September Sky (American Journey Book 1) by John A. Heldt Page A

interrupted his daydream.
    "I'm sorry to keep you waiting," the first librarian said. "The postman usually makes his rounds about this time of day."
    "No worries," Chuck said.
    The librarian cocked her head and stared at Chuck as if he had said something strange – which, of course, he had. When an appropriate response apparently failed to come to her, she offered a warm smile and a slender hand.
    "I'm Charlotte Emerson, director of the library."
    "I'm Charles Townsend," Chuck said.
    Chuck laughed to himself as he shook her hand. He couldn't remember the last time he had used his christened name in an introduction. Then again, he couldn't remember the last time he had met someone like the woman in front of him.
    Though her light brown hair was a few shades darker than Megan's, she had the same creamy skin, high cheekbones, and kind blue eyes. Were it not for her crisp white blouse and long gray skirt, Chuck might have mistaken her for the woman he had loved and married.
    Chuck let the pleasant thought linger in his mind until he suddenly became conscious of his obligation to introduce his son. He started to speak when Justin beat him to the punch by stepping forward and extending a hand.
    "I'm Justin Townsend."
    Charlotte shook Justin's hand.
    "It's a pleasure to meet you," Charlotte said. She stepped back and looked at each of her visitors. "I haven't heard your accents before. Where are you from?"
    "We're from California," Chuck said.
    "I thought that might be the case. I must say I'm envious. I've always wanted to see your wonderful state, but I've never had the opportunity."
    "I'm sure that will change."
    Charlotte smiled sweetly.
    "I hope so. I love visiting interesting places," Charlotte said with a lilt that was a lovely fusion of Midwest and Southwest. "In any case, I'm sure you didn't come all the way from California to hear me talk about travel. What can I show you that will help with your research?"
    "That's hard to say, since we don't know what you have," Chuck said.
    "Let me ask a different question then. What are you planning to write about?"
    Chuck took a few seconds to gather his thoughts. Even though he had rehearsed the lie many times, he wanted to get it right. He might have to remember details later.
    "I'm planning to write a book about shipping and Galveston's leading role in that industry. I'm particularly interested in the passenger lines that serve the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean. I learned on the train ride here that one of the more successful companies is based in this town and is owned by a family named Fitzpatrick."
    Chuck saw a head turn when he uttered "Fitzpatrick." The second librarian pushed her work to the side and walked to the other end of the desk to join the party of three.
    "If it's the Gulf Star Line you want to learn about, then you've come to the right place," she said. "Silas and Wyatt Fitzpatrick run the company, which was founded by their father. The Gulf Star is the most prestigious line in Texas."
    "Thank you for that information, ma'am," Chuck said.
    "This is Goldie Gates," Charlotte said. "She is one of my three assistants and is our resident expert on commercial and passenger shipping."
    "It's a pleasure to meet you, Miss Gates."
    "The pleasure is mine, Mr. Townsend."
    Chuck winced when he heard his name. Miss Gates had done more than note his interest in local passenger lines. She had listened to the conversation from the start.
    Chuck took a moment to assess the blonde. Like Charlotte, she was attractive, articulate, and clearly informed. Unlike Charlotte, she had lifeless eyes, an icy smile, and a businesslike edge to her voice. Tall and poised, she appeared to be in her late twenties.
    "If you're in a hurry, I can turn you over to Goldie right now," Charlotte said. "I'm sure she'll be able to answer most of your questions. Or, if you prefer, I can continue with a general tour of the library."
    Chuck laughed to himself as he considered his options. He could talk to