Chapter 71

• We arrived at Robert’s bookstore shortly after it opened. Unfortunately, no matter how much I liked the place, it was never very popular. Robert spent most of his mornings tidying up and re-organizing. Except when I came in, in which case he usually chatted with me and we talked about new books or authors and things like that while I helped him out a little. I never worked there, he never paid me, but I enjoyed it still. It was fun and I liked Robert.
• Before we got out of the car, Lucas took my hand in his and stared at me with a strange kind of look. I didn’t really understand it and it scared me. “Amira,” he said, “if something happens I need you to stay safe, alright? I can handle the situation if it goes badly, but I want you to keep enough distance that you can find safety if need be.”
• I smiled at him and laughed lightly. “You’re talking like this is dangerous,” I said. “It’s nothing, Lucas. Don’t worry about me. We’re just going in to talk with Lucy. It’s like a business meeting, I bet.”