Page 3 of Cadaver Lab: Mind Over Murder

He picked it up like it was nothing—no gloves, no tray, just a handful of brain—and made his way back to the freezer full of horrors…make that more brains.

She drew back, horrified at his casual handling of the brain matter.

Her boyfriend was weird…and no way was she holding his hand on the walk to the meeting tonight. No matter how many times he washed it.

Chapter Two

With Liam’s long limbs and Natalie’s shorter legs working double-time to keep up with his stride, they reached the community center in record time. Though technically not before the Rotary president had started the official proceedings.

She’d already began her address to the members and guests assembled there. That didn’t stop Harper from rushing toward Natalie the moment she and Liam walked through the door in the back of the room.

“Thank god you’re here,” Harper whispered, sounding panicked.

“Sorry we’re late,” Natalie apologized, even though they really weren’t very late at all.

Even if they had moved Liam up to speak before Harper, it would be fine. The guest presentations hadn’t begun yet. But Harper was a worrier. Being one herself, Natalie could commiserate and empathize.

“We’re here now. All good.” But Natalie and Liam’s arrival didn’t seem to calm Harper’s panic.

Natalie reached out and touched Harper’s arm in what she hoped was a comforting gesture. “Are you nervous about your presentation? Lots of people hate public speaking but I’m sure you’re going to do great. There’s no need to stress.”

Harper shook her head. “Trust me. I’m not afraid of speaking in public. I’m afraid of speaking in Mudville. Did you see who’s all here?” she hissed intently.

Natalie glanced past Harper, but all she saw was the normal Mudville locals.

Granted Margaret Trout was shooting them an annoyed looking glance. Definitely meant as a censure for their talking in the back of the room when the Rotary president was speaking in the front. But otherwise, Natalie saw the same folks that were in attendance at all the Mudville meetings and events.

When Harper had convinced her to attend the village board meetings with her there were the same people. The fall festival held every year at Morgan Farm—same people. The annual Flag Day parade down Main Street—same people. Free concerts in the park—same people.

Generally, tonight’s meeting was filled with all those who came out for anything and everything rather than staying home for the night.

Staying home sounded good to her. That was exactly what Natalie would happily be doing if she hadn’t succumbed to the pressure from Harper who had insisted Liam should present too because she needed them both there for support.

But if Harper wasn’t afraid of public speaking, then why?

“I see Agnes is here.” Natalie spotted Harper’s great aunt in the front row next to the village attorney Dee Flanders. They must both be Rotary members, given their primo seating and judging by how intently they were paying attention to the president speaking.

“It’s not Aunt Agnes I’m worried about.”Natalie frowned. “I don’t understand.”

Leaning in, Harper said, “I’ve written about most of the people in this room in my books, one way or another. Sometimes, often, not so kindly.”

As Natalie looked around again, this time keeping in mind the thinly veiled caricatures of the local residents in Harper’s fictional books, she was beginning to see the problem.

Behind her, Liam snorted. She twisted to look up and found him trying to control a laugh.

“What?” she asked, though it probably came out sounding more like an accusation.

His barely contained smile still making his dimple visible, he said, “I’m just thinking tonight might be far more interesting than I thought it would be.”

“Stop being so gleeful about it. Harper’s upset,” Natalie hissed.

One dark brow cocked high, he answered, “I can honestly say I don’t believe I’ve ever been gleeful in my life.”

“Shhh!” That reprimand from ninety-year-old Alice Mudd seated nearby was enough to end the discussion once and for all.

Still looking unhappy with the situation, Harper tipped her head toward three vacant chairs in the back row.

As the woman presiding over the meeting went over dates and speakers and other Rotary business items, Natalie, Harper and Liam moved silently toward the seating.