Huntsman - Morgan Brice Page 0,22

replace a copy because the binding was falling off from overuse than have pristine tomes no one ever bothered to borrow.

“That was the main room,” Jeffries said, beckoning for Liam to follow him.

“There’s a computer to search the catalog at the main desk and a self-service one over there,” Jeffries went on, pointing to a kiosk. “This is the public computer area,” he added, walking into a small, narrow room off to one side that held two old desktop computers. “All grant funded. We can talk about the details later.” He didn’t slow down, but Liam silently made a list of things to discuss with Linda and Maddi.

“Then this is the reference area,” Jeffries said, heading into a smaller room with two big desks and lots of familiar dictionaries, how-to manuals, cookbooks, and study materials. “And here’s the rare book area.”

Liam eagerly followed him into a room that might have been the size of a generous walk-in closet, with walls lined floor-to-ceiling with old leather-bound volumes and a flat storage unit for what Liam guessed were maps, artwork, and blueprints.

“The rare book room receives an annual bequest, as does the children’s area,” Jeffries said. “Linda can give you the basics, and then you and I can talk later when we go over the budget, allocations, and politics.”

They headed upstairs, where Jeffries showed off a brightly painted and recently re-carpeted children’s area that looked well-stocked and friendly, as well as a community room that could hold a good crowd.

“The attic is a climate-controlled third floor for storage. All the usual maintenance stuff is in the basement. Given the weather here, there’s good heat but no AC. Plenty of fans up in the attic that can be brought down if you need them,” he added. “There’s also a staff room off the community area with a shared kitchenette.”

“I’m impressed,” Liam said. “This is a lot for a small town. That suggests that there are plenty of readers, some generous donors, and years of good oversight.”

Jeffries smiled, obviously pleased at Liam’s sincere praise.

“Fox Hollow isn’t a big place, but people here do their best for each other. That’s one of the things I’ve liked about moving here,” Jeffries said as they waved goodbye to Linda and Maddi and headed down the front steps toward the street.

Last night Liam hadn’t gotten a good look at the town, and this morning when he’d run to the auto shop, he was so focused on getting back in time to meet Jeffries that he didn’t pause to take in the scenery.

Now, he stopped when they reached the sidewalk and took in his surroundings. Across the street on his right was a clothing shop, a large gift and bookstore, and the Unitarian church, which looked like it had a cemetery behind it, and a stretch of woods beyond that. To the left of the library was the police station, sheriff’s office, and fire department, housed in one building, with a grocery store at the bend in the road.

“Don’t know if you did any scouting this morning,” Jeffries said as they fell into step together, “but behind the library are the schools, ballfields, community building, the medical center, and of course, Fox Institute.”

“Fox Hollow reminds me of the library,” Liam said, feeling like a tourist as he looked from side to side. “Lots of good stuff in a small package.”

Jeffries chuckled. “I’d say you’re right on target. If you want something unusual, you might have to go to one of the bigger towns or buy online. But the town council and the local chamber have worked hard to assure that the services and stores in town provide the residents as well as the tourists with everything they need ninety-nine percent of the time.”

Liam had feared regular trips to stock up might be the penalty for small-town living, and with his car on the fritz, that had worried him. He felt his shoulders loosen a little with at least one source of concern put to rest.

“Everything looks well-cared for,” he observed. “That usually means people are doing pretty well for themselves.”

Jeffries shrugged. “We like to think so. Some businesses are seasonal because of the weather or the tourists—or both. But those folks have a side gig for the other part of the year. The Institute also brings in people all year round, including for the Winter Retreat, when the only other outsiders we get are for the snowmobile rally.”

Just past the bend in the road, Liam saw Bear Necessities Coffee