The Librarian Principle (28 page)

Liese spent the afternoon being enchanted by Tiffany. She in no way shared her brother’s reserved demeanor, but offered the same level of charisma. Tiffany was a fiery, funny girl who clearly loved her brother. Ryder would’ve spit nails if he knew how much information she offered up about him. But Liese pinkie-swore not to say a word.

The “J” in RJ stood for Jackson, and only Tiffany was allowed to use the nickname. She revealed that Ryder had been kind of nerdy in high school—not new information based on the conversation at the bar. But she gained Liese’s rapt attention when she talked about his first girlfriend. Or at least the first girl he’d introduced to his family. It was a long time ago, and, according to Tiffany, she was the only woman he’d ever brought home. His parents hadn’t approved, which could explain the lack of subsequent family introductions.

Tiffany told Liese she’d already had three boyfriends, but all of them were idiots. She swore up and down she wasn’t going to date again until she turned twenty.

But less than five minutes later, Tristan, one of Blake’s drama students, came in search of some resources. Tiffany jumped at the chance to take him to the reference books. By the time she returned, they were exchanging phone numbers.

“You won’t tell RJ, right?”

“Tell him what?”

“Thanks.” Tiffany’s smile was radiant. “I think I’m in love.”

Liese stifled a laugh. If only life could be so simple.

Blake came by near the end of the day to relieve her of her duties so she could join Ryder and the police in his office. Tiffany stayed behind, per Ryder’s request, so Liese left Blake sitting at her desk with Tiffany close by, scoping out the library for cute, studious boys.

The interview with the police was thorough and unnerving. Officers Tanner and Cooke got straight down to business, diving right in with personal questions about her relationship with Sean. Ryder offered to leave, much to her relief. Rehashing the details of her previous, failed relationship in front of him would have been beyond embarrassing. Liese swore the officers must have noticed the tension between them.

She couldn’t explain how Sean had managed to acquire her new cell number or find out where she worked. But if he could do that, they determined it wouldn’t be unlikely for him to discover where she lived, and that prospect scared her half to death. Liese knew Sean could be charming, so it wouldn’t be that difficult for him to persuade someone to provide her forwarding address. He’d certainly pulled the wool over Liese’s eyes for the first couple of months, after which things had gone downhill fast.

“Do you believe him capable of violence?” Officer Tanner asked while his partner took copious notes.

Liese hesitated. “Maybe? I’m not sure.”

“Has he ever physically assaulted you, or threatened physical harm?”

“No. Never.” Liese was adamant about that.

Officer Tanner kept the questions coming, making inferences about emotional abuse, potential threats, and Sean’s recent increase in obsessive behavior. Officer Cooke asked if Liese was aware of whether or not he owned a firearm, which unfortunately, she was not.

Ryder returned when the officers requested to see the video surveillance from the school. In conjunction with the texts and countless emails she’d saved from Sean, along with her statement to the police, there was sufficient evidence to warrant a restraining order. The document also stipulated that he couldn’t come within a hundred feet of FAHL.

“Oh, one last thing, Ms. Harper.” Officer Cooke stood, flipping his note pad shut. “Are you currently involved with anyone?”

Liese sputtered. “I’ve gone on a date recently.”

“How recently are we talking?” Cooke put his pen back to his pad and scribbled some more.

“Um, last night.”

“This would be important information, Ms. Harper.” Officer Tanner gave her a hard look.

“She’s been under a lot of stress today,” Ryder cut in. His hand came to rest over hers, and he gave it a squeeze.

“That could explain the increase in erratic behavior. I suggest you let the individual you’re seeing know about your ex.” Officer Cooke looked at Ryder. “Unless he’s already aware.”

“I’ll do that,” Liese managed.

Ryder rose from his chair to escort the officers out. At least he could keep his cool when she was falling apart.

Officer Tanner diffused the sudden awkwardness when he promised to call once he’d issued the restraining order. All she could do now was wait.

As he opened the door, Liese caught a glimpse of Marissa standing at the front desk, talking to Betty. Her friend stopped mid-sentence and tackled her with a hug, practically bowling over the officers and Ryder to get to her.

“I’m so glad you’re okay.” She kissed her on the cheek and held Liese at arm’s length to inspect her. Apparently she passed the test. Marissa heaved a huge sigh of relief and hugged her again declaring, “I’m going to fuck Sean up the next time I see him. That guy is such a loser.”

“Um, Mar . . .” Liese felt the heat in her cheeks as she sought to extricate herself. It seemed to take her friend a second to realize what she’d said and where she’d said it. Unfazed, Marissa released her and tossed her hair over her shoulder, smiling brightly at the officers. She gave them both a cursory inspection—Marissa never discounted any man as not being her type. “I meant that figuratively, not literally.”

Officer Tanner arched a brow.

“I’m Marissa, Liese’s girlfriend.”

Officer Tanner’s expression turned to mild confusion. He looked from Liese to Marissa.

Understanding dawned on Marissa. “I mean her best friend, not her girlfriend as in
girl
friend. We don’t sleep with each other. Well, sometimes, but not like
that
.” She backtracked—or at least tried to and failed miserably.

Ryder sounded like he was choking to death beside her. Liese gave him an exasperated look and rolled her eyes. Men could be so damn predictable. Marissa was tall, gorgeous, and willowy. It was a wonder the image she’d just planted in their testosterone-addled minds hadn’t made their heads explode.

“Way to introduce yourself, Mar,” Liese whispered. She turned to the officers. “Marissa used to be my roommate. She’s staying with me this weekend so I’m not alone.”

Officer Tanner cleared his throat. A slight smile gave away his amusement. “We can send a car to patrol your area, Ms. Harper, to give you a little additional piece of mind.”

“That would be amazing,” Liese said, thankful stalking was considered a big deal in Fullerton. In the city they just asked if you owned a registered handgun. “I really appreciate your help.”

“We’re doing our job, ma’am,” Officer Cooke replied and tipped his hat.

“Here’s my card.” Officer Tanner handed it to Liese, his eyes moving to Marissa. “We’re just a phone call away should you need anything.”

“That’s so kind of you, officer,” Marissa gushed, swiping the card out of Liese’s hand. She shoved it in the back pocket of her jeans. “I’ll hold onto it, just in case.”

“You do that,” Tanner replied. He winked as he followed his partner out of the office.

“I can’t believe you just did that.”

“Did what?” Marissa batted her lashes and flashed a mischievous grin.

“I believe Liese is referring the blatant flirting,” Ryder cut in.

“Was it that obvious?”

“If it makes you feel any better, he was just as obvious.”

“It does.” Marissa held out her hand, offering Ryder a knowing smile. “You must be Ryder. I’ve heard all
sorts
of things about you.”

Liese elbowed her in the side, afraid someone might overhear. But the main office was empty. Betty and the other secretaries had slipped out sometime during Marissa’s embarrassing conversation with the police.

“All good things I hope?” he asked.

“Some,” Marissa replied honestly, much to Liese’s chagrin. She knew Marissa still worried about their relationship.

“That doesn’t sound very promising.”

“You seem to be doing an excellent job of redeeming yourself for past indiscretions.” Marissa patted him on the shoulder. “But what I’m wondering right now is, why exactly have I been awarded the pleasure of a sleepover with Liese? I’m sure it would be far more satisfying for her if it were you. Not that I’m complaining. I’m more than happy to snuggle with my bestie.”

Ryder stiffened. “Did you just imply . . . should I be concerned?” Liese had never seen him so flustered.

Marissa burst out laughing.

“She’s just giving you a hard time.” Liese directed her comment at her friend. “Ryder’s sister is staying at his house for the weekend, which is why I called you.”

“So? Why should that matter? You’re both adults.”

“Yes, but my sister is seventeen,” Ryder replied.

“Oh. Right. Gotcha. Not really good for teenagers to witness bondage and all that jazz.”

“Marissa!”

“Exactly how much have you told her?” Ryder asked.

“That was actually a joke.” Marissa slung an arm over Liese’s shoulder. “But methinks we have much to discuss, my friend.”

“For the love of . . .” Ryder glanced at his watch. “I should probably get Tiffany from the library. I’m sure Stone is having a hissy fit.”

Liese let the barb go. Ryder gathered his things from his office, and the three of them left for the library. Marissa kept whispering under her breath, but Liese couldn’t quite make out what she said. However, it was likely inappropriate.

They found Blake sitting where Liese had left him: in front of her computer, chin propped on one hand, clicking away on the mouse with the other. Tiffany and Tristan sat in the back corner, looking a little too cozy for having met just a few hours earlier.

When the door opened, Blake looked up. He seemed like he was about to drop a snarky comment, but froze as his eyes moved past Liese to Marissa. He rolled his chair back to stand, but crashed to the floor instead.

“Blake? Are you okay?” Liese leaned over the desk, catching a glimpse of the top of his head.

He sprang to his feet, dusting himself off. “Hey, hi. Hi, guys. Whitehall, Liese.” His head bobbed up and down comically as he planted his hands on the desk. Today seemed to be a banner one for embarrassing moments.

“Stone.” Ryder didn’t seem the least bit concerned about whether Blake had hurt himself. He looked over at his sister, who was very nearly sitting in Tristan’s lap. Liese had a feeling if they’d come in a few minutes later, they might have found the pair in a much more compromising position.

Tiffany jumped at the sound of Ryder’s voice. “Okay, well, thanks for all your help,” she told Tristan. “Nice to meet you.”

“Is that what they’re calling it these days?” Ryder muttered.

She felt sorry for the poor boy as he gathered up Tiffany’s backpack and helped her put it on before slinging his own over his shoulder. Tiffany gave Ryder an imploring look that clearly said, “please don’t humiliate me.”

“I believe you usually spend most of your time in the theater, Mr. Emerson. It’s good to see you taking such a strong interest in your studies,” Ryder said as he turned to

Tiffany. “Are you ready to go?”

Tristan glanced from Tiffany to Ryder. “Mr. Whitehall is your
dad
?” he asked.

“No, Mr. Emerson, I’m not her father. Fortunately for you, I’m just her brother.” Ryder smiled.

“Oh.” He looked back and forth between them, his face scrunched in confusion. “But you’re so old.”

“What is it with people telling me I’m old these days?” Ryder threw his hands in the air.

Tiffany burst out laughing, startling Tristan, and Liese stifled a snicker as the poor boy continued to back toward the exit.

“Sorry, sir.” Tristan pumped the push bar. “See you later.” He waved at Tiffany without actually looking at her. “Have a nice weekend, Ms. Harper, Mr. Stone. Sorry I called you old, Mr. Whitehall.” The words blended together at the end as he struggled with the door. He almost tripped over his own feet in his haste to leave.

“I hate you. I hope you know that.” Tiffany narrowed her eyes at Ryder.