NOLA Read Online Free PDF Page B

and we’ll see if we can narrow it down a bit.”
    “Adventure, but I’m not opposed to a saga if there are a few heart-stopping moments.”
    “Historical?”
    “Historical is fine, but not too far back that I’d feel like I was in school and going to be tested on the material.”
    This admission brought a giggle from the librarian.  “We can’t have that.  If you hadn’t mentioned the movie thing, I would have recommended Graham Greene or perhaps Joseph Conrad - although, his books seem so racist now.”
    “They’re too popular for my taste.”
    “Ah, you have given me a challenge, young man.”  She led him down a long hall, pointing out the rooms as they walked.  “These rooms we use for public meetings, book readings, and once a year, we have a Chocolate Lovers Challenge.”
    “Oh, you’re going to have to explain that last one,” Cid insisted.
    “We purchase a hoard of chocolate from around the world.  People buy tickets to sit blindfolded and guess who made the chocolate.  We have a chocolatier from the city who volunteers to give background on the chocolate.  It is one of our most profitable fundraisers.”
    “When is this?  I have several friends who would be interested, including myself.”
    “It’s coming up.  I think it’s scheduled the weekend before Mother’s Day. It’s not on the public calendar yet.  I’ll have my assistant send you the information.  Don’t dawdle. The tickets are snapped up once the news gets out.”
    Cid smiled.  He was looking for someplace different to take Marta Steensen.  He knew she loved chocolate, and this seemed like a good fit for the two of them.
    “Here we are,” Miss Hodges announced.  She withdrew a set of keys and said, “We normally keep the door to this area locked.  We’ve had a few book miners snooping around at our first editions.  Some of them are quite valuable.  I’ll give a set of keys to Mr. Hicks if you ghost hunters need to get in here.”
    When the door opened, the overhead lights flashed once then settled in for the long haul. Cid followed the librarian into the crowded space.  Books were stacked as closely as possible.
    “We’d stack them to the ceiling, but the fire department would have our heads.  Instead, we have forgone the mid aisle, using that precious four feet for shelving books.  Once you start down an aisle, plan on packing a lunch, for you will be there a while.”  She stopped and looked at Cid a moment.  “Have you read An Eagle has Landed ?”
    He nodded.
    “Did you like it?”
    He nodded again.
    “Ever read Storm Warning ?”
    “No, did Jack Higgins write that too?”
    “Back before your parents were courting, Jack made the bestseller list with it.  And then it disappeared.  I’m sure a few book clubbers have their copy, but it didn’t generate the fame that Eagle did.  It’s a wartime, maritime thriller.  You game?” she asked him.
    “Yes, that sounds perfect.”
    “Good.  Follow me.”
    Miss Hodges walked smartly down the long aisle.  She stopped and ran her finger across the books that were eye level with her.  She tried to pull the book out, but it was wedged tight.  The protective plastic cover had become stuck to the book covers on either side.  The librarian was used to this.  She would simply take out the three books at once.  She reached in and pulled the trio towards her.  It took a little wiggling, but the determined Miss Hodges was not going to let go of her prize.
    “Can I help you?” Cid offered.
    “No, just in case I ruin these, let it be on my head,” she said and gave them a last tug.  The books popped out of the space and into her arms.  She handed Storm Warning to Cid and proceeded to shelve the other two books.
    Cid watched as she tenderly fanned the pages and made sure all was well before placing a book on the shelf.  She reached forward with the first book and froze.  Little squeaky sounds came from her throat.  Cid thought she might be having