Ten.

Eleven.

Twelve.

The last chime died away, leaving a heavy, suffocating silence in the room.

Before anyone could speak, the blue light of my burner phone in my pocket flashed again.

A text message appeared on the screen.

I pulled it out, my fingers trembling as I read the words from an unknown number.

*Look at the door.*

I looked up at the frosted glass of the double library doors.

A long, dark shadow appeared on the other side of the glass, moving slowly.

The brass handle began to turn.

The heavy wood creaked as the door began to swing inward.

The door swung back completely, hitting the wood paneling with a dull thud.

The cold draft from the hallway rushed into the library, smelling of rain and floor wax.

Two tall men in dark tactical uniforms stepped through the doorway first.

Behind them came Vivian Thornton, her silver-handled cane striking the floor with a rhythmic, metallic click.

But my eyes did not stay on her.

They locked onto the man walking beside her.