Take it with you

“I should hold onto it,” you say, reaching out and putting your hand on the book before she can. “It came from Professor Austen’s office. Someone broke in there and took it. It’s better if it’s a CCL girl, not someone respectable like you.”

Mavis looks surprised by that, but then she rests her chin on her hand and smiles.

“OK, Jenny. Have it your way.”

You pick up the book and stand. “When do you think we’ll meet?”

“No reason to wait. We’ll do it tomorrow. Probably early. Don’t stay up too late,” she says, getting to her feet. “Hey,” she says when you get to the door. You stop and look back. She gazes at you looking a little tired, and a little puzzled. “Why the hell do you care so much? So what if Martha gets handsy and hands out some grades?”

You open the door and shrug.

“I will be in charge of CCL,” you tell Mavis. “Sooner than you think. It’s wrong. And it’s not good for them. A leader takes care of her people. It’s that simple.”

She gives you an admiring look.

“You ever think about working in academia?” she asks.

“No chance,” you reply.

She snorts. “OK, Jenny. I’ll be in touch.”

You step out.

“And Jenny,” she says. “Keep an eye for Martha. She knows.”

You glance back, nod, and shut the door. You figured that Professor Austen would put it together. Whether from talking to Sissy, Officer Lang, or maybe in Lisey… she would know. She’s going to come after you. She’ll try to change your mind. Maybe she’ll even try to seduce you.

She could even be at CCL House right now, ringing the doorbell.

But nobody’s home. The girls are out looking for Sissy, and you’re not going home yet. You have time before you need to worry about the evening.

The house is the first place that Professor Austen will come looking. It’s best if you aren’t there. You could go to the diner and have some pie. Or you could head to the library.

You’d be easier to find at the diner, but you’re hungry.

You climb into your car and start the engine.

Diner?

Or library?