Page 107 of Checking Out the Librarian

I need help.

Connor

I am coming right now

I am leave my groceries in cart and coming

To the liberty Now

Jonathan

Stop. Don’t come here yet.

Connor

I need

Jonathan

I need you to go to a pet store and get kitten milk replacer and a bottle with nipples or whatever the people at the store tell you to get.

And a heating pad.

Connor

On it

But then I need to cuddles

Jonathan

You have a dog.

Connor

Ribby is very good. Ribby needs a kitten

Jonathan

Formula and kitten stuff.

Connor

Right yes

Jonathan actually did have to return to the circulation desk, but luckily the box with the sacrificial sweater and its occupant fit under the counter, if he placed the large tech router thingy on the floor.

The kitten had a secure dark spot to doze, Jonathan’s knees brushed the box when he wanted reassurance, and he was perfectly capable of standing at the computer terminal without tripping on the equipment he’d temporarily relocated. He was, after all, a former internationally competitive athlete who specialized in knowing his body placement and could certainly avoid hazards.

Lily, not so much.

“Shhh-eets,” she muttered and bent to rub her shin. “That corner is⁠—”

“Hush, Kitten is asleep.”

Her eyes widened at his tone. “Sorry.”