Murder of a Cranky Catnapper Read Online Free

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    Skye spent as little time as possible in the depressing spot, and when she heard the dismissal bell ring, she was more than ready to get out of there. To avoid having to return to it before heading home, she’d already loaded her tote with files and tucked her calendar into the side pocket of the bag. Now she settled her purse strap over her shoulder, switched off the light, and locked the door behind her.
    The first person on her to-see list was Virginia Elders. Virginia was Clifford, Alvin, and Duncan’s fourth grade teacher and Skye wanted to touch base with her about that afternoon’s counseling session. Since Gavin and Christopher hadn’t experienced the same degree of problems with the introduction of the pet therapy, she’d talk to their teacher afterward, or if he’d already left, just send him an e-mail to make sure they hadn’t demonstrated any ill effects from the session.
    When Skye entered the classroom, Virginia was grading papers at her desk. She was an attractive divorcée in her mid-forties. She’d been born and raised in Scumble River, taught at the elementary school eversince she graduated from college, and in ten years or so she would probably retire from that same position.
    After losing her nineteen-year-old son to a drug overdose, Virginia had sought out Skye’s advice. Because of this, Skye felt more comfortable with her than some of the other teachers she didn’t know as well.
    â€œHi, Virginia,” Skye said as she crossed the room. “How’s it going?”
    â€œGood.” Virginia looked up and smiled. “The grief counselor and I have decided that I’m ready to stop going to the weekly meetings.”
    â€œThat’s great.” Skye looked around for a place to sit down. She was pretty sure she no longer fit in the pint-size student chairs with the attached desks. Unable to spot another option, she remained standing. “I’m glad that the Laurel Hospital group I suggested worked for you.”
    â€œMe, too.” Virginia put down her red pen and wrinkled her brow. “A year ago, I would have sworn that I’d never get over the depression. Now, although I still think of Jameson every day and I’m sad a lot, I’ve admitted that he’s truly gone.”
    â€œThat’s really good progress.” Skye mentally checked off the four stages of recovering from losing a loved one—accepting the loss, getting through the pain, adjusting to life without the person, and moving on.
    â€œI feel like I’m going to make it. Like I can start to have a life again.”
    â€œI’m so glad for you.”
    â€œPalmer has been a big help.” Virginia’s brown eyes sparkled. “I think having someone—other than a counselor or member of the grief support group—to be with and to take my mind off the past was that final piece of the puzzle that I needed to heal.”
    â€œPalmer Lynch?” Skye asked, her heart sinking. Her recent encounter with the overbearing man had not made her a fan of the district’s newest board member.
    â€œYes.” Virginia looked at her quizzically. “Do you know him?”
    â€œOf course I know
of
him, but we actually just met for the first time this afternoon.”
    â€œHere at school?” Virginia asked, then answered herself. “Oh. That’s right. Last night at dinner, he mentioned that he was going to drop by today to inspect the old wing. He feels strongly that it should be demolished.”
    â€œUnfortunately, he showed up just as Clifford ran out of the room.” Skye wrinkled her nose. “I was chasing him and bumped into Palmer.”
    â€œOh, my.” Virginia’s lips quirked. “And Palmer was not amused?”
    â€œNo.” Skye exhaled loudly. “He was especially upset when he found out about the pet therapy. He called it snake oil and practically