Free Reading Up a Storm by Eva Gates

feet were stuffed into flip-flops and the salt-and-pepper hair she wore to work fastened into a tight bun was caught in a loose ponytail.
    â€œButch called me,” Bertie said. “I’d just finished a class. He said I had to get down here right away.”
    â€œWhat’s going on?” Connor followed Bertie. “Lucy, are you all right? I was in a meeting with the chief when the call came in.”
    â€œI’m fine,” I said. “But . . .” I swallowed. “Will Williamson. The man who was here last night. For book club. Remember?”
    â€œOf course I remember,” Connor said. “I brought him. What about him?”
    â€œHe’s dead. Murdered. In a boat, down by the marsh.”
    Bertie plucked the empty mug out of my hands. “I’m going to make another pot. Connor, you stay with her.”
    Connor crouched down beside my chair. Charles shifted an inch to give him room, and he took my hands in his.
    â€œI’m okay, really. It was a bit of a shock; that’s all. Butch was there. He’s taking care of everything.”
    â€œYou were with Butch?” Connor pulled his hands away.
    Charles hissed.
    â€œA morning hike. He was telling me how he used to go for a walk before day shift. He said it got his head in the right place to face the day. I said he should keep it up, and he asked me to join him this morning.”
    â€œI guess that’s okay then.”
    â€œWhy wouldn’t it be?”
    â€œNo reason.”
    Bertie came back carrying a tray, the teapot, and two mugs. “All the activity seems to be down by the sound. The emergency vehicles aren’t blocking our entrance this time. One can be grateful for small favors. Tea, Connor?”
    â€œNo, thanks.” He pushed himself to his feet. His tie was askew and his hair mussed. “I’d better get back. The chief and I never finished our meeting.” I clutched my mug. Charles swatted my hand.
    â€œCan you stay with Lucy for a few minutes?” Bertie said. “I want to find out for myself what’s happening.”
    â€œI’m okay,” I said.
    â€œNo, you are not,” she said. And she left.
    â€œI really am fine,” I said. “It was a bit of a shock; that’s all. Nothing to do with the library, thank heavens.”
    â€œI wouldn’t be so sure about that,” Connor said. “Why do you suppose Will was out here in a boat, anyway?”
    â€œI have no idea.”
    â€œNo sign of anyone else? Marlene?”
    â€œWe didn’t see another soul all morning. Obviously someone must have been with him. I can’t imagine him doing that to himself.” I shuddered at the memory of the knife.
    â€œSomeone’s going to have to notify Marlene,” Connor said. “Since I know her, I guess I should do it. The chief’ll have to wait.”
    â€œI’ll go with you.”
    â€œThat’s not necessary, Lucy.”
    â€œI think it is.” I shifted Charles aside, put down my mug, and got to my feet. “You shouldn’t have to go alone, and she knows me now too.”
    â€œThanks.”
    â€œThank you for coming in such a rush,” I said. “You’re a good friend to the library.”
    â€œI hope I’m more than that,” he said.
    He had not moved back when I stood up, and we were standing very close. I felt a gentle push of Charles’s paw in the small of my back, almost as though he was nudging me forward. Connor lifted his hand.
    Outside the front door, a police radio squawked and Connor and I leaped apart.
    â€œI’m so sorry, Lucy,” Butch said, coming into the library. He’d pinned a badge to his sweatshirt. “Not quite the nice start to the day that I was expecting. Hi, Connor. What brings you here?”
    â€œJust checking everything’s okay. Morning, Sam.”
    Detective Sam Watson had come with Butch. “I’ve told Ms. James that the