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He shrugs. “It’s an excellent tax write-off.”
I knew he was rich, but to have enough money to write off a whole house? Yikes.
“You were right. About the house. It’s worth protecting.”
I can’t help questioning if Fred came to this conclusion on his own. But no matter. The deed is in my hand. Not his. “Well, I’m glad to know we’re on the same page.”
“Yes. Well. Horace is lucky to have you, Dr. Chaplin.”
I nod. “Thank you, Mr. Frederickson.”
With a final look, Fred disappears into the front hall of the museum.
Though the hubbub continues around me, time is frozen. I pull the envelope to my chest and cling to it.
A lot of good came out of this mess. Though it’s bittersweet, the sweet keeps getting sweeter.
I stare at the skeleton and smile to myself. It can be thankless work, doing this all on my own. Maybe now, I won’t have to. Maybe now, we’ll be able to acquire more resources, make updates, hire employees. My head is spinning.
Out of the corner of my eye, I realize someone has joined me in admiring the skeleton. My jaw drops when I realize who it is.
“Took you long enough to notice me,” Rory says, not drawing his eyes away from the skeleton. His hands are tucked behind his back and he’s wearing civilian clothing.
I stare.
He finally turns to look at me, a grin spreading on his face. “Hi, Constance.”
“What are you doing here?” I ask, the words feeling like marbles on the back of my tongue.
“I’m taking in the Bicentennial celebration, of course! What kind of county sheriff would I be if I didn’t partake in my domain’s festivities?”
I look down my nose at him. “Domain? What are you, a king?”
“No, definitely not,” he says with a nervous laugh. “Um. How are you?”
I decide not to tell him about the Wilhelm House for now. Keep that for me until it’s all settled. “I’m very good. And you?”
“I’m good, I’m good.” He looks back at the skeleton. “You know, this is the first time I’ve seen this thing… all put together.”
I smirk. “You sound unimpressed.”
“Well. Bones aren’t my thing. But itisneat.”
I could launch into a diatribe about how it’s more than neat. About the historical relevance, the importance of historical preservation, the… none of that is necessary right now.
“Maybe I’m not super impressed by an old skeleton, but I am impressed by you, Constance.”
I feel flushed. “Oh, well thank you.”
“Seriously, you were invaluable in solving the case.”
“Well, I as highly motivated to?—”
“No, I think you enjoyed yourself more than you’re willing to admit.”
I tilt my head to the side, rolling my eyes playfully. “I do like a good mystery, what can I say?”
Rory laughs. “See? You’re not all Dr. Buttoned-Up Bones.”
