Arsenic And Old Books

For the first few minutes I was busy stuffing my face and keeping Diesel happy with his lunch, and I didn’t pay any attention to Kelly Grimes and Jasper Singletary. When I did look over in their direction, I saw that the politician seemed engrossed in food and conversation with his companions. The writer, her plate empty now, was scribbling furiously on a notepad.

The bell jangled again to signal fresh arrivals, and I of course had to see who it was. To my surprise, I saw Lucinda Long headed for the register.

Helen Louise had finished with the previous customer, and she greeted our mayor with a smile. “Good afternoon, Lucinda. Nice to see you. What can I get for you today?”

The mayor smiled briefly. “I’m sorry, Helen Louise, no time for food today. I was hoping to find my son here. I checked with one of his aides, and she told me he would be stopping in here right about now.”

“You just missed him,” Helen Louise said. “He and his group left about five minutes ago. I don’t believe I heard anyone say where they were heading next.”

The mayor sighed. “How aggravating. I barely get to talk to him these days, he’s so busy with his campaign. I was hoping to snatch a few minutes of his time.”

“Campaigning is hard work, and it must take a toll on family life.” Helen Louise offered Mrs. Long a sympathetic smile.

“That it does,” the mayor said. She stood at the register, her shoulders slumped.

“Are you sure I can’t get you something to take back to the office with you?” Helen Louise waved a hand toward the dessert case. “Maybe a piece of your favorite chocolate cake?”

Mrs. Long said, “I really shouldn’t. I had a big lunch.” She paused. “But it’s going to be a long afternoon. Why not? Yes, that would be lovely.”

“I’ll be right back,” Helen Louise said.

As I chewed another bite of my delicious meal, I saw Kelly Grimes leave her table and approach the mayor. Mrs. Long had her back to the writer, and she started slightly when Kelly Grimes touched her shoulder.

“Pardon me, Your Honor,” Ms. Grimes said. She identified herself. “I’d like to ask you a couple questions about your son’s campaign if you have a few minutes.”

Mrs. Long shook her head. “Now is not the time. You need to call my office and arrange an appointment with my secretary. I’m swamped this afternoon, and I have to get back to the courthouse.”

The writer shrugged. “Very well. I’ll do that, but I really want to talk to you as soon as possible.”

“Just call my office and make an appointment.” Mrs. Long sounded impatient. “Now, please, let me get on with what I’m doing.”

Ms. Grimes stared at her for a moment before she nodded and headed back to her table.

Helen Louise came back to the register with a small to-go container. “Here you are, Lucinda. I think this will help perk up your afternoon.”

The mayor frowned. “Oh, dear, Helen Louise, I came away from the office without my purse or even any money in my pocket. I’d better pass on the cake for now.”

“Nonsense.” Helen Louise laughed. “I know you’re good for it. Or we could simply call it a frequent-customer perk. Take this with you and enjoy it.”

“I can’t resist an offer like that.” Mrs. Long gave a grateful smile as she accepted her cake. “The afternoon looks better already.” She thanked Helen Louise and then bade her good-bye.

As she turned away she spotted me. Naturally I had a mouthful of chicken chasseur when she came over to me, and I swallowed hastily. “Good afternoon, Your Honor.”

“Good afternoon, Mr. Harris.” She smiled when she spotted Diesel’s head suddenly poking up above the table. “And your beautiful boy as well. How are things going with the diaries?” Her expression turned grave. “I hope you haven’t had too much trouble over them.”

I figured that was an oblique way of referring to Marie Steverton. I didn’t intend to burden her with the details of the morning’s nasty scene. I decided, however, to take this opportunity to broach my idea about a digital copy of the diary.

“No, everything’s fine,” I said. “I know you’re in a hurry, but I would like to suggest something to you that I think will make access to the diaries easier for everyone interested in them.”

The mayor glanced at her watch. “Certainly, do tell me.” She remained standing, and I knew this was my cue to be succinct.

“The diaries are in good condition, but I think scanning them and making a digital copy is the best way to proceed. That cuts down on the actual number of people handling them and will preserve them better in the long run. I have the necessary equipment in the archive office, and I can do it myself, or I can get help from other library staff. What do you think?”

Diesel chirped a couple of times, as if he liked my idea. Mrs. Long laughed. “Your assistant seems to think it’s a good idea. I do, too. That would probably make all our lives easier. How long would it take, do you think?”