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Ben will be proud of me.
He’s going to be so pleased that I talked to Jess, that I’m finally getting some closure on something that’s haunted me for almost half my life. And honestly, I’m kind of proud of myself.
It’s not to say that all my unresolved issues from back then are gone. I’m not sure they ever will be. But it’s one less weight to carry. And the forgiveness makes the remaining weight easier to bear.
When the fire alarm startles me from my thoughts, I think I might actually have a heart attack.
Since it’s a public building, we have a very loud alarm system with blaring alerts and flashing lights in every room. Inside my small office, the sound is deafening.
Resisting the urge to clap my hands over my ears, I push away from my desk and head for the door. I hope it’s not one of the kids who pulled the alarm. Last time it was ten-year-old Roger Timothy, who did it on a dare. Officer Troy gave him such a stern talking to, the kid burst into hysterical tears.
I understand why Officer Troy came down on him—false alarms are dangerous and costly—but I still felt badly for Roger.
Hopefully, it’s just a false alarm. Some dust on a smoke detector. Someone burning popcorn in the employee lounge. Poor Penny left a fork in the microwave a few months ago and nearly caught it on fire. She was mortified.
Selfishly, I don’t want anything to mess up my lunch date with Ben.
I pull the door open and hurry out into the hall. My office is at the rear of the building, so it’s likely everyone else will get out before me, but I’ll still do a quick sweep as I head outside. Check for any kids that might be hiding, or Miss Grossman, who often turns off her hearing aids while she’s reading in the library.
Then.
Agony.
Splintering.
Explosions of color flash behind my eyes.
Everything spins.
Scattered thoughts.
What happened? Who?
So much pain.
Dark closes in.
Chapter 15
BEN
As soon as I see the crowd gathered outside the library, my heart jumps into my throat.
There’s no way this can be good.
Not like this. Not with little clusters of adults talking urgently. Mothers clutching children to their legs. And as I get even closer, the blare of alarms sounding.
I jerk my car into the nearest parking spot and leap out, panic clawing at me as I race toward the library.
Calm down. Just because I can’t spot Thea’s curly hair yet doesn’t mean something is wrong.
Thea’s petite; it’s possible she’s hidden behind someone larger than her. Or she’s around the back of the library. There’s no reason to assume the worst.
Yet.
But I still have to force myself not to shout when I find Penny standing near the sidewalk, her features twisted with worry.
“What’s going on? Is it a false alarm? A drill?” Please.
