Arsenic and Old Books (5 page)

The writer's gaze shifted for a moment in my direction, and I caught a slight start as she recognized me. She inclined her head to acknowledge me, but her attention moved right back to Beck Long and the young woman beside him.

There was enough bustle and buzz of conversation in the bakery that I couldn't make out what Beck Long and Helen Louise were talking about. He didn't appear to be ordering anything, so I wondered whether this was a stop on his campaign trail after all.

I hated the last couple of months before an election. The media bombarded us with political ads, almost all of which consisted of mud being flung in every direction. The choice often came down to voting for the least objectionable candidate, rather than for the truly outstanding one. I hadn't yet made up my mind about Beck Long or his opponent, Jasper Singletary, but I had to admit their campaigns seemed to be running cleaner than most. A little dignity in politics went a long way these days, sad to say.

I heard the bell on the door jingle to signal a new arrival, and at the same time, the buzz of conversation grew louder. I turned to see who had entered and spotted a group of five men making their way toward the counter. After a moment I recognized the tallest among them, Jasper Singletary.

This ought to prove interesting
, I thought.
The two candidates—both hometown boys—crossing paths in a local business
.

Diesel tapped my thigh with one paw, and I looked down at him. He chirped a couple of times, and I interpreted the sounds as a question:
Where's my chicken that Helen Louise always gives me?

“In a minute, boy,” I said in an undertone. “She's busy right now. We'll both have to wait.”

The cat stared at me for a long moment before he resumed his position at my feet beneath the table. I found it uncanny sometimes the way he seemed to understand what I told him.

When I focused my attention again on the two politicos and their opposing camps, I saw Singletary making his way toward Beck Long. Beck didn't appear to have noticed Singletary yet, but then the latter spoke.

“Good morning, Beck. Glad-handing the voters, I see.” Singletary's tone was jocular, yet I thought I heard a sharp edge to it.

The noise of conversation in the bakery suddenly dropped to a low hum as most people tuned in to the chat between the two young men.

I regarded the pair for a moment. They definitely formed a study in contrast. Beck Long was the proverbial golden boy—tall, blond, blue-eyed, with the body of a trained athlete. Top of his class in law school, partner in a successful practice in Athena, he seemed to achieve anything he wanted with ease. Jasper Singletary had the dark good looks of the Black Irish, as my late aunt would have said. Not quite as tall, chunkier like a heavyweight boxer, he also had a pugnacious attitude—or so I had gathered from reading about some of his encounters with the press.

“Hey, Jasper.” Long turned with a smile and an outstretched hand. “Yeah, you know the drill. Have to get out into the community and talk to everyone.” The two shook hands. “Have you met the owner of this fine bakery, Helen Louise Brady?”

Singletary inclined his head at Helen Louise, who smiled warmly at him. “I have indeed. She makes some of the best chocolate cake I've ever eaten.”

Beck laughed. “Amen to that.” He patted his trim waistline. “I've spent many an hour in the gym to compensate for it, let me tell you.”

“I'd love to work out in a gym,” Singletary said with a slight smile. “I have bigger priorities for my budget, however, so I have to settle for jogging around the neighborhood.”

Singletary's reference to his budget was a subtle nod to the fact that, unlike Beck Long, he hadn't grown up in a privileged, wealthy family. The son of an impoverished local farmer with only a small holding, he had worked two jobs to put himself through college and law school. His ambition and hard work paid off as he became a successful lawyer in Memphis, but in the past year he'd moved back to Athena, evidently to enter politics in his home state.

Long gave little outward sign that he registered Singletary's jab. “You're lucky you've got the knees for it. I guess I played too much tennis, because my knees give me heck these days.”

I remembered reading that Long had been a tennis champion all through high school and college and had even flirted with the idea of turning professional, but decided instead to stick with family tradition.

“That's too bad,” Singletary said in a patently insincere tone. “My advisors and I are planning to have lunch in this excellent establishment, and our schedule is tight. Have you finished here?” He waved a hand toward the cash register.

“Yes, I'm afraid we have to push on. No time for lunch today. So many folks to see. We just stopped by to say hello to Ms. Brady.”

Long's entourage of five evidently took that as their cue, because they started moving away from the counter and toward the door. Long turned back to Helen Louise and nodded. “Always good to see you, Helen Louise. Let me say again how much my parents and I enjoyed your food the other night.”

“My pleasure, Beck,” Helen Louise said.

I watched as Long paused on his way toward the door to shake a few hands. My attention switched back to the counter, however, when I heard Helen Louise greet Singletary.

“Nice to see you again, Jasper,” she said. “We have that chicken salad you like so much today. How about that?”

Singletary grinned. “You know my weakness, so how can I say no?” He motioned for his companions to join him at the register.

I listened for a few moments but when I realized all they were talking about was food, I lost interest. I hoped they would finish soon because I was getting hungrier by the minute, I realized. Diesel chose that second to reappear from under the table and tap my thigh again. “I know,” I told him. “I'm hungry, too. Won't be long, though, I'm sure.”

The cat appeared to understand, though the look he gave me was far from happy. He meowed twice and slunk under the table as if disgusted.

When I focused on the register area again, there was no line. I surveyed the room and spotted Singletary and his companions sitting on the far side of the bakery from me. They occupied a table next to the small one where Kelly Grimes sat. I was surprised to see her still here, because I thought she might be following Beck Long discreetly for either personal or professional reasons.

Instead I noticed her shooting covert sideways glances at Singletary—or so I thought. He sat at about a forty-five-degree angle from her spot in the bakery. From what I could tell, though, he didn't appear to notice her. Perhaps she was hanging around to get a chance to talk to him. A good writer wouldn't turn down an opportunity like this, I reckoned.

She did nothing but continue to sit there, however, as I watched. I became fascinated by the way she glanced his way, then back down at her plate, at regular intervals. What was going on here? She wasn't shy; I knew that. So why didn't she get up and go to his table?

“Are you sitting there ogling another woman, Charlie Harris?”

Helen Louise startled me. I had been so engrossed in watching Kelly Grimes, I hadn't noticed her leaving the cash register and walking over to my table.

She grinned at me as she leaned down to give me a quick kiss. Diesel warbled at her, determined to be noticed. She laughed. “I'd never forget you, honey.” She rubbed his head, and he purred contentedly. I knew it wouldn't be long, though, before he would be hunting for his usual treats from her.

“How could I ogle any other woman when you're around?” I asked.

Helen Louise grinned impishly. “Do I take that to mean that you do ogle other women when I'm
not
around?”

“Oh, yes, I roam the streets of Athena just looking for women to leer at,” I said as I rolled my eyes at her.

“You cad, you. I didn't realize you were such a roué,” she said in a mock-horrified tone, “or I never would have gotten involved with you.”

“You're just feeling giddy because you've had two young, attractive men fawning over you.” I frowned. “I had no idea your affections were so easily shifted, and all for a pretty face.” I shook my head, my expression doleful.

Her peal of laughter made me smile. “I do love you so,” she whispered as she bent to graze my cheek with a kiss.

I grinned at her. “Ditto. Now, how about some food, woman? The cat and I are practically malnourished, we've waited so long for you to stop flirting and take care of us.”

Diesel warbled loudly, and Helen Louise and I exchanged a smile.

“Guess I'd better feed you right away,” she said. “I can't have you fading away to nothing in my bakery. I'll be right back.” She scratched Diesel's head before she headed to the kitchen.

I was a lucky man, and I knew it. Helen Louise was not only smart, beautiful, and talented, she also shared my goofy sense of humor. We laughed a lot together, and I relished every moment spent with her.

Helen Louise's teasing about my ogling other women notwithstanding, I couldn't help glancing over at Kelly Grimes again. I was curious to see whether she would approach Jasper Singletary.

While I watched, she gazed back and forth between him and her plate. Then she paused as she seemed finally to catch his glance. She started to push her chair back, and I looked at Singletary.

He frowned and shook his head so slightly that I thought for a moment I imagined it.

Kelly Grimes, half standing by now, sat down again. She looked annoyed.

That little interchange was decidedly odd. What was going on here?

I wouldn't admit it to many people, but I was a bit on the nosy side. People fascinated me, particularly when I observed what I considered odd behavior. I detected an undercurrent between Jasper Singletary and Kelly Grimes, mainly due to the latter's focus on the former. She might think she was being discreet—and perhaps most people wouldn't have noticed—but I was sure all her attention was squarely centered on the young politician.

“I thought you might like something different today.” Helen Louise once again startled me, and I hastily turned my attention to her.

“Smells wonderful,” I said as I took a second deep breath of the rich aroma. “What is it?”

“Chicken chasseur,” she said. “Chicken cooked in a sauce of butter, mushrooms, cognac, white wine, and shallots. Plus a few other things. Served with rice and fresh bread.” She set a small plate of plain cooked chicken on the table as well—treats for the cat.

Diesel put both front paws on my thighs and raised his head to stare at the food on the table. He meowed and looked back and forth from me to Helen Louise.

“Poor starving kitty,” Helen Louise said. “Things are a bit busy at the moment, so you'll have to get Charlie to feed you, boy. See you soon.” She hurried back to the register.

I knew better than to taste my own food before giving the cat a bit of his own. While he was occupied with a chunky morsel, I tried the chicken chasseur. I would have to ask Helen Louise later what
chasseur
meant. In the meantime, I decided after one savory mouthful, I would tuck in and enjoy myself.

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?”

I considered that for a moment. The scanning process wasn't fast—not if you wanted the best-quality results—and it was tedious. Even so, I could get a significant amount of it done this week, if I had help.

I told the mayor that, and she nodded. “Sounds good. Go ahead, and if you need funds for additional help, let me know. I'm sure my husband will be happy to discuss arrangements with the library director.” She glanced at her watch again. “Now I really have to get going. Good-bye for now.”

“Thanks, and have a good afternoon,” I called after her as she headed for the door.

Helen Louise came over to the table. “What's all this about diaries?”

“Do you have a few minutes to sit with me? I can tell you all about it.”

She surveyed the room. Her two staff members were behind the counter and were not busy at the moment. “Looks like things have slowed a bit, and I'm more than ready to sit for a while.” She pulled out a chair.

“First, fabulous lunch. Thank you.”

Diesel, who had finished his chicken, chimed in with chirps and a meow or two. Helen Louise grinned. “Have to keep my men well fed and happy. I'm glad you both enjoyed it. Now, about these diaries.”

“They belonged to a relative of Andrew Long—Rachel Afton Long. Great-great-grandmother, I think. Can't remember exactly how many
greats
at the moment.” I went on to tell her about the interest in the diaries from Marie Steverton—at whose name she grimaced—and Kelly Grimes. “And there's the latter over in the corner, next to Jasper Singletary's table.”

Helen Louise turned her head to see where I indicated. She turned back to me with a frown. “That's interesting,” she said. “I've seen her in here several times recently, but I had no idea who she was. She's never introduced herself. The truly odd thing is, though, every time she's been in here, so has Jasper.”