undercover

Ah, I’ve got a nerd on my hands. Let’s try and survive through this earthquake before we think about floods and locusts, unless those floods and locusts are accompanied by Brendan Fraser’s Rick O’Connell, then I’m fine with that.

Very. I’m proud of what I am, a librarian. See? I’ve essentially become a male version of Evie so now all we need to do is wait until Rick comes in and swoops me up to save the day. Fun fact, he was my first crush.

It’s got its ups and downs, I don’t think it’s ‘angered the gods’ level at least. Though if I were a believer, it’d seem that way.

I’ve read plenty of apocalypse doomsday stories to know an earthquake’s probably just the beginning. Next, it could be floods and locusts.

I think it comes to say that you should really be prepared for anything here in St. Cascadia.

That’s the first lesson I should’ve learned when I moved here. We’re living in a place where we somehow angered the gods that be.

I didn’t realise you were so lazy.

Then why don’t you come over here and be lazy with me?

Well your “gazing” is distracting.

I enjoy watching you work out, August. You get exercise for both of us.

You’re staring.

I’m gazing. There’s a difference.

Okay.

You can go now.

Hadley moved to hand over the piece of paper, pulling it towards himself last minute. “Judas by Leonardo Schulyer. Sounds like the title of a book.”

Boring. Everyone can do with a drink.

I suppose one wouldn’t hurt. I have to warn you, though, I’m a light weight.

She looked at the tissues suspiciously but nodded her head slowly. “You won’t get off on this will you?”

“No. I promise.” Hadley pulled out a single tissue and used his other hand to place it under the woman’s chin, titling it slightly back slowly. “If I hurt you, tell me.” His smile possessed a touch of kindness as he gently dabbed the open cut on her forehead, “I’m Hadley.”

I’ve had worse. Thanks, but I’ll be fine.

“You don’t look fine.” Hadley shuffled around in his bag and pulled out a pack of tissues. “Will you let me to, you know,” He smiled sheepishly, “Help you clean up?”

I’m putting business aside for tonight – come, join me for a drink.

Oh. No thank you, I don’t drink often.

It’s just a bit of blood.

Goodness, are you okay? That looks...it looks like a lot of blood.

I’m busy.

Oh, no, sorry, I don’t mean to bother you, but you dropped one of your papers.