“Not today.” Helen Louise sighed heavily. “I have a huge order of petits fours for a garden club tea this afternoon and three dozen quiches for a bridge party this evening.”

“Poor baby. I’m glad business is so good, but I wish you had some time to rest.”

“That will have to wait until tonight. I’m planning to leave around seven and go home and drop in the bed straightaway.”

“No dinner tonight, then.” I was disappointed, but she needed the rest.

Diesel could hear her voice emanating from the cell phone, and he meowed and chirped. I told her that, and she chuckled. “Give him a kiss from me,” she said. “Afraid I have got to go now, sweetie.”

“Talk to you later, then.”

By now Diesel and I had reached the steps of the antebellum house that housed the library’s administration offices and the rare book room and archives.

Diesel scurried up the steps as soon as I released him from his halter, and moments later I heard him warbling away. I trotted up the stairs after him to see what had him so excited.

As I stepped onto the second-floor landing and glanced down the hall toward the door of my office, I saw two figures, their backs to me, bending down to pet the cat.

“Good morning, Miss An’gel, Miss Dickce. How are you?”

“Tired, Charlie, but otherwise tolerable.” Miss An’gel straightened. “You’re running a bit late today.”

“Goodness, An’gel, the poor man probably overslept after such a terrible night.” Miss Dickce scowled at her sister. “I know I would have if you’d left me alone.”

Miss An’gel shot her sibling a look of withering contempt, and I had to suppress a smile as I responded. “I’m afraid I did oversleep this morning, ladies. Forgot to set the alarm, and my backup didn’t try to rouse me the way he usually does.” I begged their pardon as I stepped around them to unlock the door.

“Diesel, I’m surprised at you.” Miss Dickce chuckled.

“Sometimes he takes pity on me,” I said as I switched on the lights. “Please come in.” I strode ahead to find a second chair to add to the one in front of my desk.

The Ducotes seated themselves, Diesel between their chairs, and I faced them from behind my desk. “Can I offer you something to drink? Coffee, tea, or water? It won’t take a moment.”

Miss Dickce opened her mouth to speak, but Miss An’gel cut her off. “No, thank you, Charlie, we’ve just come from breakfast at home.” Miss Dickce looked decidedly grumpy now. She stroked Diesel’s head, and her frown eased into a smile.

“What can I do for you?” I couldn’t think what brought them to my office so soon after the events of the previous night.

“You’ve been involved in other murders.” Miss An’gel got straight to the point. “We want you to help us figure out who murdered Vera. The sooner this is resolved, the better for all of us.”