Bound To Be Dead: Cozy Mystery Bookshop Series Book 3 Tamra Baumann (new books to read txt) 📖

“Maybe Brittany knows.” I dial her number. When she answers, I poke the speaker button, “Hey. Deputy Ben is with me and has a question about the morning of the talent show.”

“Fire away.” Brittany pops her gum. “Actually, that’s probably a dumb thing to say to someone who carries a gun.”

Ben chuckles. “Hi, Brittany. Do you know when Max left the house on the morning of the show?”

“Not exactly. But it was probably around eleven fifteen. I walked with him to the diner, and then I went to Raphe’s house.”

Ben asks, “How did Max seem? Nervous about the show or anything?”

I don’t know about my dad, but I’m nervous about these questions.

Brittany says, “He seemed normal.”

“Okay,” Ben adds a note on his cell. “What did you two talk about on the way?”

“About Raphe and me. Max said he’d noticed I’d been off and asked what was wrong. Max helped me with the problem I was having.”

I pull the phone closer. “What problem?”

“Relationship stuff.” Brittany sighs. “I needed a male opinion.”

I’m sort of hurt Brittany didn’t ask me. But for her to ask my dad for advice, the king of bad relationships, sends my antennae on full alert. A sudden thought hits, and I say, “Was Raphe pressuring you into doing something you certainly aren’t ready for at fifteen?” My voice has risen two decibels. I need to calm down.

“No pressure. But you know. I could tell it might be a thing. So Max told me what to do.”

“What did he tell you?” I bark into the phone. Who knows what my father said, but I’m pretty sure it needs correcting.

Ben clears his throat. “Maybe you two can discuss that later?”

I want to tell Ben he has no idea how important this is, but then, he’s trying to solve a murder. “Sorry.” I hold the phone toward him again.

“Thank you.” Ben leans near the phone and says, “Brittany, did you see Max go into the diner?”

“Yeah. He sat with Tina in the first booth right by the window. I waved as I passed by. Max said he’d offered to buy lunch for you too, Sawyer, for helping with the show, but you told him—”

“Yep.” I quickly add, “I was mad at him for guilting me into helping him.” I force a smile at Ben. “It wasn’t worth repeating.”

“Okay.” Ben tries to suppress a grin. “Thank you, Brittany, that helps us a lot. Dylan might call you later if we need anything else.”

“He’s already calling me later. He texted earlier and asked if we could talk at three.”

I open my mouth to ask what about, but Ben holds up a hand to stop me. He says, “Thank you, Brittany. Take care.”

“’Kay. Bye.” She disconnects the call, clearly not interested in finishing our conversation.

I ask Ben, “What did that tell you?”

“I’m not allowed to discuss it. Dylan’s direct orders.” Ben tucks his phone away and stands. “But the next time you go to the diner, look around a bit. They’ve added something new. See you later, Sawyer.” Ben turns and heads out the door.

I look at Cooper and ask, “Should I call Brittany back or go see what’s new at the diner?” I’m dying to do both, but at the same time dreading the delicate conversation with Brittany.

Cooper raises his brows in a are you seriously even asking way.

“Right. Brittany first, then the diner.” I dial Brittany’s number. I need to get brave and do this, but kids should really come with a manual.

Brittany answers with “Before you lose it, nothing happened with Raphe. I was asking Max questions because I wasn’t sure what boys expect.”

That’s a relief. And understandable. Brittany’s examples with men and her mom aren’t the best. “What did Max say?”

“He said it didn’t matter what boys want or ask for. The only thing that matters is what I want. Then he said some gooey stuff about how smart I am, so I should trust my instincts. And when I find someone who can respect that about me, I’ll have met the right one.”

“Oh.” I let out the breath I’d been holding. “That’s good advice. Except he forgot to add the part about how that right one won’t show up until you’re way out of college.”

Brittany laughs. “He said something like that too. But then I pointed out you met Dylan in high school.”

Great. Brittany has become a master debater.

“What did Max say to that?” I’m not sure I want to hear this part. My dad never lets an opportunity pass to poke at Dylan.

“That you and Dylan both needed to grow into yourselves before you were the right ones for the other. And now that you are, it’s a good example of why one should always leave a relationship in a respectful and honorable way.”

Wow. I can’t believe what my father said about Dylan. I’ll have to tell him later. “So, did Max’s advice help with Raphe?”

“Yeah. We’re good. How about you and Dylan?”

I wish I knew. “I’ll let you know after Tina’s murder is solved. Did Dylan say what he wanted to talk with you about at three?”

“Nope. Just that it was something he needs to ask me before I start school on Monday. He said he preferred to do it on the phone.”

“Maybe more questions about Max. Might not count as official without speaking directly to you or something.”

“Probably.” Brittany is quiet for a moment, then says, “I think Max actually likes Dylan, even though your dad pretends not to. I mean, if that’s part of what’s holding you back.”

I never thought about that, but it is a relief to hear what Dad said to Brittany. Maybe I always did want my father’s approval somewhere deep inside. “I’ll take that under consideration. Thank you for telling me.”

“Yeah. No problem. Gotta run. Call you later.” The line goes dead.

As usual.

I’m about to tuck my phone away when an idea strikes. I dial Madge at the station. “Want to grab a cup of coffee