The Witch is Dead by Shirley Damsgaard Read Free Book Online Page B

newcomer needed a part-time job. Claire had been impressed enough with to offer her an interview.

    “This is pointless,” I said to Darci as I stared at the blank piece of paper lying on the counter.

    Darci paused while checking in books. “What’s pointless?”

    “Trying to come up with questions for the interview this afternoon.” I tapped the counter with my pen. “Claire’s vote of confidence is good enough for me.”

    “But you have to at least go through the motions.” Darci flipped the book shut.

    “I suppose. Hmm, how about ‘What are your favorite authors?’” I said, scribbling it on the blank sheet.

    Are you familiar with the best-seller lists?came next. “Hey, I’m on a roll here,” I said as I started to write the next question. A nudge from Darci interrupted me.

    I turned my head to see Abby escorting Aunt Dot through the door. As soon as Aunt Dot cleared the doorway, she shook off Abby’s hand and proceeded across the room like a steamroller, her head whipping from side to side as she took in the library.

    “She’s so sweet,” Darci murmured next to me.

    “Yeah? Well, just don’t mention murder or fairies, okay?”

    “Huh?”

    “Trust me on this one, Darce.” I plastered a smile on my face. “Hi, Aunt Dot,” I said loud enough for her to hear me.

    “This is where you work, eh?” Aunt Dot trooped up to the counter, her walking stick thudding with each step.

    “Yup. What do you think?”

    “You have a lot of books,” she replied in a matter-of-fact voice.

    My eyes traveled around the room. She was right—we had thousands of books in our circa 1920 library. Its heating and cooling system might leave something to be desired, and the blinds covering the arched windows were ancient, but I loved the old place. Our library had character. Crown molding ran around the high ceilings, and light from the antique light fixtures reflected off the soft gold walls, warming the room even on the darkest day. The floors had recently been redone. Wonderful pegged planks had been discovered underneath the worn carpet and restored to their original beauty. The whole building smelled of old leather and lemon oil polish.

    My gaze settled on Abby, standing directly behind Aunt Dot.

    The skin around her eyes looked pinched, and I noticed a faint twitch in one eyelid. Her normally immaculate braid had tendrils of silver escaping this way and that. And the aura of calm that usually floated around her was missing.

    But before I could open my mouth to say anything, Darci stepped from around the counter to greet Aunt Dot.

    “Hi, I’m Darci, Ophelia’s assistant,” she said, holding out her hand.

    Aunt Dot took her hand in both of hers and studied Darci closely. “My, she’s a smart one, isn’t she?” she said over her shoulder to Abby.

    Darci’s eyes widened in surprise at Aunt Dot’s remark.

    Boy, I would have to explain that one later, I thought. Oh well, by now, Darci was well-acquainted with our family’s talents.

    Abby smiled. “Yes, she is,” she replied with affection. “Ophelia told me you’re starting college in a couple of weeks,”

    Darci gave a hesitant nod. “Um-hum. I’m a little nervous.”

    Abby stepped forward and gave Darci’s arm a squeeze. “You’ll do fine,” she said, her voice reassuring. “I’ll miss seeing you around the library.”

    “Oh, I’ll still be here on the weekends.” She shot me a look. “Someone has to keep Ophelia out of trouble.”

    Ha! Since Darci had done more than her share toget me in trouble, I thought her remark very inappropriate.

    “Aunt Dot,” Darci said, her eyes returning to my diminutive aunt. “Would you like me to give you a tour of the library?”

    Uh-oh. I didn’t like that idea at all. Darci had her own fascination with our “adventures,” and I didn’t think it wise for her to spend unsupervised time with Aunt Dot. I shuddered to think of what kind of trouble two excitement junkies like Aunt