Hush-Hush

by Elizabeth Spann Craig

“You’d have to ask Wilson that question. In general, Wilson gets along with all his employees, unless they don’t show up for work on time.”

  Frank looked wily for a moment. “Wonder what he’d have thought about one of his librarians scrapping with a library trustee?”

  I frowned at him. “What?”

  He nodded his head at me. “That’s right. I was working on the laptops last week, running updates, and heard Ellie having a nice little argument with Sunny Griffith. You know her, don’t you? Kind of an icy-looking blonde. I never thought anybody could get a rise out of that woman, but it sure sounded like Ellie was able to.”

  I’d witnessed a cold exchange between the two of them the day Ellie died. Did Sunny know Ellie was having an affair with her husband? Was Ellie telling Sunny about it in the hopes Sunny left Ted and she had him to herself?

  I said to Frank, “Did you hear what was said?”

  He looked regretful. “Not nearly as much as I wanted to. Sunny was sort of hissing and that was hard to hear. But the gist of what I heard was that Ellie was having some sort of a fling with Sunny’s husband.” He raised his eyebrows at me suggestively.

  I suddenly wanted to get as far away from Frank as I could, somehow feeling tainted by association with him. I said, “Be sure to let the police know about that, Frank. That sounds like something Burton should hear about.”

  “You think Sunny went after Ellie for revenge?” asked Frank, a sort of lurid interest on his face.

  “I have absolutely no idea,” I said briskly. “Sorry, but I need to get back to putting the shelves back together before the patrons arrive.”

  Frank nodded, looking morosely toward the printers. “Yeah, I should get started fixing those guys. Okay, well, good talking to you, Ann.”

  Chapter Nine

  I’d finally finished putting the last of the books back on the shelves when Wilson came in. He checked in on Frank’s progress first and then headed in my direction. He sighed. “That must have taken a while, Ann. Good work.”

  I nodded. “All back in place and ready for the day.”

  Wilson said, “We should likely have some sort of way to memorialize Ellie, considering the circumstances.”

  I still felt a bit conflicted about Ellie, especially with what I’d heard recently about her blackmailing activities. But Wilson had a point. We couldn’t just pretend Ellie’s death hadn’t happened. I said slowly, “I could come up with a statement for the newsletter and for social media expressing our condolences to Ellie’s family. We could ask Pris for a photo. Would something like that work?”

  Wilson seemed to have something else on his mind. “Yes, that would work fine, Ann. Just something to show we’re not sweeping her death under the carpet, so to speak.” He shifted uncomfortably and a red flush rose up from his shirt collar. I had the feeling I knew what was coming next. “So, about last night.”

  I had to hold back a chuckle at his awkward wording. He was almost making it sound as if he and I had had some sort of romantic encounter, instead of the fact he’d just witnessed me out at a restaurant with his nephew. “Yes?”

  Wilson cleared his throat and looked flustered. “Well, you know I’m rather fond of you, Ann. I look at you as sort of a friend instead of a mere employee. A younger friend, but still a friend.”

  This was sort of sweet in a very floundering way. But still sort of painful to listen to since Wilson looked so uncomfortable. I gave him an encouraging nod.

  “It’s just . . . how well do you know Connor?” asked Wilson, finally getting around to the point.

  I considered this question. “Well, not very well for the last decade or so. He and I did used to date when we were in high school.”

  “So not very well,” said Wilson, latching onto the first part of my answer.

  “We had a nice time last night,” I said mildly. “We just caught up with each other, remembered old times and old friends. That sort of thing.” Wilson was making it sound as if we’d been doing something exceedingly dangerous together—constructing bombs or something.

  I waited for him to continue, which he finally did after some hems and haws.

  “Connor might be a good sort of person to be friends with,” he said. He put some emphasis on the word friends.

  I nodded, feeling a little sorry for Wilson as he so clearly struggled with making the journey from professional into the personal realm. “He’s very interesting. I’d forgotten what a big reader he is, too. We do seem to have some things in common.”

  Wilson looked rather appalled to hear this. He quickly said, “Oh, I don’t really think so, do you? Aside from books, that is. He’s in medicine and you’re not.”

  I hid a smile and said, “That’s very true.”

  “And he’s very outgoing and you’re . . . well, not quite as much.”

  Wilson was being generous here. He could have gone into ‘antisocial’ territory. “Again, very true. Wilson, is there a problem with Connor?”

  The red flush coming up from his collar spread further up his face. “I wouldn’t categorize it as a problem, just a potential shortcoming. Through the years, I’ve noticed Connor struggling with commitment. That’s all, really.” He finished up with a look of relief, as if he’d done his duty dissuading me from his nephew. “Well, I should get along to my office now and take a look at my calendar to see what’s coming up today.”

  “What sorts of issues with commitment?” I asked.

  Wilson froze and cleared his throat again. “Issues with it? I guess I’d say that he just isn’t the serious type. Yes, that’s it. He doesn’t seem to be a one-woman man, that’s all. Which, of course, is not a problem whatsoever if you’re not looking for that type of relationship. If you’re simply looking for a companion to do things with. Anyway, I did feel compelled to tell you that. From the perspective of a concerned friend.” He gave a longing look at his office door and said, “Well, I’d better carry on, then.”

  As I finished getting the library ready to go, I had plenty of time to think about what Wilson said. In some ways I felt a little defensive about it. I’d never acted as if I was romantically interested in Connor. I thought about my reaction to Connor, and it was none of the heart fluttering or flush of heat I got when Grayson was near. It was more a sense of companionship, and just enjoying being with someone who was interested in being with me. The fun of it all. Who knew where it might go? I wasn’t at all sure I wanted it to go any further, anyway. Despite my initial defensiveness, I thought Wilson’s protectiveness was very sweet in a fatherly way and was rather touched by it.

  When Luna spoke to me, I was so deep into my thoughts that I jumped.

  “Sorry!” she said, eyes wide. “Wow, I’m really sorry. I’ve never seen you so jumpy.” She reached out and gave me a quick hug of apology. “Is it because of yesterday morning? Ellie’s death must have really gotten to you. But of course it would! Walking into something like that is horrible.”

  I decided to let her think it was Ellie’s death that had put me so deep into thought because telling Luna I was contemplating my potential romantic relationship with Connor would open up a whole other can of worms.

  But I shouldn’t have thought I was off the hook. Luna said, “Let’s talk about other things. How did it go with Connor last night? Mom said she saw you out with him last night.”

  I nodded and gave her a wry look. “We did see them out. I’d totally forgotten that Wilson is Connor’s uncle.”

  Luna snorted. “Isn’t that the craziest? I didn’t know it either until Mom came home and told me. Anyway, how was it? I know you always say your dates are super-awkward. Was that what this one was like?”

  “Actually, it was totally the opposite. Very low-key. Connor has the gift of gab, I think, too—he did a great job making me feel at ease.” It was more than making me feel at ease—he had the way of making me feel there wasn’t anyone else he’d rather be with at that moment than you.

  Luna made a face. “I mean, I’m glad it w
asn’t awkward, but I was hoping there might be more of a spark happening. Feeling at ease is all well and good, but feeling a spark is a lot better when you’re on a date.” She frowned. “You were on a date, weren’t you?”

  “I wasn’t sure at first,” I admitted. “But later in the evening, I got the impression I was.”

  Luna put a hand to her heart. “But you did dress up, right? You never sent me a selfie showing me your outfit.”

  “That’s because I really need to go shopping for clothes that aren’t work clothes. But yes, I did manage to find something to put on. When we were leaving, he said he wanted to do it again sometime soon.”

  “Then we need to go shopping sometime soon,” said Luna decisively. “Like after work tonight.”

  I demurred. “Maybe we can do it this weekend, Luna. Besides, I don’t want to drag you out shopping after a long day at work.”

  “Drag me? There’s no dragging needed, Ann. You may not realize this, but I live to shop.”

  I made a face. “Yeah, that’s not so much my thing. Even if it was my thing, I don’t have the budget to indulge it.”

  Luna wagged her finger at me. “That’s what I thought you’d say. That’s why I need to introduce you to my most favorite place in the world.”

  I shifted uncomfortably, looking at Luna. She and I had totally different ways of approaching our wardrobe. Her approach was all about fun and color and texture. Mine was all about practicality and neutrals and having clothes that coordinated with other clothes. I couldn’t imagine a place where she and I could shop together and find things we both were interested in.

  She laughed at my expression, which was apparently a dead giveaway. “No, you’re going to like it, Ann. It’s a consignment shop and it has a ton of different options and really good quality stuff. It’s run by the Junior League and people donate things to it all the time. It’s the Nearly New Shoppe.”

  I frowned. “Why haven’t I noticed it in town?”

  “It’s not in town. It’s a town over but it’s only fifteen minutes away. They’ll be open until seven and I know we’re both off at five today. Let’s do it!”

  I knew that determined gleam in her eye and realized I didn’t have a chance and might as well just give in. “All right. We’ll go at five.”

  Luna grinned at me. “Well, try not to be too excited, Ann. Wow. Anyone would think you were going to your own hanging.”

  The day sped by far too quickly for my liking. There were, of course, a lot of curious patrons asking why the library had been closed the day before. I tried to give as straightforward an answer to that as I could, but it still created shockwaves through the community. Talking about poor Ellie over and over again was also playing havoc with my stress levels. It probably didn’t help when Burton entered in his uniform and came over to talk to me at the circulation desk.

  “You realize you’re probably making me look like Suspect #1,” I said lightly.

  “Are you?” he asked, just as lightly. “You did work with Ellie. And you and Luna didn’t seem too pleased with her. I probably should be taking a look at your alibi.”

  I made a face. “Unfortunately, my alibi is nonexistent unless you can figure out how to make Fitz talk.”

  Which was exactly when Fitz bounded over and up on the circulation desk, giving Burton a very earnest mew.

  He chuckled and scratched Fitz under the chin. “I think he just gave one.”

  “Seriously, though, it’s true that Ellie wasn’t our most favorite coworker. That’s something I’m not feeling especially good about right now, considering what happened. But it was all due to her workplace shenanigans.”

  Burton raised his bushy eyebrows. “Shenanigans, were they?”

  “Just the usual—taking breaks at the wrong time, not coming back promptly from lunch or not leaving for lunch at the right time. That sort of thing.” I glanced around quickly to make sure no one was in earshot and said, “I’m glad you’re here because I was going to call you later.”

  “Sounds like you’ve heard something,” said Burton, brightening. “My favorite library sleuth is on the job again.”

  “Well, I’m not sure about that, but I did have the chance to get out and about a little yesterday with the library being closed. There were a couple of things I thought I should pass along in case you haven’t heard them yourself.”

  “That’s good. Because the lab was able to confirm it was murder,” said Burton in a grim tone. “Fortunately, it sounds like Ellie expired immediately, so she shouldn’t have suffered at all. Just the same, I’m eager to find out who’s behind it all. What have you got?”

  I shifted uncomfortably and glanced in the direction of the computer room, although Frank had already fixed the printer problems and taken his leave. “Well, the first thing I heard is about Frank Morrison. Apparently, Ellie might have had a proclivity to blackmailing people. At least, I’ve heard of two people who were victims.”

  Burton’s eyes opened wide. “A blackmailing librarian?”

  “It sure looks that way. So Frank Morrison’s wife was a friend of Ellie’s and told her Frank was abusive. Then she fell down the stairs at her home and died as a result of her injuries.”

  Burton said slowly, “Ellie figured Frank had probably shoved her down the stairs. That it wasn’t an accident. I remember that case. We ruled foul play hadn’t been involved.”

  “Why would anyone think so unless they knew his wife was being abused? Anyway, from what I hear, Ellie was blackmailing Frank over it.”

  Burton took out his little notebook and jotted down a few notes. “Hm. And you said there might be another blackmail victim, too?”

  “Tara Fuller. She works down at the coffee shop. A patron here told me he’d overheard Ellie trying to put pressure on Tara out in the parking lot recently. Luna and I went over to Keep Grounded and Tara admitted Ellie was trying to force her to pay her money to keep quiet about a prescription drug addiction Tara had. At the time, Tara worked at the hospital. Now she’s a barista and is no longer using prescription drugs.” I really felt like a snitch, but I figured it would be best to tell Burton everything and let him sort it out. “She won’t get into any trouble, will she?”

  “Tara?” Burton shook his head. “Not unless she’s involved in Ellie’s death, that is. It sounds like Ellie made some enemies in the short time she’s been here in Whitby.”

  I said, “There’s something else, too. You know the guy who drove up to talk to us yesterday morning at the library?”

  “Ted Griffith?” asked Burton with another lift of his eyebrows. “Let me guess—he was romantically entangled with Ellie.”

  “Police intuition?” I asked, grinning at him.

  “Something like that. Maybe a sixth sense from being a cop for so many years. Plus, his explanation didn’t exactly ring true. Spanish lessons?” Burton snorted.

  I shrugged. “Well, maybe they started out that way, but they sure didn’t seem to end up that way. Ellie’s sister believed them to be having an affair. I’ve heard that Ted’s wife, Sunny, might have had a run-in with Ellie over it.”

  Burton frowned. “So Sunny found out that Ellie was having an affair with her husband?”

  I said, “It sounded more like Ellie was telling Sunny about the affair because she wanted her to leave Ted so he was available for a real relationship with her. Ellie might have pressured Ted beforehand, telling him if he didn’t leave his wife that she’d inform Sunny about the affair.”

  “That sort of falls in line with her interest in blackmailing. She wanted Ted for herself and decided to ensure she got him.” Burton jotted down more notes. “Let me know if you hear anything else. And thanks for this, Ann.”

  Chapter Ten

  The rest of the day was a blur and I was surprised when Luna came up to me, car keys in her hand and looking impatient. “Come on, Ann! It’s time to head out.”

  I looked at her vaguely and then at my watch. “Five o’clock already?” I know I didn’t so
und exactly happy about it.

  “It will be six o’clock by the next time you remember to glance at your watch unless you get out of here.”

  Luna was right. I sometimes ended up either getting caught up with research requests from patrons or other distractions and managed to lose track of time. I closed the tabs and the document I was working on and collected my things. Then I called for Fitz and he came bounding up from the direction of the children’s area.

  “I’ll just run Fitz by the house and meet you there,” I said, putting Fitz in his carrier.

  “Oh, no. I’m not going to take the chance that you go inside your house and find a great excuse not to go shopping. I’ll follow you home and take you in my car.”

  And that’s how it happened. I got Fitz settled at home with a bowl of cat food, gave him a quick rub, and hopped in the car with Luna for the trip to Nearly New. Fifteen or twenty minutes later, she pulled up in front of a small, brick building shaded by large trees. There were quite a few cars there already. I was somewhat relieved by the displays in the window which showed tailored professional clothes in neutral colors.

  “This actually looks like a great place to shop,” I said to Luna.

  She knit her eyebrows together in a ferocious expression. “I saw you eyeing the clothes in the window. Those are work clothes and the whole reason we’re here is to get you something cute and fresh. If you want to get work clothes too, then fine. But we’re going to stay on task.” She had a devilish glint in her eyes which I attributed to her plan to make me leave my fashion comfort zone.

  Luna was proving to be quite the taskmaster when it came to shopping. As soon as we got inside, she went right over to a rack filled with “fun colors.” In fact, the entire store was sorted by color instead of by size or style, so we’d go to a rack filled with pink hues and then find my size.

  I was studying a selection of clothes in a quiet shade of gray-blue when Luna hissed to me, “Don’t look now, but Sunny Griffith is volunteering here today.”