“The council are Tory scum,” Mrs.B said with a growl. “This is all part of their damn austerity plan; libraries are being closed all over the country.”
“But where will I go without the library?” Stanley said.
“The council says there are bigger libraries in Winton and New Cowley,” the journalist said.
“But they’re miles away.”
“Did you know about this?” Mrs.B was glaring at June.
“No, I’m sorry... This is the first I’ve heard of it.”
“We can’t let this happen,” Stanley said.
“We’ll form a campaign group.” Mrs.B slammed her fist on the table, making June jump. “I’ve been protesting my whole life; I won’t go down without a fight.”
“Can I use that in the paper?” Ryan said, scribbling on his notepad.
“What the hell is going on here?”
They all turned to see Marjorie standing in the doorway, clutching her handbag to her chest like a shield. “This is a library, not a cattle market. I can hear you all from outside.”
“Marjorie Spencer? I was wondering if I could get a quote for theDunningshire Gazette,” Ryan said.
“Unless you’re here for a legitimate library activity, then you need to leave.”
“Can I—”
“I said, get out!”
Ryan looked like he was about to say something but lowered hishead and walked out. The room was silent for a moment and June could hear her own ragged breathing.
“Right, let’s all calm down, shall we?” Marjorie said. “I’ve just had a meeting with the council and been told the news. I know this is a shock, but we mustn’t panic.”
“Easy for you to say; you’re retiring soon,” Mrs.Bransworth said with a snort. She and Marjorie had fallen out years ago when Marjorie accused Mrs.B of defacing a biography of Margaret Thatcher.
“As you know, my husband is the chair of our parish council and a great supporter of the library,” Marjorie said. “He’s going to arrange a public meeting with the county council on Thursday so all our questions can be addressed.”
“That doesn’t give us much time to prepare,” Stanley said.
“Of course not,” Mrs.B spat. “The council want to do this as quickly as they can, slip it under the radar.”
“I’m sure the council will listen to all your concerns at the meeting,” Marjorie said. “Now, could you please quieten down and get back to what you were doing?”
Marjorie stood at the desk until Stanley and Mrs.B had dispersed, then turned and walked toward her office. As she did, June saw that her face was white as a sheet.
“Excuse me, June?”
She looked round to see where the small voice had come from and was surprised to see Jackson still standing at the desk. In all the commotion she’d forgotten he was there.
“What is it?”
The boy’s brow was creased. “They’re not going to close the library, are they?”
June bit her lip to try to contain her emotion. “I’m sorry, Jackson. I really don’tknow.”
CHAPTER FIVE
“Your usual?” George asked, as June walked into the Golden Dragon that evening.
