The officer looked back at the dead bodies.
“We still need to get your statement. We can do that when we bring it to you,” the officer replied, tipped his hat and left them alone.
Darla nodded and attempted to ignore the shocked look on the driver’s face as he followed her.
“He told you where the note was hidden with the four number passcode to his vault?” He whispered angrily as he grabbed her elbow to stop her from walking.
“I beg your pardon, sir. I kindly ask that you remove your hand from my person.” She tilted her face up at him in defiance. “It isn’t a four number passcode that he left behind, anyways.”
“Why would he choose you to inherit his estate?” The man asked. “Can you please do the right thing and give the information to me?”
“Why would that be the right thing?” She stopped to look at the man. Her excellent vision now allowed her to really see this man for who he was. As Richard, she had lived with a near-constant white film over his eyes, and now she could see everything in impeccable detail. The man had deep lines onhis forehead and gray specks of hair had begun showing in his hairline. His skin was grayish and sunken. He looked quite sickly.
She continued to watch as the man struggled to find the right words. “We, his staff, served him loyally for many years and helped him through many ailments.” Darla knew that wasn’t true.
They had been paid generously, and they all completed their tasks as assigned. Richard was generally healthy for most of his life. The extra care commenced once he experienced pain in his back and legs that eventually led to him being confined to the wheelchair.
“The right thing to do is to honor his final wish. We had a lovely conversation today, and he confided that I was the kind of daughter he wished he could have had.”
It was a bold-faced lie, but she needed the driver to be convinced since she knew that Richard had never talked about any desire for a wife or children.
“If you would please excuse me, I need to grieve the loss of my childhood sweetheart who was just killed in cold blood right in front of me.”
Really, I just need time to think and figure out what my new life is about. I have no research, and I can’t have this man blathering on about how unfair life is.
She turned and continued toward the direction of the library on Main Street, just as old Darla previously shared.
Maybe someone working there will know me and could give me a ride to my house,she thought miserably, because now, she did not know where she lived or any other important details about the new life she had stepped into.
Pedestrians rushed past her towards the park as she walked down Main Street. The blood on her exposed legs dried in the sun, and she could feel it flaking off.
The library came into view. Its tan brick and red roof stood tall against the bright blue sky. She pushed against the ornate wood door that led into a large two-story room. The second story was what caught her attention first. She had never stepped foot in the library before now.
Her survival depended on quickly acquainting herself with her new body and new life. She took a few steps in and looked at the front desk near the entryway of the library.
An older woman with gray and short, curly hair, had glasses on the tip of her nose. She was bent over, reviewing some financial ledgers. Darla peered over the counter and cleared her throat to politely make her presence known.
“May I help you?” The woman looked up, followed by a gasp. “Why Darla, you look like a dreadful sight. What has happened to you, child? Are you hurt? Is that your blood on you?” She lowered her voice when she saidblood,and glanced nervously at the other patrons.
“Sally, would you please cover the front desk? I need to talk to Darla in the back office.”
Another older woman who was sorting books on a cart smiled and waved at Darla.
“Sure can, Meg. Hi, Darla, nice to see you on your day off!”
She wasn’t able to respond as Meg had hurriedly moved them towards the back of the library. They entered a small office filled with stacks of books and piles of papers. It looked as though a tornado had blown through and destroyed the small space.
Meg guided her to the empty seat by the door. She admired the detailed design of the chair handles as Meg weaved through the stacks and made her way to another door that Darla hadn’t noticed when she first entered.
This door was a swing door and opened in both directions, ideal for small spaces and for doors usually leading into a kitchen. Darla listened as she heard Meg move around inthe next room. Squeaky cabinets opened and closed as dishes clattered together.
Darla took in her surroundings and marveled at all the books around her. She loved reading and wished that she had read more books.
Once I secure my fortune, I will dedicate more time to my studies and gain as much knowledge as I can,she thought and reached to pick up a small dusty book that looked like it hadn’t been opened in years. She carefully opened it and devoured the words on the page.
Meg returned a few minutes later.
“Child, you aren’t supposed to touch the books in here!” She put down the two teacups, gently took the book from Darla’s hand and returned it to the pile where Darla found it.
