Cleaning is Murder : Myrtle Clover #13

Chapter Six

A few minutes later, Myrtle and Miles got back in his car.

"And I thought I was rusty at dating," said Miles as he drove off toward the library.

"You may be, but Sloan is a disaster," said Myrtle. "I don't have to be Wanda to see their relationship is doomed unless he makes changes. Think how helpful we were, Miles."

"He regaled his date with a discussion about revamping the newspaper website," marveled Miles.

"Which he's doing a terrible job at. He took the whole thing down to work on it and has been updating it in spurts. It looks as if the entire website is down," clucked Myrtle. She peered closer at Miles. "You look anxious, Miles. What's the trouble?"

Miles said, "I wish I'd known that we were going to the library today. I have an overdue book to return."

"Well, swing by your house first and pick it up. It isn't as if we live far away."

Miles shook his head. "I'm not done with the book yet." His face looked slightly green as it did whenever he contemplated doing anything remotely wrong.

Myrtle said, "I can tell you're wracked with guilt over this overdue book. What's the title?"

"It's the complete collection of Sherlock Holmes," said Miles. It appeared to grieve him to even mention the book.

"For heaven's sake, Miles, that's hardly a bestseller. I don't think that the town of Bradley is on pins and needles waiting for the book to be returned to the library. Just renew it."

Miles pulled into a parking place at the library. "I've already renewed it," he said miserably.

"Then renew it again! You're allowed two."

Miles unlocked their doors. "I've already renewed it twice. I'm reading it slowly and savoring every word. I thought we could apply some of Sherlock's methods to our investigations."

Myrtle got out of the car. "You mean we should have noted that Amos had a fierce argument with Philomena because of the evidence of a hastily tossed-aside library book and the carpet fibers on his shoes?"

Miles's eyes grew wide. "Did you notice that?"

"Don't be silly. Amos didn't even have shoes on. We'll have to be a lot sharper than that if we even try to be more like Sherlock." Myrtle gave Miles a narrowed look. "And don't feel the need to confess your overdue book to Philomena. It's not as if you owe the library much money."

"Fifty cents," said Miles, glumly.

"Just zip it, then. I want to focus her on Amos and their relationship and not have her thinking about missing books and fines and whatnot." Myrtle pushed open the library door.

"It's not missing," said Miles stiffly. "I know exactly where it is."

"Never mind that. Let's figure out which one is Philomena. I know I taught a Philomena Fant, but it was a million years ago. I do remember that she was a brilliant student, although her parents seemed to spoil her to pieces. They both came into the school and argued with me about giving Philomena an A-minus. Anyway, I'm quite sure her appearance has changed in the meantime. The library staff should wear name tags," said Myrtle irritably.

Miles seemed to be caught up in the spirit of Sherlock. "Let's use the process of elimination. From what I've heard about Amos's proclivities, I don't believe he was likely dating any of the male librarians."

Myrtle scanned the area. "True. And I don't see him dating that young woman over there. He seemed to date peers or near-peers."

"We should talk to the woman over there, then," said Miles, a triumphant note in his voice. He pointed to a dainty woman in her fifties with blonde hair hanging neatly around her face.