By going to the library, truthfully, I was hoping to stay invisible.
I spent the majority of my free time nestled in between the bookshelves, surrounded by a growing pile of volumes around me and practically drowning in all the possible information that they could give to me. I had forsaken the lounges set about the many levels of the building years ago, instead stretching my legs out across the floor between the heavily packed shelves. People who came to the library typically spent their time down in the children's section, teen fiction, or digital media. Whatever the case, the aisles that I occupied remained empty at large, so I had no reason to worry about accidentally tripping someone. My routine was set and I was content with it.
That was until it was harshly and permanently disrupted.
I had gotten off of work early and headed to the library to clear my head. Trevor at the front desk waved to me as I walked inside, smiling widely. "What section are you taking over today, weird girl?"
"British history." I smiled back, stepping up to the desk and sliding him the doughnut that I'd picked up on the way over.
Trevor's eyes got the most cheerful crinkles around them as he laughed at me, clearly pleased. "Someone's feeling generous today!"
"Salted Caramel Mocha is back for a limited time. I know they're your favourite."
"Are you trying to ask me not-so-subtly to let you stay late again tonight?"
I bit my lip. "I want to get through at least a few centuries of history tonight. I'll clean up after myself, I promise."
Trevor shook his head with a small smile, and I knew that I had him. "I'm going to get fired one of these days, you know."
"Love you too, Trev." I blew him a kiss and jogged over to the staircase, my feet light. Tonight was a good night. I could feel it.
-&&&&&&&&&-
It wasn't until I could hear the janitorial staff beginning to clean up downstairs that it dawned on me to check the time. I reached over the piles of strewn books; massive tomes about Windsor Castle and Hampton Court, Queen Elizabeth and all of the King Georges, and Westminster Abbey and the Globe theater; to where I'd thrown my phone. It was at least an hour past the library's open hours, and I sighed heavily and knew that if I stayed much longer, Trevor really would be in trouble with management. I had just begun sliding the heavy history texts back into their places when I heard shuffling in the aisle next to me and I froze. If I was caught by anyone, I'd be in massive trouble.
I carefully peered through the spaces between the books and saw a figure hunched down at the next shelf, his back to me. I frowned. It wasn't any of the janitors; the man was dressed far too expensively. Most people didn't wear full suits to the library, especially after hours. I scooted quietly closer to the shelf to see if I could get a better look.
As if alerted by my movement, the figure stiffened and whipped his head around. All I got a glimpse of was his vibrant green eyes before I ducked down and away from the shelf, my breath caught in my throat. I didn't know why I was so afraid. It wasn't like I could get in unbelievable trouble for being in the library late, but something about the secrecy and heightened alertness of the man sent shivers down my spine.
After holding my breath and waiting for something to happen for at least a minute, I slowly let out the air in my lungs and moved back to the shelf. The man was gone. I must have scared him away.
Then I felt something cold press up against the space between my shoulder blades.
"Make a sound, and I will not hesitate to sever your spinal column."
