Read Online Ghost Wanted by Carolyn Hart - Free Book Online

herself.”
    â€œMichelle will reassure you.” Lorraine’s high voice was quite pleasant, but gently chiding. “She’s a dear girl who is pinning the dreams of her future on her work here at the library. She would never be involved in a dishonest venture.”
    Garza stared at me. She could scarcely look more shocked if I’d suddenly jumped to my feet and brandished a sword.
    I lifted my husky voice a notch, but it was still an octave below Lorraine’s dulcet tones. I spoke loudly: “Always two sides to every story.” I made a shushing motion with my left hand.
    Garza’s gaze followed my hand.
    I let my hand drop, managed a strained smile.
    â€œAs for the keypad”—Lorraine’s cultivated tone held a hint of disdain—“likely it registered the wrong number. I’ve heard students talk about electronic mishaps. They happen every day.”
    Lorraine’s voice was utterly distinct from mine. Hers was high, mine was low. Her voice had a bell-like quality with the precise diction of someone who did not grow up in the Oklahoma hills. Mine was deeper, with a hint of laughter and a drawl that was a mixture of Southern forebears and Western pioneers.
    Lorraine was kind, but firm. “We must never jump to conclusions, must we?” An unseen hand gripped my elbow. “You’ll see about this, won’t you?”
    Garza’s eyes darted around the room.
    I wriggled free of Lorraine’s grasp, quite possibly resembling a disco dancer with a decided leftward list, and yanked the cell phone from my uniform pocket. I held it up, said loudly, “Sorry, Ms. Garza, sometimes the thing gets stuck on speaker phone and other calls get mixed in, quite a mess actually.”
    Garza had the wary expression of a woman watching a hooded cobra rising from a basket.
    â€œCertainly I hope your telephone problem is solved”—Lorraine was exasperated—“but technical difficulties are not of great importance at the moment. Please see about Michelle.”
    Lorraine clearly had no idea she was causing a problem. I yelped into the cell. “Cut it out, Sergeant.” I was backpedaling toward the door. “I’m on my way to deal with everything right now. Don’t embarrass the police department.” I was at the door, and a hand gently fastened on my elbow. I twisted my arm, grabbed a fine-boned wrist. “Straighten out the phone lines, Sergeant.” I spoke through gritted teeth, managed a strained smile for the director. “Ms. Garza, my apology for the extraneous chatter.”
    â€œExtraneous?” Lorraine sounded puzzled.
    â€œI’ll run right upstairs and talk to Ms. Hoyt.”
    â€œOh, good. You’ll take care of everything, I know you will.” Lorraine was clearly reassured.
    Garza retrieved a key ring from her desk drawer, rose. “I will accompany you.” She edged from behind her desk, keeping a good distance from me, clearly convinced she was dealing with an unhinged personality.
    â€œMichelle will no doubt explain everything.” Lorraine’s voice was fading away.
    On the plus side, I sensed that she spoke and left. No doubt she was already in room 211.
    I turned toward Garza. I pitched my voice higher than usual. “Hopefully Ms. Hoyt can clear up the matter. Certainly, the use of her code after hours must be explained.”
    Pale blue eyes stared at me intently. Finally, she gave a short nod, but we didn’t exchange a word as we walked down the hall, out into the main rotunda, and up the stairs. On the second floor, she turned to her right.
    We passed two closed doors.
    At room 211, the director checked her keys, inserted one, and opened the door.
    I was right behind Garza. There was a long oak table near the windows. Three boxes sat atop the table. A legal pad and pen lay in front of the oak chair drawn up to the table.
    As we started across the room, the lid of one box rose in