Page 28 of Whispers of Wisteria

Regardless, this required a response. What sort of nonsense did star-crossed lovers spout? I needed to channel my inner-Damen and search within my soul for something worthy.

I held the bag closer, trying not to let my grief about the—now probably dead—exotic plants ruin my mood. “When we got together, Bryce promised that nothing would ever come between us.”

It was technically true. We were siblings, so our eventual divorce could not tarnish that bond.

My heart pounded in the aftermath. Even though this was frightening, I’d somehow made it through the interrogation without saying anything terrible. I was going to be so good at managing the press.

Ms. McKinnen paled and opened her mouth, but the phone rang, and she moved to answer it. With her distracted, I let out a low breath, allowing my focus to drift to the double doors.

Maybe this was a good time to take my leave?

“Please wait a moment, Mrs. Dubois,” Ms. McKinnen said, hanging up the phone. She no longer sounded like the kindly librarian acquaintance I’d come to know. Instead, now she seemed almost afraid.

Even though her grilling had been a bit annoying, I felt sympathy for the woman. She’d been so pleasant only moments ago; whatever she’d heard on that call must have been really bad.

“Yes?” Although I had no connection to her, I wanted to help.

The librarian swallowed, lowering her eyes from mine. “That was Professor Protean. She’s been looking for you and asks that you meet her in her office.”

I sucked in a breath, and even though she wouldn’t know, I asked, “Why?”

And more importantly,howdid Ms. Protean know where I was?

“I’m not sure,” the librarian answered anyway, her voice lowering as she cupped the side of her mouth. “But I heard she takes on murder cases as a consultant.”

“Hmm…” That was interesting but ultimately irrelevant. I hadn’t killed anyone, at least not lately. She was, however, being nosy about cold cases that no one cared about.

Then again, she had mentioned something about taking me on.

“Maybe I should go see,” I muttered, biting my lip. I wassupposedto go to Damen, and his feelings might get hurt, but this might be exciting.

“You should.” She was whispering for some reason, although I couldn’t fathom why. “It’s in your best interest to cooperate.”

Yeah, probably. It was just good manners.

I shouldn’t ignore her.

Besides, she’d probably stalk me around campus again.

“Maybe she can even help you,” Ms. McKinnen was still whispering, so I kept my focus on her mouth. “She’s usually cold-hearted and keeps her students at a distance, but she has a soft spot for the fae.”

The conversation, which had once been clear and coherent, had suddenly become odd.

What in the world was she talking about?

“You can trust her.” Her eyes held mine as if relaying a secret message. “She’ll work with you and keep you safe. Justice will be served.”

I had no idea what she was trying to tell me. Had something somehow gotten lost in translation?

Unless… Perhaps word had gotten around that Ms. Protean asked me to study with her.

“O-okay,” I stammered, my face turning hot. Did this mean that others thought I was up to the job? I had no idea people had that much faith in me. Sure, I’d considered it, but Dr.— Uncle Gregory had wanted…

No.

I wouldnotlisten to him. Besides, I’d already decided to work with Ms. Protean. This solidified it. I would do it. In fact, I would go to Ms. Proteanright nowand tell her so.

Uncle Gregory could eat a bag of rocks. Only, I had to be brave enough to tell him so to his face.