Back To School Murder #4 (25 page)

Something in his tone made Lucy wonder if he was speaking from personal experience.

“And he wasn't exactly quick to pay his bills,” said Brian, sounding resentful.

Another siren could be heard in the distance.

“So I guess he won't be missed,” said Lucy.

“No, I won't miss the old bastard,” said Frank. “But I'm sure gonna miss the Bilge.”

The others nodded in agreement as a state police cruiser peeled into the parking lot, followed by the white medical examiner's van.

“The place didn't look like much,” said Brian.

“But the beer was the cheapest around,” said Dave.

“Where else could you get a beer for a buck twenty-five?” asked Frank.

The three shook their heads mournfully, united in grief.

LESLIE MEIER is the acclaimed author of thirteen Lucy Stone mysteries and has also written for
Ellery Queen's Mystery Magazine
. She lives in Cape Cod, where she is currently at work on the next Lucy Stone mystery.