The Library of Dead Souls

Chapter Ten

5:00 PM.

I

Edward L. Myles arrived at the book store.

"Good afternoon, Gregory".

"Good afternoon, Edward".

"I was concerned that the book would be in the wrong hands".

"There's two copies in Lawrence. One that you've got; the other one which is in the hands of Elizabeth's step-father".

"I know that. He thinks that it's not a big deal".

"Everything is a big deal these days. You seem to have faith in Candace".

"She is a like the daughter I never had".

"She's fifteen".

"She's home schooled. She works here in her spare time".

"And now she's doing the best job she can do under the circumstances".

"I was thinking that I'd like to read a book".

"You can do that now".

II

Candace smiled.

Outside, the first signs of darkness seeped into the Lawrence, Kansas sky.

"It's getting dark", Edward said.

"I know that", Gregory added.

"So, what now?", Edward asked.

"Now, we read".

"That's good".

***

Candace read chapter 4 of 'Night Show'.

She saw the two men smirking at her.

"What's the matter? What's funny?".

"It's just everyone has a lot of children feeling weird".

"That's not funny", Candace said.

"Not all of them are fun", Edward stated.

"Yes, besides, there's a sense of whether the book shop closes".

"Closes. Bah! It won't close".

"No, I won't be the one who tells our readers who comes here will be the only ones who will be left disappointed after the news that the Shelton Book Store will be closed".

"That won't happen. Besides, all of us will be safe since Candace will be in charge", Edward smiled.

"She's dealt with the cultists".

"All of us will be dealing with the cults".

"The cults have grown because President Obama is weak in his last term".

"America has always been down the drain".

"That's a bit rich. Look at the idiots running for the Presidency".

"And you're talking about a political reason for World War III".

"Stuff that! If you think that there's a sense of purpose for the books we read, all hell will break loose". Edward smiled; Gregory read a book.

Edward stared at it.

"Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children".

"Yes, a bit of fantasy book that my Granddaughter loves to read".

"Um, I heard there's a new movie coming soon".

"Yes".

And Edward smiled.

***

III

Candace stopped reading.

"Oh, I love Ransom Riggs".

"He's the author of the book", Edward said.

"Yes, we have that book, and the sequel. 'Hollow City', in the library". She stared at them.

"And the book you're reading on Kindle", Edward smirked.

"It's a nineteen eighty-four horror classic by Richard Laymon".

"Ah, I see", Gregory said.

"You see I have had a liberal childhood".

"I think that's incredible".

"Yes, and it's 5:18 PM".

"Forty-two minutes until the library closes", Edward smiled.

"Yes", Candace said.

"And now you're going to clean up", Gregory told Candace.

"Yes!".

***

IV

Candace pressed the button on her Kindle.

She finished the chapter.

Then she placed it into her school bag.

When she grabbed the broom, she begun cleaning the library up.

And, half an hour later, it was 5:48 PM.

***

V

5:50 PM.

Candace started to lock the doors.

She saw Edward starting to leave as well.

"It's almost six o'clock".

"I know that", Gregory said.

And they opened the front door, and left her to lock up.

***

5:55 PM.

Candace's Mom arrived.

She was close to the front door.

"Hi, Mom! I'm glad you got here".

"I didn't want you to be hungry".

"Of course not".

"Everyone's concerned about you".

"I'm fine".

"Are you?", Hilda asked.

"Yes, why?", Candace answered.

"Because of the cults in Kansas are scaring all of the locals away".

"The Sheriff knows all about them".

"Is he going to deal with the teenagers?".

"Yes".

"Good. Now, let's go home".

***

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