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stronger.
    â€œWhat about your own personal collection of books? Are there any valuable first editions in it?”
    â€œNo, honey. Their only value is of the sentimental variety.”
    Lizzie took hold of Molly’s hand. “Molly, I’d like you to come and stay with me for a few days once you’re released.”
    â€œThank you, honey, but I’d feel so much better in my own home. I would welcome your company, though.”
    â€œDone. I’ll ask Nathaniel to feed the cats.” She felt Bob’s eyes on her. She glanced at him, at his raised eyebrows and quick gaze toward the door, and got the message.
    â€œI guess I should be going,” Lizzie said. “I’ll stop by after breakfast and see if they’ve decided when to release you.”
    Bob said, “No need to, Lizzie. I’ll come by, and if she’s ready to go home, I’ll give you a call with an ETA and use the Bob Miller taxi service.”
    Lizzie grinned. “I hear it gives good service to special clients.” She walked over to Molly and kissed her forehead. “I’ll see you tomorrow. Sleep well.”
    She gave Bob a small wave and left. She stopped by the nursing station to see if she could find out anything else about Molly’s condition but they couldn’t, or wouldn’t, add to what she already knew. She looked back at the police officer sitting on a chair to the right of the door. He nodded. She tried to smile but turned instead and walked to the elevator, tears in her eyes.

Chapter Six
    Uh-oh. Not again.
    BEHIND THE SEAMS
—BETTY HECHTMAN
    L izzie found Mark slumped on her love seat, his feet on her brown leather hassock. She knew it had been a long day for him, too. Last night he had a city council meeting to attend and it had gone on well past the usual finishing time. She was debating whether to wake him or let him sleep, when his eyes popped open.
    He grinned and reached out to her. “Hey, come here, you.”
    She sank onto the love seat beside him and curled up in the crook of his arm. She felt like one of her cats. Totally content. Until she thought about Molly.
    â€œDid you go back to the hospital?” he asked, as if sensing the path her thoughts had taken.
    â€œI stopped by after having supper with Sally-Jo and Jacob. Bob was there. I think he’s been there the entire time.”
    She felt Mark nod. “It’s a big shock for everyone. Hard to imagine anyone hurting Molly Mathews.”
    â€œDid you find out anything new, Mark?” Lizzie sat up and looked at him. She could hear how shaky her own voice sounded.
    â€œMiz Coldicutt’s books were delivered all right. Officer Craig spoke to the publisher and he confirmed the details. He has no idea why anyone would want to steal them, though.”
    â€œJacob wondered if the wrong books were delivered and they were then picked up again.”
    â€œCraig didn’t ask him specifically but he would have told us if that were the case, I’d think. He’s as puzzled as anyone, and Craig said he really got upset when told about the attack. I’ll talk to him myself tomorrow morning.”
    Lizzie sat upright to face Mark. “There’s got to be a reason.”
    â€œOh, there is. There always is a reason for violence and that’s why I don’t want you going poking around in all this. Okay?”
    Lizzie shook her head. “I can’t promise that, Mark. Molly is family. Someone tried to hurt her. That’s more important than the books. But the books are the reason. Maybe there’s a way the book club can help.”
    â€œYou’ve been lucky in the past, Lizzie. The worst that’s happened was you being shot in the arm.”
    â€œGrazed.”
    â€œWhatever. We don’t know what we’re dealing with here and I don’t want you becoming a target again. So no nosing around.”
    Lizzie leaned forward and kissed him. “Understood.