Page 28 of Pretend You Love Me

“I’ve connected you with the local news archive website and the arrest records. You’re going to have to go to the courthouse for the property records.”

“Wow. This is amazing.”

“If you tell me what you’re looking for, I can comb through this with you.”

“Oh, no...I don’t want to keep you.”

She shakes her head, and her dangling earrings tingle. “This is literally my job, and I love doing things like this. It’s why I’m a librarian.”

I hate to be a spoilsport, but she can’t help. I can’t talk to anyone about what I’m doing right now. Maybe once I get a little more information. Maybe once I know Rose a little better, but not today.

“Oh really, I’m not even sure exactly what I’m looking for today.”

She deflates a little. “Oh, okay.”

“Maybe later when I have narrowed some things down?”

This perks her up. “Yes. Whatever I can do to help.”

“I really appreciate it though.”

Her smile has returned. “I’ll be at the desk if you need me.”

I get to work and completely lose track of time. I vaguely notice the sky darkens even more outside, but I continue to work without giving it any thought; then vaguely notice that it starts to rain. I finally look up when it starts to pour. Loud crashes of thunder follow, and lightning streaks across the windows.Well, I’m not going anywhere for a while.I really hope it dies down soon though. The library isn’t open much longer.

I tune it all out and continue to work until I hear the library door swing open. The wind is howling outside, and I see Kip barreling through the doorway - soaking wet. He looks ready to light something on fire. Correction: he looks like he’s ready to lightmeon fire.

His eyes lock on me as he marches my direction.

Oh, shit.

I sink lower into my chair.

“Oh, hey Kip,” Rose says, standing up.

He just holds up his hand without a word and continues in my direction, eyes still glued on me. Rose sits down without another word.

“Ginger,” he growls.

I close out all the tabs quickly and log out before he reaches me.

“Ginger,” he growls again.

I turn in my swivel chair to face him.

“Can I help you?” I say, sweetly.

“What the hell are you doing?” he yells, startling me.

“Kip, we’re in a library,” I whisper.

“There’s no one else here but Rose,” he yells. I flick my eyes over to the front desk. Rose is sitting straight up, watching us intently. I give her a little wave.

“I needed the internet,” I say, looking up at him. He’s towering over me, water dripping off him. It’s running down his face, his neck, his hair. His t-shirt is glued to his body.

“There’s internet at the house,” he growls.

“I don’t have any devices that connect to the internet,” I reply. I didn’t want to risk James being able to track me with one of my other devices. Honestly, I’m not even sure how that works, but I couldn’t risk it.