"Kathleen Ann Goonan - The Bridge" - читать интересную книгу автора (Goose Mother)

“I’m trying to find out about some work you did some years ago. At a
place called Swannanoa.”

His eyes were pale blue and cold. “I’ve heard of Swannanoa, of
course. But I’m not connected with them at all. Never have been. Now, if
you’ll excuse me—”

“I believe that Julia Quick is your student.”

He looked at me more intently. “I have a lot of students, as you can
see.”

“Perhaps you’ve heard of her father, Frank Quick.”

“No. Is that all?”

“I think that will do.” I left him standing there, looking after me. Rather
disturbed, I hoped.

It’s often the most effective thing to do.

I spent most of the ride back to town thinking about how irritated I was
with Ms. Julia Quick.

I spent the rest of the ride thinking about how irritated I was with
myself.

****

I got to the library an hour before closing time, chagrined at my
slowness. But the city was iced down and difficult to navigate. Freezing rain
had blown into the crevices of the library’s door, and tiny crystals peppered
my face as I pulled open the door.

The librarian, a middle-aged woman, looked up, startled, when I
walked in the door. “I was just getting ready to leave. The storm has kept
everyone home.”

“Do me a favor, please, and stay until closing time.”

“I suppose that I must.”
 “I’m going to need some help. I need temporary receptors.”

“What? I didn’t think that there was anyone so backwards as to not
have them!” She paused for a moment. “Sorry. That was rude.”

“They are free, aren’t they?”

“Yes. Provided by Beetech, Incorporated.”