“The Whirl driver. He steals things.”
“I don’t know what a whirl is,” she said. “And I don’t know any Noahs.”
“What about the owner of the museum, Cornelius Kurnbottom? Can you tell me about him?”
“The man who lives in the castle, looks like death, and smells like corn?” she asked.
“That’s him.”
“I don’t know him,” she said. “Never heard of a museum around here either.”
I narrowed my eyes at her.
“Look, you seem like a plucky little thing,” she said. “Strange you carry a cat on your head, but I like your gumption all the same. Let me give you some advice.”
“Sure.”
“People come to Inorog to hike through the fields and escape people. Those of us who live here, we stay out of each other’s business. You’d do well to do the same.”
“I’m in the business of being in everyone’s business,” I said. “The library knows all.”
“That’s a strange thing to say,” she said. “There’s no library in Inorog. Anyway, you should go now. I don’t have anything to tell you.”
“All right then. Thank you for your time, madam.”
“It’s just Janice,” she said.
“Good day, Janice.”
Outside, I considered the lack of information I had collected. It was beginning to seem the community was not as close-knit as Edwina Aldea had suggested. It was also looking like the museum was not as popular as Cornelius Kurnbottom had described.
My cellular telephone rang in my bag. I dug through for it, and pulled it out.
The number belonged to Madison in HR. A tiny burst of excitement bubbled up in my chest. It was probably Imogen.
“Imogen?” I asked as I answered.
“It’s Madison, hi,” said Madison.
Boo.I let out a sigh. “Hello, Madison. What can I do for you?”
“Just checking in. How are you and Silas getting along?”
“Oh, just swimmingly,” I told her. “He’s braiding my hair right now. I already did his.”
“Hilarious,” she said, flatly. “You know I’m just looking out for you, right?”
“I appreciate your concern, but I’m doing fine.”
“There’s three days left,” she said.
“I am aware. How is Imogen doing?” I asked.
“She’s deep in the books. She seems quite delighted with her task.”
That was nice. I was glad that she was happy. I also hoped she found something useful.
“Tell her I retrieved her bag,” I said. “And, Madison—”