Re: Episode 3's "Drama" thread for sub-plots, side scenes, etc.
Whether or not Garrett or Melba had ever been inside the unassuming storefront on Telfair square, they'd certainly heard of it even before Garrett tracked down Caitlyn Bell the other night. Dating back to before the War of 1812, Bell & Booke had been a fixture of Savannah's mercantile community for generations. Every now and again, a tourist might make a crack along the lines of "What, no Candle?" that was met only with aggrieved stares by the locals who seemed to be thinking That old canard again?
In some ways, it was odd that the store had persisted as long as it had given its line of trade. Dedicated bookstores (distinct from publishers) weren't very common prior to the late 1800's, and a few members of Savannah's "old money" classes gave the credit for its rise to one of the former members of the Booke family. However, if you were in the market for an antiquarian book, if the owners didn't have what you were looking for, they probably knew somebody who did.
It was late afternoon when Garrett finally managed to pull up. Between school and the Melbamobile, and the store's never opening before noon except by prior appointment, that was about as soon as could be managed. Through the open windows, sounds of Woody Herman & the Thundering Herd drifted out, with all the popping and scratching that indicated the recording was on vinyl -- and probably an original, very well-cared for copy, at that.
As the door opened, a bell overhead chimed. Ms. Bell happened to be near the front of the store, and looked over to Garrett's entrance with a nod and a smile. "You're on time - that's a good start."