You smile regretfully at Ms. Pruitt. "I appreciate the offer, but...
I'm afraid I can't stay. Nobody should be hanging around anywhere alone
under the circumstances. Ara's... recent passing points to the fact that
someone in our town is not who they seem to be. The brutality of the killing
suggests a psychopath, and if there is such an individual running loose,
Ara may only be the first of many. That said, I don't feel inclined to
remain here... it's a vulnerable position to place oneself in. Actually,
ma'am, I'd recommend closing when we leave... I don't mean to overstep
myself if I do, really, but in all honesty you shouldn't be alone either."
Well, there's not much she can say to that! The librarian nudges her glasses
a mite higher on her little nose, opens her mouth; closes it, then opens it
again. "Perhaps you are correct, Miss Mason. I suppose I shall take your
advice and close early."
A few minutes later, after checking out your books, you and Ash stand on the
sidewalk and watch Ms. Pruitt lock the doors of the library securely.
A strangely satisfied feeling overtakes you... like you've averted a
crisis... silly, perhaps. But it's coupled with a nagging sensation that
you really have just avoided something.
Well, that's that. What's on your agenda for this afternoon now?
The costume shop; I haven't been there yet and I'd like
to check it out.