Arsenic and Old Books Read Online Free Page B

what we will do,” I said. “I need to make you aware of two things, however. I work at the archive only three days a week, because that is all the library budget covers. Also, I can’t allow Dr. Steverton or anyone else to remove the diaries from the archive—unless you are willing to give permission and assume the risk. It’s possible that they might be photocopied but I can’t guarantee it.”
    â€œThe most important thing to my husband and me is that the diaries be carefully conserved.” Mrs. Long spoke firmly. “If you would be willing to work five days a week at the archive for the next three weeks, I’m sure my husband will arrange with the library director to cover the costs.”
    Frankly I was surprised the mayor was going to such lengths to accommodate Marie, even if she was an old college friend. They must have been pretty close, and still might be, for all I knew. I would have to discuss this further with Melba. In the meantime, I knew the mayor was waiting for my answer.
    â€œI can do that,” I said. “I’ll also need to let Teresa Farmer know I won’t be able to work my volunteer shifts on Fridays at the public library during those three weeks, but I’m sure she’ll understand.”
    Teresa was a good friend, and I knew she wouldn’t object. I looked forward to those volunteer stints, however, and I knew the staff and patrons would miss seeing Diesel as well, since he always went with me.
    â€œI can’t tell you how much I appreciate your flexibility on this.” The mayor’s gratitude sounded sincere—but with politicians, one never really knew.
    â€œOne final thing,” I said. “If Dr. Steverton’s three weeks of exclusive use could start next week, that would be most helpful. I’ll need a few days to assess the condition of each volume and do conservation work.”
    â€œThat sounds fair. Marie will abide by that; I’ll see to it. Thank you again, Mr. Harris.”
    I was not in a happy frame of mind when I sat down to eat, thanks to Marie Steverton. Diesel immediately put a paw on my thigh to let me know he had waited long enough for his tidbits of chicken. I found a small piece and was about to give it to him but I noticed that the casserole included onions. They were not good for cats, so I couldn’t let Diesel have any of the chicken.
    â€œSorry, boy, this chicken wouldn’t be good for you.” I pushed back from the table and went to the fridge. I found a container of sliced chicken breast and popped some in the microwave to heat. “Just a minute, boy,” I said to the impatient feline now meowing piteously by my legs.
    As I ate I doled out the warm chicken breast. Diesel was content, but I was not. I did not look forward to spending three weeks with Marie in my office at the archive. Her unfriendly presence would make for a tense atmosphere, and I knew Diesel would feel it and be unsettled. He would be even less happy if I left him at home those three weeks, but then I realized he could spend time with Melba instead when he needed a break from Marie. I, unfortunately, would have no such option. I would have to keep an eye on her the entire time. I didn’t feel I could trust her not to do something stupid that could compromise the state of the diaries.
    Then I realized there was a further complication—Kelly Grimes. She approached me first about working with the diaries. I predicted she would be mighty annoyed to find out that Marie now had dibs on them for the next three weeks. Another situation that I did not anticipate with any pleasure whatsoever.
    If Ms. Grimes was that unhappy, she would simply have to make her own appeal to Mayor Long, I decided.
    Before this, I hadn’t had to deal with such a complicated situation regarding access to resources in the archive. I had students and professors come from time to time to consult documents, and once, I even had a