Once he has his things, he realizes he’s not going to be as brave as he thought he’d be. He skips the rest of his plans and hurries back home, where the walls of his room can’t judge him.
*
Francie shakes her head as Owen walks toward the circulation desk for his shift. She’s holding a book, her glasses low on her nose. “Looking grumpy is my thing, Owen. You’re supposed to be the friendly librarian, remember?”
“I have reasons to be less friendly today.”
“I’m aware. Go make us tea.”
Before Owen can go to the small kitchen area, someone walks behind him and says, “I’m afraid I lost mydesire to read today, Francie.”
“That’s okay, Henry. I always suspected you were the coloring book type of reader.”
Owen gives her a small, grateful smile, then goes to make them tea. It dawns on him that his presence might be a risk to the success of the library. His favorite place in town, and he might be putting it in danger by association alone. Feeling even gloomier than before, he walks with the two cups of tea to the circulation desk, where he slumps into a chair.
Francie puts her book down and takes the tea, blowing on it softly before saying, “So.”
“So.”
“Welcome to small-town drama.”
He shakes his head. “It’s more than drama, it’s… evil.”
“Are you going to cut your ties with Will?”
The blunt question hits him like a punch. “Hell no.”
“Then I suggest you find a way to live through this mess—like Will has.”
“He would’ve left town a long time ago if it weren’t for his sister.”
Francie nods and sighs into her cup. “It really does feel like someone up there decided to give Will Thomas the short end of the stick.” She meets Owen’s eyes. “Maybe you’re meant to turn things around for him.”
“Then I don’t think I’m excelling in my work. The opposite, really.”
“Let Will decide what works for him. I do, however,advise you two to keep a low profile for a while.”
Owen nods, the cup warm between his palms. “Back then, did you believe the things they said about Will?”
She hesitates before answering. “Joel was clearly unwell, but he was still charming, still a golden boy. I was a friend of Will’s mom, and I hoped for him to come out and fight for his version of the truth, but since he didn’t, it was easy to take Joel’s word, as unsettling as his stories were.”
“But you knew that Joel was crazy.”
“Please don’t try to find logic in what happened. People love siding with the victim, and Joel did a good job presenting himself as such. I know Will a bit better now, and it’s clear to me that Joel was lying. I’m sure that many around here think the same.”
“They don’t act like it.”
“It’s always those who judge who are the loudest, but it doesn’t make them the majority. Nor does it make them right.”
“I hope so.” He glances at the empty library. “I think I’m bad for business. Do you want me to take some time off, or—?”
“This is a library, Owen, not McDonald’s. We can survive with fewer customers.”
He chuckles. “I wouldn’t mind a burger, actually.”
“Then you should aim higher than McDonald’s. Now, I’m off. Enjoy your shift and working on your posters.”
“My posters? I’m not doing another book club. It willbe a disaster.”
