“I’m pretty sure it was in 1827. Poe was only eighteen at the time.” I paused while I dredged up what details I could remember. “It’s an epic poem, not really a book—about forty pages, the size of a pamphlet. Something that would fit in an archival folder like that one.” I remembered a bit more. “There are nine other poems besides ‘Tamerlane.’ ”
“You’re really up on your Poe.” Kanesha sounded impressed, albeit a bit grudgingly. “But I guess that’s the kind of thing you’re supposed to know, right?”
“Librarians tend to pick up all kinds of information.” I offered a self-deprecating smile. “In this case, useful information. Sometimes it’s merely trivia.”
Sean laughed. “Don’t let the modest act take you in, Deputy. He’s a mine of all kinds of information to do with books.”
I smiled briefly at my son, silently thanking him for the compliment.
“The folder,” Sean said. “It could have contained this pamphlet, then.”
“Yes. There are some tiny chips of paper in the folder. Both letters are intact, and the chips are a different color paper than the letters anyway.” Kanesha shrugged. “We’ll have to wait till the state crime lab can examine those chips to see how old the paper is.”
Those little bits of paper were not conclusive at this point, but the romantic in me wanted to believe that they came from an original copy of one of the rarest American literary works ever published. I could easily imagine Mr. Delacorte’s excitement when he held such a precious object in his hands, knowing that it was now a part of his collection.
Then I felt pangs of sorrow. If he had bought the
The memory of a bit of conversation popped into my head. “Mr. Delacorte went somewhere on a business trip last week,” I said. “I remember hearing somebody mention it. Maybe he told me himself, I’m not sure. But the point is, it might have some connection with the purchase.”
“That’s good to know,” Kanesha said. “I’ll check into it.” She paused for a moment. “Now, getting back to what I was saying earlier, about you observing while you’re in the Delacorte house.”
“Yes, of course. Do you have any particular instructions for me?” I still couldn’t quite believe that she was asking for my assistance, and in front of a witness, no less.
A pained look appeared briefly, then disappeared as she replied. “Keep your eyes open. Particularly for this copy of
“It will probably be there somewhere. Surely a thief wouldn’t believe he could steal it and get away with it, not an item as rare as that.” Sean shifted in his chair.
“You may be overestimating someone’s intelligence, Mr. Harris.” Kanesha’s wry tone piqued my curiosity. “In my experience the average thief is about as smart as a box of dirt. They
“Are you referring to members of Mr. Delacorte’s family?” Sean leaned forward. “From what Dad and I have heard, they don’t sound all that bright.”
Kanesha regarded us in turn with her poker face. “I don’t know what you’ve heard, but I don’t have any official opinion on the Delacorte family. You can decide for yourselves soon enough.”
“Fair enough,” I said. I knew we wouldn’t get any more out of her. She would be forthcoming when it suited her and not before. “Any other instructions for me and Sean?”
“No. Just some words of warning. Remember what I said about observing. That’s what I need from you, okay?” Kanesha frowned.
“Understood, Deputy.” I smiled as I gestured toward the tea tray. “How about more tea?”
“Thanks, but no.” Kanesha gathered her things before she rose from her chair. “I’ve got to get back to the station. I’ll expect you to call me if you find anything. The moment you find it.” She stared hard at me.
I stood, as did Sean. “I understand what you want, Deputy. I assure you I’ll abide by your rules.” Diesel and Dante both hopped down from their perches as I prepared to escort the deputy to the front door.
“I’ll see Ms. Berry out, Dad.” Sean preempted me.
I nodded, curious as to why Sean insisted on doing it. Did he have something to say to her that he didn’t want me to hear?
I watched as Sean and Kanesha exited the room, followed by the cat and the dog. Dante seemed determined to make every step Sean did. The poor little guy had to be a bit confused, not to mention anxious, going from one owner to another, and then traveling a long distance to a strange house.
Sean and the animals returned as I finished loading the tea tray.
“I don’t know about you,” I said as I hoisted the tray, “but I’m ready for bed. This has been one long day.”
“Why don’t you let me take care of this.” Sean pulled the tray from my hands. “You go on up and relax. Is there anything I can do for you?”
