"A Murder In Milburn", Book 3: Death In The Library by Nancy McGovern Read Free Book Online Page A

foremost, he was always a businessman. Except with Nora, When he looked at her the way he was looking right now, the stress would fall away from his face, and he’d look almost boyishly young.
    “You’re freezing,” he said, moving his hand from her shoulder to her cheek. His voice grew a little more serious now. “The others probably are too, aren’t they? Let’s call them in.”
    “But what are you doing out here anyway?” Nora asked.
    “My meeting yesterday, remember? This is the proposed site of the resort,” Harvey said. “The property is huge and there’s a lake in it. I was showing people around, selling it as a brilliant investment. It was a fun meeting, actually. We chatted, played some poker, had a few drinks. Did you know Mayor Almand does a killer Tom Hanks imitation? Anyway, about 4am, everyone made their way back home. After that, I’ve been supervising some contractors.”
    With a start, Nora realized that the last time she had seen Harvey was at the library yesterday morning. Funny how a day could feel as long as a week.
    “Wait, then you haven’t heard?” She asked.
    “Heard what?”
    She filled him in on the details and watched his face change, from horror to a sudden quiet introspection.
    “Why didn’t you call me?” he asked Nora.
    “Honestly… I didn’t think to,” she said. “I was with Tina and Sam all night. Sam was fairly inconsolable. Sean was taking their statements and Sam could barely string two words together. Dr. Neil had to give him a sedative in the end.”
    “I understand,” Harvey said, “So why didn’t you call me?”
    “I know you and Sam are friends, Harvey, but I just… I didn’t really think ,” Nora said.
    “You forgot I existed, until now,” Harvey said. “Didn’t you?”
    “Harvey, seriously? This isn’t the time.” Nora felt herself get annoyed.
    “No I get it,” Harvey said. “Sean was around, so it didn’t matter where I was.”
    “Harvey--”
    “So she’s dead,” he said, almost to himself. “And now we need to find who killed her. Let me guess, you’ve already started interrogating people.”
    “Harvey, what are you talking about?”
    “I don’t want you mixed up in this,” Harvey said. “Not this time. Not again. I’ve seen how much stress you take on when you’re trying to solve cases. You hear me, Nora? Leave this one alone.” His voice was sharp with warning.
    “Harvey, I’m not trying to solve anything,” Nora said.
    “Good,” Harvey replied. “Don’t forget you’ve got a diner that you’re planning to start next month, in between your catering jobs.”
    “Tina can’t really think about the diner right now,” Nora said.
    “So, what, you’re going to postpone opening it?”
    “It just doesn’t seem right, does it?” she asked.
    “There you go again,” Harvey said, raising his arms. “You’re always doing this, Nora.”
    “You’re being selfish,” Nora said angrily. “Tina’s sister-in-law is dead. She was murdered. Do you realize that?”
    “I realize that. Do you realize that solving the case is Sean’s job? Yours is to get Tina to move on by focussing on work and family.”
    “I haven’t been trying to solve anything ,” Nora said. “And I can’t believe that the first thing you think of when you hear a woman was murdered, is why didn’t my girlfriend call me? ”
    “I asked, and you haven’t really given me a reply,” Harvey said.  
    Nora was about to give an indignant reply, when she was interrupted.
    “Nora!” Tina and Horace came running up the path.
    Harvey turned, and Tina slowed. “Harvey, Nora’s been gone a while and Uncle Horace and I were worried.”
    “She told me what happened,” Harvey said, taking Tina’s hands in his own. “I’m very sorry for your loss, Tina. I’m sorrier still for Sam. He’s a great friend, and any help you need, I’d be glad to provide.”
    “How about a ride into town?” Tina asked. “I’ve just found out that they’ve