Page 92 of Left in the Dark

I have no idea why I’m heading there. The only thing I can think of is that I’m searching for a way to feel closer to my mom, and the bookstore was our favorite place to go when I was a kid.

When I walk through the door, a shriek comes out of a much older Mrs. Robinson. “Oh my gosh. If it isn’t Delaney Warner.” The tiny white-haired woman barrels toward me, hugging me tightly.

Tears course down my cheeks as I return her hug with equal enthusiasm.

“Miss Delaney. It’s so good to see you again.” She pulls back, her hands wrapping around my arms. “Why are you crying?”

I shake my head, forcing a watery smile as I swipe at my tears. “I’m sorry.”

“Don’t apologize, dear. Come. Tell me what’s wrong.” She pulls me to an overstuffed chair by the fireplace and sits across from me.

For a few long moments, the silence stretches between us. I avoid her eyes until she says, “Delaney, please talk to me.”

Her genuine concern causes the words to tumble out of me. I tell her about my mom’s accident, leaving out the part where I suspect my father instigated it. I confess that he won’t allow me to see her, leading her to believe it’s punishment for leaving town. Her words, not mine.

Then I tell her how lonely I feel. With my mom hospitalized, my best friend in another state, and living deep in the woods, I’m isolated from everyone.

“I’m sorry, sweetie. If it weren’t slow, I’d offer you a job here.”

I wave my hand dismissively. “I don’t intend to be in town for long. Once my mom is well enough that I can leave, I need to return to teaching my fifth graders.”

A woman and her little girl enter the store. I clear my throat, needing a place to be alone. “Romance books still upstairs?”

Mrs. Robinson nods. “The far back room has dark romance.”

I pretend to give her a shocked look. “Mrs. Robinson.” I wink at her to show I’m teasing.

“I may be old, but I’m not dead.”

I laugh as I take the old wooden stairs to the second floor, the steps groaning and creaking beneath my weight. I head to the back room, my fingers running over the shelves as I look at the titles.

I spot a few paperbacks on the top shelf that catch my attention. I look around, grabbing a small step stool. Carrying it over, I climb up and pull the first book from the shelf to read the blurb. Deciding to buy it, I tuck it beneath my arm and grab another one.

The lights flicker, startling me. I grip the shelf, looking around the room. It stops, so I shrug before returning to my perusal.

“Delaney,” I hear Mrs. Robinson call out.

“Hold on.” I climb off the stool and hurry to the top of the stairs. “Are you okay?”

“Yes. I need to run to the bank and get some change. I’m going to lock the doors until I return. It’ll only take me about fifteen minutes or so. You okay here?”

“Of course. I’m still deciding what to get.” I hold up the two books in my hands.

“Take your time.” She waves, locking the front door behind her.

I head to the back room, returning to my spot on the stool. Grabbing another book from the shelf, I’m reading the blurb when the lights flicker again.

Annoyance flickers through me as my gaze lifts from the book, but it quickly changes to fear. I gasp. The Michael Myers mask-wearing man stands a few feet away. He’s wearing jeans and a hoodie, and goddamn, the clothing doesn’t hide those muscles.

Suddenly, I’m plunged into darkness as the lights go off.

My breathing is heavy and ragged. Panic causes my heart to palpitate.Jesus. Get down and run.

My foot slips, and I scream as I fall. Before I can hit the floor, strong arms catch me. The scent of pine and the outdoors clings to his skin. I look up into his masked face, the white standing out in the darkness.

“Hi, gorgeous.” He takes the books from my hands and sets them on the shelf before pulling me to my feet. “It’s cute you’re falling for me, but I’d rather you get on your?—”

I jab my elbow into his stomach and take off running.

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