gathering his papers, so I gave him the box. He thinks it’s a new hat for one of his local clubs.”
“Well, I hope so. I guess if it was a bomb, it would have gone off in my house days ago.” She moved to the bedroom. “I’m going to change.”
The doorbell rang when she was in the bedroom. When she came out, Terrance was in her living room, looking shaken.
She looked between him and Archer, who had just hung up the phone. “What’s going on?”
“It wasn’t a hat. It was a finger. A human finger. And there was a note.” Archer held up the phone. “I’ve called Drew, and he’s on his way.”
“Oh no. Terrance, I’m so sorry. Do you know anyonewho’s missing?”
Terrance looked up at her and took her hand, pulling her down to sit on the couch with him. “Darling girl, the note was addressed to you. They dropped the box off at the wrong house.”
Chapter 11
Drew showed up and opened the box. He read the note, put it into a plastic bag, and wrote something on the front. Then he pulled a kitchen chair over to where Rarity still sat with Terrance. Killer was curled on her lap.
Drew leaned toward her. “Hey, how are you?”
“I was all relaxed and ready for a movie. Now, I’m just confused. What’s going on, Drew?” She scooted closer to the edge of the couch. “Why would someone send me a finger? And whosefinger is it?”
“Nobody’s. At least that’s my guess. I think it’s made of rubber. Thewhyis pretty clear from the note. They think you’re too involved in the investigation. I’ve warned you before, this sleuthing club was going to get you in trouble. Now, it’s possible the person is from out of town, since they left it on Terrance’s doorstep rather than yours. I guess I should have looked at it closer when we found it. Did Killer show any interest in the package when you had it hereat the house?”
“Nothing. If it was a real finger, he would have smelled the decay, right? Heck, I should have smelled the decay.” She took a sip of the coffee Archer had made after he’d called Drew.
“Yeah, that’s another reason I’m pretty sure it’s fake.” He rubbed a hand over his crew cut. “But if they were from out of town, how would they have known about the sleuthing club?”
“I don’t know.” Rarity leaned backinto the couch.
“And with that, I’m heading back home. If you want to question me more, I’ll be up for a few more hours. I haven’t unpacked or started laundry yet.” Terrance patted Rarity on the shoulder. “Hang in there. We’ll find out who sent this to you and why. They can’t be all that smart since they left it at my door instead of yours.”
After Terrance left, Drew refilled his coffee cup. “I’m sure it’s someone who doesn’t live here. Anyone in town knows where you live. It’snot a secret.”
“What did the note say?” Rarity asked.
Drew and Archer exchanged a look.
“Oh, no. We’re not playing the ‘take care of Rarity’ game. Not tonight. What did it say?” she pushed.
Drew got up, took the bag off the table, and handed it to her. “The note says that you should stay out of Janey’s murder case, or you’d be the one missing a finger. They don’t want you dead. Just something towarn you off.”
“Well, that’s comforting.” She read the note, then handed it back to Drew. Then she glanced over at Archer. “Do I need to finish the chili?”
“Nope, it’s done. I’m just letting it cool. Then it needs to go into a plastic container, and it’s ready for tomorrow. Just put it in the Crock-Pot two hours before you want to serve, and you’re done.” Archer explained the process.
“Are you having a party without me?” Drew asked.
“I’m sure you know that the sleuthers’ club is coming over here for a meeting. And a potluck, since your dad is bringing a salad,” she added. “Hey, have you heard from Sam? She’s not returning my calls.”
“She’s home with her brother. The DA allowed me to put a tail on him, so I get reports every time they leave the house. I wish she’d call you. I know she’s not likely to talk to me until this is all finished. And who even knows about then.” He stood and put the chair back at the table. “I’m heading home with your package. I don’t think you need to worry, but maybe Archer should stay over fora few nights.”
“And what if I don’t want him to stay over?” Rarity stood and followed Drew to the table. “He can’t be here tomorrow. He has a hike. I’m not letting him turn down workto babysit me.”
“My dad will come early and stay with you. He might as well be useful if he wants to be involved in this. So, Archer at night, my dad during the day, until we catch this guy.” He juggled the box. “Rarity, this threat changes things. I don’t want you to be alone. I couldn’t live with myself if someone hurt you because I didn’t take this threat seriously. Even though it seems silly.”
“Okay.” She took her cup to the sink.
