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"I’m confused If you’re a librarian, why are you here about ripping off , Vivian, least of all this front porch"

"What the hell kind of librarian is in charge of front porches?"

"Not just front porches, the entire house Seaside Cottage is on the historical register, as is e, have to be approved by the town--specifically, the director of the historical society," he replied, straightening his lapel

"And that would be?" I asked, dryly

"Me," he answered, puffing up a bit

"I see" I turned aalking back and forth along the porch, ever ered my cameo while I contees without consulting you first?"

"Correct"

"Including the front porch"

"Correct"

"Or the wobbly bannister?"

"Good God, no! It was handcrafted by Jeremiah Wo--"

"Easy, Clark, easy," I soothed "So where does that leave us?"

He looked pastthe stacks of boxes "I’m sure you’ve discovered that your aunt was a bit of a packrat, but s she owned could easily be donated to the historical society You know, to ht of the paintings in the closet upstairs I wasn’t ready to just let things go quite yet