Murder Casts a Shadow by Donna Doyle

Author:Donna Doyle [Doyle, Donna]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: PureRead
Published: 2020-04-18T22:00:00+00:00

10

Changes at the Library

When Kelly arrived at the library the next day, she was surprised to see that lights were on already, even though it was half an hour before the library was scheduled to open.

When she went inside, her surprise increased. Mrs. Stark was sitting at the circulation desk.

“We had a meeting of the Executive Board yesterday,” Lois Stark said without preamble. “We decided that it’s not a good idea for the library to have someone on staff who’s suspected of being a murderer.”

Kelly put down her purse and took off her coat. “Meaning what?”

“I sent Carmela home. She’ll be on leave until the murder is solved.”

“You did this without consulting me? I’m the director; I’m in charge of staff.”

“These are extraordinary circumstances. I’m hearing a lot of talk about Carmela and her disagreements with Mrs. Knesbitt. If Carmela was in any way involved in this unfortunate dilemma,” Mrs. Stark said delicately, “it’s better for her if she’s not in contact with the public until her reputation is restored.”

Not for the first time, Kelly was glad that she’d kept her car and life insurance policies with her former agent, rather than switching to Mrs. Stark’s company upon being hired by the library.

“I don’t agree,” she said hotly. “What does the rest of the board say?”

“It will be discussed at the regular meeting at the end of the month.”

“Then it’s fortunate that February is a short month!” Kelly said as she turned into the office.

“In order to help you, since you’ll be busier now, working on your own, I’ll be handling the finances,” Mrs. Stark continued, standing in the entry to Kelly’s office.

“There’s no need,” Kelly said. “I’m the director. Library directors handle the finances.”

“In normal times, of course. But these are not normal times. I’ll set up a little work area for myself over here by the copier. I’ll be out of your way,” Mrs. Stark smiled, evoking to Kelly’s mind a malevolent Cheshire cat. “And you’ll be able to perform your duties as expected. We’ll add a few hours to Chloe’s schedule so that you can maintain the same schedule.”

“Carmela needs her paycheck,” Kelly said. “All she has is a small pension from her dead husband. She’s too young to collect social security; she’s not old enough to retire yet. And Chloe goes to class; she’s not able to just change her schedule on a whim.”

“I’m sure Carmela has something saved; she’s very attentive to finances, isn’t she? That’s my understanding as far as the issues with the bus trip go. Chloe will surely be able to help in the evening when you’ve opened the library; she’s a student and will be glad to earn a little extra money.”

The two women’s gazes locked. “The bus trip issues have nothing to do with Carmela’s work performance.”

“I don’t agree. I was at your church breakfast yesterday and I was asked by several people about Carmela’s connection to the Groundhog Day murder of Lyola Knesbit.”

Are they the same people who ask about your connection to your son, who’s in prison for murder? Kelly wondered.

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