A VENEER OF MURDER (Mrs. Fix It Mysteries Book 3) by Belle Knudson

is Greg. Think about this latest development. What did he want the book for, and why didn’t he return it? Did you look for it at your house?”
    “I did, but I didn’t find anything.”
    “Have you cleaned out his office yet?”
    “I’m getting there.”
    This was why she was friends with Carly. The woman would push her out of her comfort zone. Carly sighed. “Fine, but I’m not giving up.”
    “Can we talk about something else?”
    “Founder’s Day,” Carly said, laughing.
    She knew that Kate wasn’t a fan of festivals or much that had to do with crowds. Kate groaned. “Jessica roped me into building stuff for her. At least it will be before the whole shindig. I can stay home for the rest of it.”
    “Why stay home? You have someone to take you.”
    “Stop. You know I’m not a fan of these things. Too many people. It’ll probably be hot.”
    “So what are you building?”
    “Some viewing stands for the parade. I’m not building them, just fixing them,” Kate said.
    Carly nodded. “I haven’t found out from her what she needs in terms of flowers, yet.”
    “Will you bring people in to help?”
    Kate couldn’t imagine one person doing all of that work.
    “Yes, I will. Guess I can’t rope you in?”
    “Been there, done that. You promised never to ask me again.”
    Carly laughed.
    It had been a disaster when Kate had helped last time. Flowers were not her thing.
    “I bet Scott asked you to go.”
    “Then he’ll be disappointed because I won’t go?”
    “Not even for Scott?”
    “Especially not for Scott.”
    ***
    A large yellow ribbon was strung across the entrance to the Dudley Stuart Community Center. It was finally being dedicated. Thankfully the community center was in the middle of the municipal complex, so Kate didn’t have to look at the library and be reminded of the events that had taken place there.
    Meghan’s viewing had been the night before and the whole town had turned out. Today the town was out in full force also. Kate didn’t know if they were all looking forward to the center reopening or if they wanted to see Dean stumble over the new name of the place he had renovated.
    Kate didn’t stay away either, but she was there to support Dean. A disc jockey played music. Balloons were everywhere. It was a party. Not that Kate felt like partying, but she figured today she could eavesdrop on conversations and see if she could find out anything about Meghan that might help Kate solve her murder case.
    She missed her friend, and Scott had been pretty close-mouthed about what was going on in the investigation. She did know that they hadn’t arrested anyone since they’d released Celia. She’d bet that they had no leads.
    Scott said that many crimes went unsolved, but that wasn’t good enough for Kate. Meghan’s murderer had to be brought to justice. The woman was a pillar of the community and a good friend. She’d taught many kids to read and could find anyone a book that they would want to read. That was a talent.
    To be brutally murdered and not bring the person responsible to justice didn’t sit well with Kate. She looked around to see who was there.
    Jessica and Dean waited by the ribbon. He’d get to cut it along with Jessica since it was named after her dead husband. Dean didn’t look nervous, but she’d bet he wanted to get his bride out of town for some time away.
    Something caught Kate’s eyes. She turned to see Clem Tully. Did he think this ceremony was obscene so soon after his sister’s death? He had an odd look on his face, and it seemed as if Kendall Stuart were stepping away from him. How would she know Clem? She couldn’t imagine that they traveled in the same circles.
    Clem was blue collar and Kendall thought she was high class. Maybe they’d known each other in school. Or maybe Kendall was giving her condolences to Clem. Kate shouldn’t be so suspicious, but the look on Clem’s face intrigued her.
    “Hello, beautiful,” Scott said in her ear.
    She