A Story to Kill by Lynn Cahoon Page B

I’m going to book something in a different city than you.” Rose turned toward Cat. “Let’s boogie.”
    Daisy followed her sister out of the room. “She’s just in a snit because of what I said about her and Mr. Cook.”
    â€œI can still hear you. I’m not deaf,” Rose called out from the lobby area.
    Daisy smiled at Cat. “Actually she is, in her right ear.”
    They walked out of the room to find Linda Cook standing by the front desk. Cat hurried to the area. “Mrs. Cook, I mean, Linda, can I help you with anything?”
    â€œLooks like you’re on an adventure. Where are you going?” Linda looked at the other women with interest.
    â€œThe library.” Rose cocked her head. “Do you want to come with us? They’re teaching us how to use their fancy machines to look at that microfilm stuff.”
    Linda looked at me. “Do you mind if I tag along? I’m going crazy just hanging out in my room waiting for the police chief to call me.”
    â€œNo problem. You might find it a little basic since you have an advanced degree and all.” Cat walked around the desk and opened the front door.
    Linda strolled out first. “I’m sure I’ll enjoy the lecture.”
    â€œCan’t say I didn’t warn you,” Cat muttered as Rose and Daisy followed her out to the porch. Miss Applebome was very nice, but she could put a crackhead on a bender to sleep with her detailed descriptions of each and every step needed to properly utilize library assets. And those were her words, not Cat’s.
    Linda took off toward the campus and Cat had to hurry to catch up. Rose and Daisy were right behind her, bickering about whether or not they should have worn a jacket. Cat turned back. “It will stay warm until about seven, so if you want to stop to get some dinner before coming back to the inn, you should be fine.”
    â€œYou should stop at The Post. It has the best pulled pork sandwiches.” Linda stopped and waited for the trio to catch up with her. “The Post is still here, right?”
    The place was still around, but they hadn’t served food for years. It had transitioned into a bar before Cat had even been old enough to drink. She explained the current status of Linda’s favorite hangout.
    â€œLife never slows down, you know?” Linda choked on the words, but then pressed her lips together. “The diner should be open, right?”
    â€œThe diner is not only open, it’s a great place to eat. They have a great new chef and the menu is fantastic.”
    â€œWell, at least something has stayed the same around here.” Linda let her lips curl into a smile that seemed more sad than happy.
    They walked in silence the rest of the way to the library. Cat led them in, turned them over to the librarian, and headed upstairs to see if Tom had rented a laptop storage shed when he’d been here earlier. Maybe she’d find the missing laptop there, all tucked away.
    The student in charge for the afternoon, another work-study position, shrugged. “I don’t have a list of who rented the slots, dude. All I do is take their money and give them a key when they pay. It’s not like it’s a long-term commitment.” He grinned at me. “No credit check needed, just like those rent-to-own furniture ads.”
    â€œOkay, is there someone that didn’t return a key in the last week?” Cat looked at the laptop storage lockers. Half appeared empty.
    â€œYou’ll have to ask Miss Applebome. She does the accounting on Friday afternoon. If someone leaves their stuff longer than that, she boots them and takes their computers for ransom. I warn everyone about the Friday eviction policy.” The guy leaned back in his chair and put his hands behind his head. “So are you here to rent a slot? I’ve got a game to get back to playing.”
    â€œI’m good. Thanks for your help.”