My concentration was so deep, in fact, that I worked for almost two hours without a break. Only a series of sharp raps on the office door pulled me out of a state of deep concentration.

I stood and stretched my back and arms as I glanced at the door. I figured the person who knocked was my friend Melba Gilley, who worked downstairs in the library director’s office. She visited Diesel and me at least once a day.

The person who strode into the office was Vera Cassity. To my knowledge this was her first visit to the college archives, and I wondered why on earth she was here now.

“Good morning, Mr. Harris.” She stopped two feet in front of my desk and frowned. Her shoulders twitched a couple of times.

It took me a moment to realize that she expected me to take her coat—a mink I regarded with considerable distaste—and to offer her a chair. I hurried to accommodate her as I returned her greeting.

The mink safely placed on another chair and Vera seated properly, I returned to my position behind my desk.

“Tell me, Mr. Harris, do you enjoy your job here at the college?” Vera cocked her head to the right and regarded me with what she probably intended as a friendly smile.

“Yes, I do, very much.” Behind me I heard Diesel mutter for a moment before he subsided. Vera’s presence bothered him, and I had to admit I felt faintly uneasy.

“That’s good.” Vera’s head returned to an upright position, and her gaze bored into mine.

The silence lengthened as I waited for the woman to explain the purpose of her visit. I was determined not to speak again until she continued.

At last she spoke. “I’m sure you know my husband and I give a lot of money to the college.”

I nodded. “I’ve heard about the scholarships for deserving students. Very generous of you.” When would the blasted woman get to the point?

Vera nodded, her expression smug. “I heard that one of the lucky boys actually lives with you. Justin Wardlaw.”

“Yes, he boards with me. He’s a fine young man and truly worthy of your scholarship.”

Vera’s eyes narrowed. “Your aunt used to have boarders, didn’t she?”

“Yes, for many years. I decided to continue her tradition.” Surely she wasn’t here to inquire about Justin, was she?

“Your aunt was a lovely lady. A pillar of the community, you might say.” Vera again offered a smile.

“Thank you. Aunt Dottie was a wonderful person.” Vera was trying to butter me up for something. That must be it. But what? I itched to demand that she get to the point and stop dillydallying.

“The archives have lots of treasures, I’m sure.”

Vera’s abrupt change of subject threw me. Now what?

“Indeed. Some excellent collections of rare books, like the Delacorte Collection, for example.” I was curious to see her reaction to the Delacorte name.

Vera shifted in her chair and shrugged. “I’ve known the Delacortes all my life.” Her tone suggested disdain for the family.