Read Online Back To School Murder #4 by Leslie Meier - Free Book Online Page B

of my children, you know.”
    â€œWho?”
    â€œToby. He’s in ninth grade.”
    â€œToby is yours, too? He’s a nice boy.”
    â€œI like to think so, but I’m keeping my fingers crossed, just in case.”
    â€œGrowing up is tough. Sometimes they make bad choices.” Josh shook his head mournfully. “Even kids from good families.”
    â€œIs that what you think happened with the bombing? Was it one of the kids?”
    â€œI hope not,” he said earnestly. “We’re a pretty small school system, almost like a family. I don’t think it could have been one of ours, but you never know. Kids can really surprise you.”
    â€œThat’s for sure,” said Lucy, stopping at the Subaru. “This is my car.”
    He took the books while she fumbled for the keys.
    â€œYou know, Mrs. Stone…”
    â€œCall me Lucy.”
    â€œOkay, Lucy. I guess you’re taking a class? At night?”
    Lucy nodded. “Victorian literature.”
    â€œWell, if you’re going to be using the parking lot at night, I’d suggest you have your keys ready. That way a mugger wouldn’t have time to attack you. And you really ought to park under a light, if you can. And stay away from the bushes.”
    Lucy looked around the dark, shadowy parking lot that was surrounded with tall trees and leafy shrubs. She rarely worried about her safety in Tinker’s Cove, but she realized Josh had a point.
    â€œIt was still light when I parked,” she said, finally pulling the keys from the bottom of her purse and unlocking the door. “Thanks for the advice.”
    She took the books and climbed in the car.
    â€œNo problem,” he said, giving her a little wave as she started the engine. “Get home safely.”

CHAPTER NINE
    W hen Lucy and Zoë arrived at the day-care center on Friday morning, Sue Finch was leaning on a counter near the row of cubbies that stood ready for the children’s jackets and lunch boxes, reading The Pennysaver .
    â€œGood morning,” she said, looking at Lucy over her half-glasses. Raising a jet black eyebrow she asked, “So, what’s the story that Ted didn’t print?”
    Lucy grinned. One of the best things about working was seeing Sue every morning. The two were longtime best friends, but nowadays they rarely had time for leisurely chats at the kitchen table over a cup of coffee. Sue, who was a member of the town’s recreation commission, was the moving force behind the day-care center in the recreation building basement.
    â€œMoms need affordable, high-quality care,” she had told the Board of Selectmen, the Finance Committee, and finally the entire town meeting. Everyone, Sue included, was amazed when the normally tightfisted voters approved the funding and the center opened with Sue as director.
    â€œâ€˜It’s all in The Pennysaver ,’” said Lucy, repeating the paper’s familiar slogan. She set Zoë down and unzipped her jacket. Then she pulled a brown paper bag from her tote bag and gave it to Zoë. “Give these to Aunt Sue, okay?”
    Zoë toddled toward Sue, holding out the bundle.
    â€œIs that for me?” asked Sue, taking the bag. “Tomatoes! Thank you, Zoë.” The little girl beamed with pride, then turned and scooted over to the play kitchen.
    â€œThere was one thing that didn’t make the paper,” said Lucy. “Barney said the call to the police reporting the bomb came from the school.”
    â€œ Hmmm ,” said Sue, thoughtfully massaging her chin with a perfectly manicured hand.
    Watching her, Lucy decided that if she didn’t like Sue so much, she would have to hate her. Here she was messing around with fingerpaint and Play-Doh all day and she looked ready for a day on the town in her black slacks, sleeveless white turtleneck, and black patent leather sandals. A smart black and white plaid jacket completed her