Peril in Paperback: A Bibliophile Mystery

slightly shocked that I’d managed to pull it off.
    Dangly crystal and silver earrings finished the look. I just hoped the things wouldn’t fly off into the crowd when I got my wild and crazy bongo groove on.
    While adding an extra touch of makeup—I was about to perform in a show, after all—I stopped to wonder if Gabriel had found the remnants of the railing from Grace’s balcony. Had he discovered anything incriminating when he examined the loose screws? In all the excitement of rehearsals with Suzie, I had forgotten to track him down. I made a mental note to corner him during the cocktail hour to find out what he’d seen.
    As I was about to leave my room and join the others for drinks and dinner, there was a knock on my bedroom door. Speak of the devil.
    “Brooklyn,” Gabriel said when I opened the door,“this is Ray, Shelly’s husband and Grace’s resident handyman.”
    “I know,” I said, gazing curiously at the tall, sandy-haired man standing behind Gabriel.
    The handyman, still dressed in jeans, a denim shirt with rolled-up sleeves, and a baseball cap, gave me a casual salute. “Hey.”
    “How’s Shelly doing?”
    “She’s a lot better. Course, she won’t shut up about this guy here.” He grinned as he pointed his thumb at Gabriel. “So I’ve gotta put up with that. But I’d say it was worth it.”
    “That’s good. Come in.” I swung the door open wider to let them both into my room. “What’s going on?”
    Gabriel stopped and looked around. “Wow, babe. Have a few books, why don’t you? This place was made for you.”
    “Glad you think so,” I said. “Do you want to sit down?”
    “Nope, just wanted to give you an update without any of the big ears listening in.”
    I smiled at Ray. I guess he didn’t qualify as one of the big ears.
    Gabriel caught my look and gave me a quick nod of assurance. “Yeah, Ray’s cool. He tells me that Grace’s balcony railing was in fine condition. He checks them all every month.”
    “That’s right,” Ray said, scratching his chin. “Grace is kind of a fanatic about sitting outside on her terrace, even when it’s cold. So Shelly gets on my ass to keep everything out there in good condition. But I would’ve done it, anyway. That’s my job.”
    “Did you see the damaged railing?” I asked.
    “Yeah.” He scowled. “The screws have been stripped. I don’t get it. I just checked that railing maybe two weeks ago when I weatherized all the wood around the house. I always treat the railings and the eaves and the siding before the snows hit. I do that every fall.”
    “That’s really smart,” I said. “No wonder everything looks so nice.”
    “Yeah, until today,” he muttered. “Damn it, Shelly could’ve died out there.” Frustrated, he swiped his forehead with the back of his hand. “Anyway, I wanted to thank you both for saving her life.”
    “No problem, man.” Gabriel slapped him gently on the back. “I was just glad I got there in time.”
    “You and me both.” Ray nodded at me. “Well, you all should probably get going to dinner.”
    “Probably so,” I said to Gabriel, then looked at Ray. “We’re having a talent show tonight. Are you going?”
    He stopped short of grimacing. “Shelly wouldn’t miss it, so I guess I’ll be there.”
    I laughed. “Sorry about that. But we’ll try to give you some laughs.”
    “I can only hope.” He walked to the door, then stopped. “I’ll get that railing fixed tomorrow and it’ll be good as new. And I plan on keeping a closer eye on things around here, too. Seems like someone might be up to no good.”
    “I know Grace would appreciate it,” Gabriel said. “And we do, too.”
    “Yes. Thanks, Ray.” Then something occurred to me. “Do you do a lot of work in the conservatory?”
    “Nope. I’m not much of a plant man. I’m happy to dig holes and carry trees here and there, but as far as watering and pruning and such, that’s not my thing. You might want to talk to Ruth. She’s a whiz at all that.”
    I forced a smile. “Thanks. I will.”
    The door closed behind him and I turned to Gabriel. “Ruth again. She was the one who handed Grace the poisoned drink, and now she’s a whiz with plants?”
    He frowned. “We never did check out the conservatory.”
    “No. I guess we were a little too distracted this morning.”
    “Cops showing up at dawn tend to do that.” Gabrielheaded for the door. “Let’s make sure we do it first thing tomorrow.”
    I grabbed