Chapter 61

Ilooked over my shoulder for the third time. I wasn't sure I liked him sending me away. Cole was manipulative. I saw right through him. He knew damn well Archer appreciated everything he did for him in prison and he was taking advantage of it.

I took one last look and saw they were just talking. I didn't miss the tension in Archer's stance. But it was none of my business. They needed to talk. It wasn't that I was trying to tell Archer not to be friends with him, but I thought it was important he knew exactly who Cole was. And honestly, I didn't think I could be around the man. My gut told me he was bad news. He hurt women. I didn't know if that was something a person could change. I didn't want to test my theory.

I rang the doorbell and waited. The butler greeted me with some confusion. "Hello."

"Hi, I'm here with Archer—I mean, Gene. He told me to come inside and wait for him."

"Of course. Would you like some tea or something to drink while you wait?"

"Um, water would be great." I smiled.

He led me down a hallway. I was overwhelmed by the size of the house. Yes, I had been here before, but without partygoers filling up the foyer and the many rooms set up for entertaining, it looked so much bigger. I was led to a formal sitting room to wait. The butler excused himself with a courteous nod, leaving me alone in the vast room. I took in the grandeur of my surroundings. The furniture was antique, yet well polished and cared for, evidence of wealth and prestige. The walls were covered with paintings and portraits that seemed to be centuries old. It felt like I was in a museum rather than a house. It was so hard to imagine Archer coming from this place.

Soon, the butler returned carrying a silver tray with a bottle of water along with a small dish of assorted cheese and crackers. "If you need anything else, please feel free to call," he said before leaving me alone again. His professionalism was impressive but only added to my discomfort.

I took a drink of water. My mouth was so dry after the excitement from earlier. The silence was eating me alive. I couldn't help but wonder what was happening with Archer and Cole. I took one of the chunks of cheese and chewed, then got up and moved to look at one of the portraits.

"Hello."

I jumped and spun around. Archer's father walked in carrying his iPad.

I smiled. "Hi."

He removed his glasses and smiled again. "Mary Ellen, are you waiting for someone? Gene was just here, but I'm not sure where he went. Murray brought him over, but I think Murray left a bit ago. It's hard to know who's home and who isn't in this house."

"He is here," I said. "Not here, but outside talking to a friend. He'll be in soon."

I didn't mention Archer was talking to his old cell mate. I had a feeling that bit of information would go over like a lead balloon.

"I'm glad you're here," he said. "I wanted to show you something."

"Sure."

I followed him down a large corridor. I wanted to say hallway, but in this massive home, hallway didn't really seem adequate. The house felt more like a luxury hotel with massive rooms and a sprawling layout. I would need a map to get around the place.

"Right in here," he said and opened a set of double doors.

Awe struck me when I stepped inside what was obviously a library. The sheer grandeur of the room was breathtaking. There were towering shelves of books stretching up to the second-story balcony. The rich scent of aged leather and paper filled the air. His private library reminded me of a public library I visited years ago. It was huge.

"This is incredible," I whispered reverently.

He smiled, a delighted spark in his eyes. "I'm glad you like it," he said. "Books have always been a passion of mine. Sadly, not many share that sentiment these days."

I stepped further into the room, my gaze wandering over the countless books. The shelves were made of a dark mahogany and contrasted starkly with the books on the shelves. I felt like a kid in a candy store. I wanted to touch every book on the shelf. Some had old, wrinkled leather covers. Others were newer. I scanned the titles, my fingers itching to pick one up and flip through its pages. Archer's father cleared his throat, breaking the spell of admiration that had enveloped me. "I have something I think you might appreciate," he said, moving toward a secluded section of the library. "This is my collection of first editions."

My eyes nearly popped out of my head. He carefully pulled out a worn leather-bound book and handed it to me. I gingerly took it, almost afraid to touch such a precious artifact. The title read "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald. My heart raced in my chest as I flipped through the yellowed pages, marveling at the age and history held within this tiny volume.

"This is one of my most prized possessions," Archer's father said, his voice filled with quiet reverence. "I have collected first editions for many years."

"This is incredible," I said and scanned the other titles.

"Thank you. Can you believe I have had many of these just sitting in boxes? I won them at auctions and never bothered to unpack. I think that's a crime."

I laughed softly and carefully put the book back on the shelf. "Well, it looks like you're remedying that situation now."

We meandered around the library as he shared anecdotes about how he acquired some of the first editions. Each story was more fascinating than the last. I found myself hanging onto his every word. The passion and love he held for these books was evident in the way his eyes lit up and his voice grew animated as he spoke. I understood why Archer had fought so hard to save my library.

"I hope to retire very soon and I will spend more time in here."

"Do you have an inventory?" I asked him.

"Only of the valuable ones," he said.

We made our way back to the sitting area arranged directly under the open second floor. A few chairs with side tables and lamps were arranged in a perfect circle. He gestured for me to take a seat in one of the plush armchairs. I sank into the softness and had to let out a soft sigh. It felt like I stepped into a world of luxury and refinement. He sat across from me with a proud smile.

"Welcome to my little sanctuary," he said with a smile.

"This is certainly a sanctuary." I nodded. "I'm absolutely speechless. It's beautiful."

He leaned forward. "I wanted to show you this room because I believe in the power of books," he said. "They have the ability to transport us to far-off lands, to inspire us, to challenge us. And I believe that your passion for the library reflects that same belief."

"I love books. And I see where Ar—Gene, gets his love of books. I don't think I've ever met such an avid reader."

He smiled. "Yes, he always did love to read. I bet when you first met him, you didn't think he was a reader."

I had to laugh. "No, definitely not."

"I think he enjoys surprising people." He smiled. "He knows people see him without seeing him. That boy always liked to rock the boat."

I chuckled at the mention of Archer's penchant for surprising people. It was true. He had a way of defying expectations. "I like that he keeps people on their toes."

"He does that." He looked around the library. "I have to say, it's really nice having someone appreciate this space as much as I do. I hate to admit it, but I haven't been in this room in years. I would pop in once in a while, but I never really spent any real time in here. After spending time with you and attending the fundraiser, I realized I've got this beautiful place and I never take advantage of it. I talked to the housekeepers and asked them to make this room beautiful once again. It sat neglected for far too long."

"Can I?" I asked and gestured to the shelves.

He smiled. "Please. Like I mentioned before, I've never stopped buying books, but I stopped reading them. The staff unpacked the many boxes. I honestly don't remember all the titles in here. Except this shelf."

He reached out, pulling out a worn book, its pages yellowed with age. "This was my favorite book as a child," he said, handing it to me. "When Gene and Murray were younger, I would read it to them. When they got a little older, they used to read it on their own. I would bring the boys in here when their mother was out or needed a break. We would all sit quietly and read. Gene loved it, but I don't think Murray was quite as thrilled. He preferred to watch the movie version. Gene was always in here."

I smiled thinking about a young Archer nerding out with books. "I can see that."

I almost forgot about Archer and Cole outside. I assumed Archer would come looking for me when he was done. I inhaled the scent of the library, appreciating the smell of furniture polish and old books.

"If there is a heaven, I think this might be it. At least my version of heaven. I'm sure everyone has a different idea of what heaven looks like, but this is mine."

He chuckled. "I get it. I think it might just be mine as well."

"Every detail is just perfect."

"I remember when we renovated this house, the library was the one room I had a clear vision for. The rest was left to the architects, but this room? Well, it's everything I envisioned."

"You didn't miss a detail." I nodded appreciatively.

"I would like to extend an invitation to you," he said. "Any time you want to take advantage of the library, you're welcome to come in. Feel free to browse my collection or you can bring in something you enjoy."

"That is a very generous offer," I said. "I wouldn't want to intrude."

He chuckled. "It's not an intrusion. I think about how much money and love I put into this place and it's not getting used enough. I know how much you appreciate this place. I want someone who enjoys it as much as I do to get some use out of it."

"That is so kind. Thank you. I will definitely take you up on that offer. It's a treasure trove in here, and I would love to spend more time exploring."

"I'm glad to hear that. I think the books are meant to be read and shared. I?—"

A loud scream cut through the air. Followed by more. We both froze, neither of us moving at first, and then he sprang into action.

He rushed out of the room, tearing down the corridor. I chased behind him. The woman's cries echoed through the corridors, sending shivers down my spine. My first thought was Archer. Something was wrong. I didn't know what was happening, but I knew I had to get to Archer. I had to protect him.