A sharp growl echoes around the library. “Are we in damn a farmyard? What’s with the oinking?!”
Callan’s brows lower as he seeks out the source. “Oh, it’s only Sofia.”
“Quiet, please!” a librarian insists, but it’s no use—the taunting is quiet.
“Sofia?”
“This English girl. Or maybe Russian? Her curse words are all over the place. She haunts the labs.” He pats my hand. “We’re not alone, at least. She heard the oinking too.”
I don’t dig out my cell to see what has caught their interest. Mostly because I’m not a glutton for punishment. Then, of course, the punishment joins me.
I get a text.
Seeing Zach’s name flash up on my watch, I tilt it to read the message.
Zach: Where are you?
If I wasn’t already aware that something was going on, that would key me right into it.
Where am I?When he knows the answer to that question? Yeah. Something’s up.
Me: I’m still at the library like I said I’d be lol.
Zach: I’m coming. Don’t leave without me
“Is that Zach?”
“Yeah. He says he’s heading this way.”
“Those women over there are…” Callan pauses, deliberates, then purses his lips as he shares, “Would you say that’s a smug look?”
“I’d say it’s more bitchy.”
“I agree.” He taps his bottom lip with his finger. “I’m not sure what’s going on.” His voice is just loud enough for them to overhear us. “But you shouldn’t take pleasure in another’s downfall, not when your panties were found in Professor Emery’s office, Lisa Stangler.”
My eyes widen, but mostly because one of the women gasps in mortification.
“How did you know that?!” I hiss, watching in fascination as Stangler jumps up and scuttles away like the cockroach she is, her friend joining her moments later after grabbing their bags.
He blinks too-innocent eyes at me. “I listen, Denny. Haven’t you picked up on that yet?”
I can’t stop my smile. Even though I know something bad’s coming my way, Callan’s defense perks me up.
Until Pecan messages.
Pecan: D, I don’t think you should go on your socials
Me: Why?
Pecan: If I tell you, you can’t freak out
Pecan: Because it’s fine. It doesn’t matter. You hear me?
Me: I’d feel more reassured if I knew what was going on, Peeks.
I tack on a:
Me: Lol
