Chapter 22 [Archives—Potsdam Library, St. Nichols College]
Just off Campus' central point, Potsdam Library buzzed with activity. Students sifted through Card Catalogs for Direction. Books with their Number Tags packed Aged Oak Shelves. Pencils and Pens scratched across Index Cards' surface. Ideas coalesced for Papers and Research Projects.
Gwen sat at Microfilm Reader. Much as in High School, the Device forced her to squint at Yesteryear's Articles. Albany Herald and Eagle Plain Reader offered stories related to previous fairs. Tractor Pulls, Horse Draws and Blue Ribbons seemed like items from a different world to a city girl. Still, Intrigue seemed to grab onto her. She gleaned past Farmers' pictures with prized stock. She could see Ladies with Crafts and Baked Goods. In particular, Newspapers' Indices helped her to track down Angie's mother from those occasions. Ten year run included the requisite Annual Pie (be it apple, cherry, blueberry) and Crafts. Angie's equestrian feats laid out Former Shy Girl's developing Confidence and Resolve. Blue Ribbons flew into the farm house almost as fast as Angie's horse, Sam, won races. Pencil scribbled notes onto cards. Wow! I never thought they'd be so successful at those fairs!
Stacy eyeballed the 1982 Index for both papers. He'd overheard Dubois refer to that rendition with Nyoki on the preceding evening. His eyes scanned the listings for September of that year. Notes recorded several unusual events. One pertaining to a barn and unusual events stuck out in his mind. Why was the barn closed? Curious! The judging had to be postponed. Did it have anything do with our host? He decided to ask Dubois, Angie or Brother Tony about that circumstance. He ambled over to her side. "Do you have the 1982 film roll here?"
"Sure! I was just looking at it. Why?" She arched her eyebrow. "You think there's something about that barn stuff? They had to close the judging down for the day. That's super strange." She handed him the printouts in question. "That's the article from Eagle Plain. Albany didn't have anything. Can't believe I beat you to that one, Mr. Detective." Teasing prompted a Smirk on her part.
Serendipity can provide good breakthroughs as well." Stacy glanced at his watch. "It's almost noon. Let's get packed up. I'm ready for some lunch. Need some help with the microfilm?" He shuffled back toward the table.
"Thanks but I'm good. I hope Peter's doing as well at the fairgrounds." She straightened print outs into a pile. She slipped them into waiting knapsack. "Let me see yours." She stepped to his side. Her eyes skimmed titles. "You found some good stuff."
"I believe this will provoke conversation." Stacy straightened his own pile out. Curiosity and Professional Intrigue drew him into that one fair rendition. "Here you are, Dear."
"Thank you, Sir!" She stuck his work in with hers. She zipped the bag shut. "Hope there's something yummy at the Union!" She put the used rolls back in their boxes. Then, she put Boxes in 'to be shelved' area. "All set!"
"I'm sure there will be." Smiled and Twinkle replied in sufficient fashion. He walked through open door. "Let's see. I remember it's right outside and…" He saw Dubois waiting by Circulation Desk. "I do believe our guide will know of some recommendation!" Cane enabled him to effort his way forward.
"Mr. Dubois, how was class?" She noted Dubois' upbeat manner. With Relief, no sign of Unruly Alter Ego could be detected. "You look glad, Dad."
Smirk crossed Dubois' face. Pep and Slight Corniness warmed him. "It was a good class. It was a great topic. I don't mind good questions either. Well, I've done my duty for the day. How was your research?"
"We found leads!" She patted her bag. "Bet you have some stories to tell."
Both printable and definitely off the record unprintable. "Angie and I finally connected there in 1982. That's a story. She won the big regional race. Beyond that, you'd need to speak to her. I do have something waiting at home for you to look at. We can talk there or over lunch. I know a pub just around the corner. Do you want to go there? My other idea is that we swing by the fairgrounds, pick up Peter and your aunt. Then, we can all eat again at MacLindy's or find another place that's suitable. Whatever you want to do. Cherry Plain has a few options too."
"I'd like to check on Peter and his aunt. Besides, I did have some questions. Maybe, after lunch, I'd take a few puffs on my pipe?" Stacy glanced toward Pipe in his pocket. "Perhaps we could return to do dinner at the Pub one night? I could offer…?"
"It's definitely an idea. Did you need to stop now for a smoke? We can do that outside." Dubois glanced toward the Student Union. "I was going to get coffee. Maybe Gwen and you might join me?" Hand went down into his pocket.
"I'd like to look at everything. Maybe Brother Tony might be there?" Stacy pondered a chance to ask the minister about that barn incident. Perhaps I might find others?
"So we're settled. Meantime, let's focus on those coffees?" Dubois offered.
"I can use some good java, Sir! You're on!" She turned to her father. "Dad, did you want something? Maybe you can do some good puffs while you're waiting?"
"I'll come with you but thank you both for your consideration. Even if it was a profitable research session, coffee is definitely in order. I can wait until we get to the farm. Is Professor Tuishiama joining us?" Stacy expressed.
Dubois shook his head. "She's teaching right now. We'll see her again at some point this weekend." Static buzzed around him and the others. Hairs raised on the back of his neck. Numbness crept over his head. "Let's get that coffee and head for the car. I'd rather get to Peter and Mrs. Parker." Caution prompted him to look about.
Lichtenfeld floated around close by. Her aura stood out to him loud and clear.
"Everything okay? You just…" Confusion jumbled up her thinking. She glanced at Stacy.
"Perhaps we might get something on the road, Professor?" Stacy raised an eyebrow at Dubois. Ideas and Theories floated through his head. He gathered that Threat remained close at hand.
"That's a good idea. I know a great place a few blocks from here." Dubois led them toward Parking Lot and awaiting Car.
Sometimes, it paid to pay attention….