Bigfoot and the Librarian by Linda Winstead Jones

Author:Linda Winstead Jones
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Sorin Rising

Marnie wasn’t sure what she’d expected from the welcome reception, but this definitely wasn’t it.

There were four town council members in attendance, in addition to Susan Tisdale. Two of them were the rude old coots she’d seen in Harry’s bar Monday night, and they were no friendlier on Friday than they’d been on Monday. Susan introduced them simply as Jim and George. Marnie wasn’t sure she’d be able to tell them apart, in a pinch. Both were gray-haired and of a similar age. They were wiry but not much taller than she was, and they had deeply wrinkled faces and what seemed to be permanent scowls. And the way they stared! She went to the restroom once to check and see if she had food stuck in her teeth, maybe a bit of tomato from her lunch. She did not.

She’d thought the refreshments might consist of punch, nuts, and mints, maybe finger sandwiches, but no. Even though Susan looked and acted normal enough, she definitely did not throw a normal party.

That’s what it was, really; a party. There was wine, and a big pitcher of cucumber water for those who didn’t like wine. Who didn’t like wine? Marnie really, really wanted wine, but she started off with a big glass of the water. She didn’t want to be known as the tipsy librarian. There was also a big tub of ice filled with beer situated near the front desk. Jim and George had walked directly to that tub after they’d been introduced. Marnie could almost bet that tub of beer was the only reason they’d come. They certainly hadn’t been interested in meeting her.

The food consisted of a platter of huge sandwiches, two cheese pizzas, onion rings, and — as the stash grew — enough wine to supply half of Birmingham with a decent buzz. People came into the library, finally. Some introduced themselves and said hello, while others ignored her. She suspected they were here for the alcohol. The critter guy arrived, said hello and shook her hand, ate and then disappeared. Gabi was there with baby Mia. Like Marnie, she went with the cucumber water but obviously wanted the wine.

They talked for a few minutes, but when the baby got fussy Gabi excused herself. Marnie walked to the door with her, sad to see a woman she might be friends with go so soon, and discovered that the party had seeped out onto the sidewalk and even into the street. She hadn’t seen anywhere near this many people during her days in Mystic Springs. Free alcohol and food were apparently what it took to get the residents to the library. She glanced up and down the street. Well, at least close to the library.

More pizza and sandwiches appeared; the wine and beer were both refreshed. Someone set up a small but impressive sound system in front of the hardware store and cranked up the music, and dancing began. In the street. Where had all these people come from?

Marnie

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