The Library of Unfinished Business by Patricia Bell

Author:Patricia Bell
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Cloud Ink Press Ltd
Published: 2022-09-15T00:00:00+00:00

28

Kit told Penelope about the underground library, and about the books that were continuing to write themselves. I sat silent, sulking. I wasn’t ready to let anyone else in on our secret; at least not until we had figured out what it all meant. In hindsight, perhaps I was afraid that if we told someone else it would make it more real, and we would have to actually do something about it.

At first Penelope was incredulous, but as Kit went on and I reluctantly started to nod and add a few comments here and there, she allowed herself to hope. At one point Kit and I exchanged a silent glance, confirming our mutual agreement not to tell her about the Departures file. Even he wasn’t ready to share that one, perhaps realising that the news that God was a runaway may well tip her over the edge. Eventually Penelope stood, smoothed her shellsuit, and hung her bag over her balled fist. She bent her elbow so her forearm lay parallel to her chest, her bag protecting her heart like a shield. Her tears had dried and her chin was resolutely firm. “Take me there. I want to go.”

Kit explained the risks involved. Again Penelope insisted on coming with us, but after a few minutes of gentle steering on Kit’s part and proud face-saving on hers, she agreed to let us go back to the library to find her book on her behalf. Kit also promised to try to find out what had happened to her husband.

I looked sideways at him. Since when had we become self-appointed detectives?

Penelope kissed us both on the cheek then left the clearing, saying she had some washing to do back at her cabin. As soon as she had gone I let out an impatient clasp of air. “What are you doing? You’re going all superhero on me when we don’t even know what the fuck is going on!”

Kit stared. “What, so I’m not allowed to help a grieving old lady?”

I snorted. “Yes, I’m sure it’s all very charitable, and she probably reminds you of your Nan and all that, but in case you hadn’t noticed, we’re in mortal danger here! We’re being watched like hawks by white militia, God’s on the run, people are being taken away to have God knows what done to them – or not, actually, since he’s not bloody here – they’re probably being anally probed as we speak, and you want to, quote, help a grieving old lady.” I took a breath. Kit looked stunned. I was on a roll.

“Forgive me, Kit, if I don’t join you on your crusade to become the next Mother Theresa, but I have something just a tad more important to do, and that’s – ” at this point I started to meander a little “ – that’s, well, to just lie low, you know, sit tight until someone – until someone can, you know, figure out how to get us out of this fucking place.

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