Violent Laughter Echoed Around My Grave

CHAPTER IV

LIBRARIES had always been my sanctuary, and the library at Penfield did not dash my expectations. 

The old volumes were thick-coated with dust, hidden in the tall dark shelves that stretched far as I could make out in the old Romanesque building. Detailed sculptures of cherubs decorated the wall of the historical section, though original or imitation, I couldn't tell.

When I was younger, and a lot more foolish, the library had felt like a home. Wrapping me in its arms, there were promises of knowledge and glimpses into brilliant lives. Never was I alone.

Teaching had been a gamble. I had no clue whether I'd be any good at it.

My students seemed attentive enough. If not for the wrong reasons. 

The deathly quiet felt holy. I breathed in the smell of old literature, only occasionally hearing a muffled yawn or the scratch of a pen in the distance.  

How impossible it seemed, that all the nasty business with the assembly and the classroom had been only yesterday! Free from my duties today (other than sketching out a formalized lesson plan), my week at Penfield already felt wrecked with bad omens. 

That Fred fellow's death. Jessica Chaplin's piercing stare. Those questions about ghosts, even though the students were starting half-year and should've known better by now. 

Outside, nature was defrosting. Melting snow started to slide from the slanted roofs. Patches of blue sky began sneaking out from behind the grey curtain of clouds. 

How I wanted to stay here forever, with a bitter coffee and the night to myself. 

"There - I told you that he'd be here!" 

A voice rang out, breaking the stillness of the building. 

The heavy footsteps should have been enough to alert me, but as I turned a corner, there was Joseph with a triumphant grin. Erica accompanied her brother, wearing a shockingly clean white coat and hat. 

"We're in a library," she spoke in an exaggerated whisper.

"Sorry. Don't look so miffed, I found him didn't I?" Joseph said, and he looked so pleased I found my irritation vanish.

"I was going to get back for dinner eventually," I closed the chapter in my hands. "Sometimes I just fancy a browse. Got lost for a bit."

"We didn't come to rush. The sun's barely been down an hour, not that you'd know in this place. Erica was looking through the mail this morning, and you and I both received a very special letter. Truthfully, I'm just dying to know what he wrote you."

"What who wrote me, Jojo?" I asked, frowning. 

"Don't look so alarmed! I'm here to make the delivery." He produced something that had been tucked away in his pocket. 

It was a neat cream envelope, stamped with emerald wax. 

Written on thick paper, was unmistakably Professor Horowitz's slanted handwriting. I knew it from our correspondence before he offered me my position. There was a warm, fatherly energy I enjoyed about him, but I didn't think he even spared me a second thought with all the duties he was responsible for. 

What could he want?

Dear Montgomery,

How delighted I am, to have you as one of our staff . On Friday (the 21st) I am hosting an intimate dinner party followed by some drinks and conversation. I'm unsure if you've been introduced to some of the others, but I'm certain they will be interested to meet you.