MY AIM IS TRUE (Melody The Librarian Mysteries Book 2) by Leslie Leigh Page A

said.
    “Marlene Simmons, or Marlene Simmons-Cooke, to be precise,” he winked.
    “She’s related to Charlene?”
    “Sister-in-law,” Gus chuckled. “Talk about stacking the deck, eh? I’m pretty sure they’ll see eye-to-eye on most issues. Marlene’s married to Nathan’s brother, Nick. He’s the vice-president of the paper mill operation. They say Nathan treats him like a bastard stepson, but then I don’t know anyone that Nathan’s ever been nice to, except for Charlene. I wonder what she’s got on him.
    “That one, though,” he gestured with his now-dwindling maple log, “it’s pretty obvious. She was in her early thirties when she hooked up with Nick. Nick must be sixty-six, sixty-seven by now. That’s the only way these old, rich men can land a pretty girl, you know.” He rubbed his fingers and thumb together to illustrate. “Gosh, I wish I was rich!”
    I told Gus I hoped he never retired from the board, and helped him through the library and down the outside steps. “Are you going to be okay, Gus? You’re not driving anymore, are you?”
    “Nope. Gave that up, along with most everything else I used to enjoy. I still like to have a drink though, and after that boring meeting, I could use one now. Join me?”
    I would have liked that, but Gus was known to overindulge, and I didn’t want to get caught in an awkward situation, like having him fall asleep on my shoulder or needing to prop him up the rest of the way home.
    “Thanks, Gus, but I’ve got some catching up to do. Some other time?”
    “Sure. You won’t have to twist my arm. You have a good day, sweetheart.” And then Gus launched himself forward.

Chapter 9
     
    At the end of the day, I locked up and exited through the back door. It was 6:05, and the sun was just slipping behind the taller trees. As I crossed Third Street, I saw Deputy Jimmy pull his cruiser into the police parking space at the station. After he’d unlocked the station door and disappeared inside, I decided to stop by and congratulate him on his interim appointment. After all, I’d certainly felt my spirits lifted when members of the community came out to wish me well.
    I pulled on the heavy glass door and saw Deputy Jimmy leaning over the counter, making some notations on a clipboard. He looked up when he saw me, an expression of uncertainty on his face, as if he weren’t sure whether to smile or hop over the counter and escape.
    “Hello, Officer Jimmy. Or should I call you Chief Lee?”
    My question only deepened his confused expression. After pondering it for a few moments, he responded, “Either way’s fine with me. Just plain ol’ Jimmy’s what most folks call me.”
    “Plain Old Jimmy,” I smiled. “I like that.” I held out my hand to shake. “Plain Old Jimmy, I wanted to congratulate you on your promotion, or appointment, whichever it is. And everybody I’ve talked with feels the same way:  we’re glad that you’re in charge.”
    “They are?” he asked, lunging forward and shaking my hand. “Really? Well, that makes me feel good. Thank you.” He looked down sheepishly, and then added, “I guess I should also thank you for this opportunity. If it weren’t for you….”
    “You deserve all the credit, Jimmy. You must have had the patience of a saint to….”
    A radio behind the counter squawked, startling both of us. Jimmy stretched his long frame and picked up the mic.
    “Central Dispatch,” said the radio voice. “We have a report of a hunting accident in your vicinity. Prepare to copy details, over.” Jimmy jotted down the information. I was surprised that radio systems like this were still in use. I’d have thought everything was digitized by now, although I could see its value as some sort of back-up system. Anyway, listening to the dispatcher’s information, I had a rough idea of the location. It was near the lake, but wasn’t familiar to me. It must have been private property.
    “Roger. Out.” Jimmy looked at his notes