Frictional Characters: A Village Library Mystery, #6

By Elizabeth Spann Craig

Small towns + gossip = friction

 

No one in the town of Whitby, North Carolina was excited when Jonas Merchant returned to town. Jonas was an effective muckraker; an expert at uncovering secrets, rumors, and undercurrents. Even worse, he'd fallen on hard times and was desperate for easy cash. It was a decidedly dangerous combination.

 

It was perhaps not the biggest surprise when Jonas was discovered dead one day. More shocking, at least to local librarian Ann Beckett, was the fact that her straight-arrow director Wilson was one of the suspects in Jonas's death.

 

Will Ann be able to track down the killer and clear Wilson's name before he strikes again?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Elizabeth Spann Craig
• Release date: Feb 8, 2022
• ISBN: 9781955395014

Elizabeth Spann Craig

Elizabeth writes the Southern Quilting mysteries and Memphis Barbeque mysteries for Penguin Random House and the Myrtle Clover series for Midnight Ink and independently.  She blogs at ElizabethSpannCraig.com/blog , named by Writer’s Digest as one of the 101 Best Websites for Writers.  She curates links on Twitter as @elizabethscraig that are later shared in the free search engine WritersKB.com. Elizabeth makes her home in Matthews, North Carolina, with her husband and two teenage children. 

Book preview

Chapter One

It was my day off from the library and I was blissfully sleeping in when my phone rang.

Instantly awake, I fumbled frantically for my phone as Fitz, the orange and white cat who spent his days at the library with me, blinked at me with concern. He was wondering why I had been curled up and sleeping one second and a mess of energy the next.

In my hurry to grab the phone, I knocked it clear off my bedside table. I scrabbled for it on the floor and then stared at it through sleep-blurred eyes. Wilson? Why was the library director calling me on my day off? Had I messed up? Was it not my day off?

Wilson? I said gruffly as I answered the phone right before it went to voicemail.

Wilson cleared his throat. Sorry about calling you early on your day off. There’s been . . . an incident.

An incident? What? Did something happen at the library? My mind immediately flew to all kinds of horrible possibilities—a fire there. Tornado damage. A theft. Vandalism. I felt a little sick.

No, no, he said quickly, seeming to understand my alarm. I’m sorry, I’m not expressing myself very well this morning. I just found a body.

What? I croaked. Where? I had the sudden horror that it might be at the library.

A body, said Wilson stiffly. At Jonas Merchant’s home . . . he’s an acquaintance.

I stood up from the floor where I was still crouched with the phone. You’ve called the police, though?

Yes, Burton and some others are here. In fact, they recommended that I call for a ride. I didn’t want to alarm Mona.

Mona was the mother of my coworker, Luna, and the woman Wilson was dating. I said quickly, I’ll be over there as soon as I can. Do you have an address?

Wilson said, One second. He was quiet for a few seconds and then gave it to me. Thank you, Ann.

I quickly got dressed and put some food out for Fitz before leaving. His happy purr rumbled to a quick stop as he started digging in.

I jumped into my old Subaru, plugged the address into my phone, and headed off down the street. It only ended up taking me a minute or two to get there. It was one of the short connecting streets that I took to the library every day. I never even have noticed the name of it, or, had definitely forgotten it if I had. When I drove up to the modest ranch house, I parked on the opposite side of the street because of all the emergency vehicles around.

Wilson was standing somberly on the sidewalk wearing his customary suit and tie, hands in his pockets. He’d gotten a bit more casual for a while, under Mona’s influence, but old habits were hard to break, and I was seeing him in his dark suits more often. He stiffly raised a hand in greeting and I gave a quick wave back. I saw that our police chief, Burton, a big, middle-aged man, was speaking with some other police that must be from the North Carolina State Police force. He glanced my way and nodded his head in greeting.

I walked up to Wilson. Are you alright?

Wilson nodded, although he seemed exhausted despite the early hour. I’m fine. But I’m not positive I can leave yet. I’d rather have Burton come over and approve my departure before I make it.

Sure. I don’t have anywhere I need to be. What happened?

Wilson gave me a pained expression and then moistened his lips as if they were dry. All I can say is that I had nothing to do with this, Ann.

Of course you didn’t. I hesitated. Can you tell me why you’re over here? Did you have business with Jonas?

Wilson said sharply, I’ve said all I can really say about it. All I want to do is to finish speaking with Burton and then head to the library. Here comes Burton now. He squared his shoulders as if ready to face some sort of firing squad instead of the kind-faced police chief.

Wilson flinched a bit as Burton gave him a pat on the back. But he managed to give the chief a strained smile.

Holding up okay? asked Burton.

I suppose so, said Wilson miserably. He ran a hand through his white hair, making it stand uncharacteristically up on end. Although I would frankly prefer to go home and back to bed. Perhaps I could start this day over again and have the outcome turn out better.

Burton gave him a small smile. That would be a nice option to have, wouldn’t it? And one a lot of people would want to try. I appreciate that you called us as soon as you found Jonas. But you’ve got to know, Wilson, it doesn’t really look really great that you’re not giving us more of an explanation as to why you’re here. You’ve said that you and Jonas weren’t friends.

Wilson looked repelled by the idea. Certainly not.

Burton shrugged. Then you must realize it looks strange that you were inside Jonas’s house and found him.

Wilson stood stiffly; his expression unyielding. I’ve said all I wanted to say on the matter.

Burton sighed, looking over at me with a frustrated look. Okay. But you should know that’s not going to be the end of it. We’ll be in touch if there’s anything else we need.

Wilson gave a stiff bob of his head, looking relieved. Excellent. Thanks, Burton.

The police chief was called away and joined the forensic team at the front of the house.

Ready to get out of here? I asked quietly.

Wilson nodded again.

I walked over to my Subaru and hopped into the front seat. Wilson looked drawn and tired, in keeping with the early hour.

Wilson, I was thinking that maybe you and I should go grab some breakfast.

He looked at me with an owlish expression. It’s very late, though. I should be getting to the library. I know I mentioned going back to bed, but I was just being facetious.

I shook my head. There’s really no reason to head into the library. It’s fully staffed today and no one needs any direct supervision. It’s not the day for you to meet with the board of trustees. Besides, I’m sure you’ve built up plenty of time off. In all my days of working at the library, I couldn’t immediately recall Wilson taking any vacation days.

For a second he looked stubborn, but then sighed. I suppose you’re right. I could use a little time to get my head screwed on straight. I just don’t know if I feel like sitting out in public right now. I’m feeling a bit shaky. And I’m not sure I have any breakfast food at my house right now.

Why don’t you come by my place? I asked. It won’t be as fancy as a restaurant, but I can definitely scramble us some eggs and fix coffee and toast.

Wilson relaxed a little. That sounds perfect. As long as I’m not messing up any of your plans, Ann. I know today is supposed to be your day off. You surely didn’t intend to spend it with the library director.

It’s my pleasure, I said quickly. I drove us back to my cottage where Fitz was sleepily blinking at us out of the front window.

Wilson chuckled. It looks like you have a welcoming committee.

Sure enough, Fitz happily wound himself around Wilson’s legs and then hopped into his lap as I busied myself in the small kitchen making the aforementioned eggs, toast, and coffee. I gave him a steaming cup of coffee first, putting the half and half and sugar in front of him while I got the eggs and toast started. I sensed that Wilson felt a bit awkward about everything that had happened so I kept busy with the cooking and Fitz kept Wilson busy by loving on him.

I realized as I was cooking that I hadn’t eaten breakfast either. I put a couple of extra eggs in the pan. When I put the food down on the kitchen table and joined Wilson, I was pleased to see that his color looked better. He took a few bites of eggs and toast and then sat back in his chair a little, reaching down to rub Fitz again.

I can’t imagine what you must be thinking, Ann, said Wilson sadly. I hope the events of the morning haven’t changed the way you think about me.

I always have total respect for you, I said immediately. It was true. Wilson could irritate me sometimes, especially when he loaded me up with extra work. But he worked just as hard and cared so much about what we did at the library. And he’d always conducted himself with so much integrity.

He sighed with relief. I’m so glad to hear that. Thank you for not pressing me on the matter. He hesitated. You seem to have a natural talent for solving these types of puzzles. It must be a good trait for a librarian to have. Maybe you can do some digging for me . . . figure out who might be responsible for Jonas’s death. I just hate that the trustees might think I’m a murderer.

Of course they won’t, I said stoutly. Anyone who knows you will realize you’re completely incapable of harming anyone.

Thanks, said Wilson, although he sounded doubtful. He finished off his coffee and said, And now I think I should get out of your hair for the day.

Are you feeling any better? I asked.

He nodded. A lot. The food and caffeine have done their jobs.

He did look a good deal better and he said he thought he’d be able to drive again. So I dropped him off back where his car was parked. The emergency vehicles were still there, and police officers were continuing to go in and out of the house and consulting each other in small groups in the yard. Wilson carefully avoided the scene with his eyes.

I got out of the car too, mainly just to make sure Wilson walked over to his car okay. I heard my name being called and turned around.

Chapter Two

Isaw a beautiful woman in her thirties with dark hair coming toward us. I waved to her. Flora was someone I’d come to know as a friend. When I’d inherited the cottage from my great-aunt, I’d felt overwhelmed by the lush landscaping at the house. But my aunt had dearly-loved her garden and had felt so much pride in it that I knew I had to keep it up. Flora, who was a master gardener, was a lifesaver. Afterwards, we kept up with each other’s lives with an occasional coffee, and whenever Flora came over to the library—which had become more and more frequent. Unfortunately, Flora was also Jonas’s sister and it looked as if she might not know the news about what happened.

Wilson murmured, One of our regular patrons at the library, I believe.

That’s right, I quietly responded. Flora Merchant.

Wilson suddenly looked very uncomfortable. His sister. Oh no. She looks as if she hasn’t heard.

I guess there hasn’t been enough time for Burton to get over there and speak with her. My stomach twisted at the thought.

Sure enough, Flora was looking very confused. Hi, Ann. Do you know what’s going on here at this house? My brother lives here.

I gave her a quick hug in greeting and said cautiously, I think you should speak with Burton, Flora. He’s right over there with some other police at the front door. He’ll know more about what’s happening than I do.

But Flora was having none of it. She wanted to know right then what had happened. He’s dead, isn’t he? My brother. Why else would they have a team in forensics suits? Her voice was quiet but insistent.

Wilson gave me a stressed look. I cleared my throat and said as gently as possible. I’m afraid he is, Flora. Would you like to take a seat in my car? I pushed open my car door as far as I could and Flora sat down hard on the seat. Her face was bemused.

What happened? she asked.

Wilson and I looked at each other again and I caught Burton’s eye and waved him to come over. He gestured to indicate he’d be there as soon as possible.

Wilson said carefully, We don’t really have a lot of information right now. But from what I gathered from speaking with Burton earlier, it seems to have possibly been foul play.

Flora looked grim and surprised but not exactly grief-stricken. Sounds like karma, she muttered with a short laugh. Then she looked up at both of them. Sorry, that must sound awful. I cared about Jonas, of course. He was my big brother. But he could be a really difficult person and caused a lot of trouble sometimes. I can see where someone might have become really upset with him.

Burton joined them as Wilson slipped away to head to his car. Burton spoke quietly to Flora, giving her basic information about her brother’s death and telling her how sorry he was. When he saw how composed Flora remained, he cautiously began asking a few questions. Have you spoken with your brother this morning? Did he perhaps ask you to come over?

Flora shook her head. Nothing like that. I was just driving by his house on my way to work—I stopped when I saw all the emergency vehicles here. Jonas and I didn’t keep in touch as well as we should have.

I was wondering if you might be able to give a little information about your brother. Could you fill me in with a bit of background?

Flora squared her shoulders as if facing a somewhat unpleasant task. I’m happy to help out if I can. As I mentioned, I’m afraid Jonas and I weren’t particularly close, but I have known him for a long time.

Flora seemed very calm and composed. I knew her as someone who was always very practical and who had a great deal of equilibrium, but it was a little startling how unfazed she was by her brother’s sudden death.

What was he like? asked Burton.

Flora sighed. I was just saying to Ann and Wilson that my brother could be a very difficult man. He was always very smart growing up but seemed lazy—he wouldn’t hand in his assignments on time or even finish some of them. I got the feeling he was the same way in the working world. He was always looking for shortcuts to avoid doing a lot of work.

Burton slowly asked, Was he ever on the wrong side of the law?

Flora nodded, coloring a bit with embarrassment. I’m afraid so, although it’s been ages ago. He would always want to make a quick buck instead of sitting for hours in an office to make it legitimately. He was arrested once, probably ten years ago, for minor fraud charges. I had to bail him out of jail, which is the only reason I know about it. We never discussed it after that.

Burton asked, But he did have a regular job here in Whitby, didn’t he?

Flora gave a short laugh. "Yes. He was an insurance agent. Although I’m not sure he was very motivated at the office. He wasn’t the kind to fall all over himself to sell you a policy. And I’m not positive