I passed over the leash, and Diesel padded happily after Jordan.

I hoped that by the time Jordan brought Diesel back I could figure out an approach. I scanned the bookshelves in front of me, as if I could find inspiration there.

I heard the bell on the door, and then a voice called out, “Morning, everybody. I brought doughnuts.”

Recognizing the voice of Patty Simpson, I smiled. With Patty here it shouldn’t be too hard to steer the conversation around to the death of the town’s famous writer.

I left the mystery section for the front counter. Her back to me, Patty was setting down a box of doughnuts along with a purse and a bag of books. Jack Thompson had disappeared from behind the counter.

“I finished the galley of that new thriller you gave me,” Patty said without turning her head. “It was pretty awful, so I don’t think you should order more than one.”

Then she turned and saw me. “Oh, sorry, I thought it was Jordan. How are you, Mr. Harris? Would you like a doughnut?”

I would very much have liked a doughnut, but after the breakfast I had consumed, I knew I shouldn’t. “No, thank you,” I said, surprised that the words actually came out of my mouth.

“There’s plenty,” Patty said.

“No, really, I’m okay. But thanks for the offer.”

“I’ll be right back.” Patty grabbed her purse and scurried off in the direction of the back room.

While I waited, I turned my back on the doughnuts, lest I be tempted further. Instead I focused on a nearby display of diet cookbooks. I ought to buy one, but I knew I’d never cook anything out of it.

When Patty returned, she eyed the box of doughnuts. She helped herself to one, stuffing half of it in her mouth. Judging from the plumpness of her figure, she wasn’t interested in diet cookbooks any more than I was.

“Have you heard the big news?” She popped the rest of the doughnut into her mouth while she waited for my reply.

There was no point in playing coy. Sooner or later everyone would know I found the body.

“Yes, I have. Poor Godfrey.”

Patty swallowed. Her expression turned sour, and I didn’t think it was from the doughnut.

“He was a colossal jerk, that’s what he was.” Patty reached for a second doughnut before pulling her hand back.

“I went to school with him,” I said. “He wasn’t always a nice person. Did you know him?”

“Only through the bookstore. And from things my Aunt Melba has told me about him.” She shot me an arch look. “I know you know my Aunt Melba. Don’t you think she looks good for someone her age?”

I suppressed a laugh. Patty was anything but subtle. “She sure does.”