I found a slip of paper tucked in the drawer of my desk: He knows. Run.
Ms. Harper, could you check the catalogue cards in the third drawer? It looks like the students have once again mixed everything up, the library director, Angela Porter, said, nudging her spectacles up the bridge of her nose. And please, dont stay here till after closing tonight. Youve been working far too many hours lately.
Right, Ms. Porter, Ill get on it, Nina replied, barely lifting her eyes from the monitor. Just after I finish the electronic inventory of the new arrivals.
Angela shook her head and stalked out of the cataloguing department, her heels clicking against the creaking parquet. The district library occupied the old grammar school buildinghigh vaulted ceilings, ornate plasterwork, and floorboards that announced a visitors approach long before they appeared in the doorway.
Nina had indeed been staying late for the past three weeks, but not because of diligence. Since Stephen walked out, taking his belongings and the warmth that once filled their modest flat, the house had become a hollow echo of ticking clocks bequeathed by her grandmother.
At the library, the work never stopped. Nina loved the scent of old paper, the whisper of turning pages, even the dust that settled on the top shelves despite cleaning lady Aunt Claras best efforts. Here she felt needed, in her element.
Nina, dont forget we have the authors visit tomorrow, Olivia, the junior librarian from the membership desk, popped her head in. We need to ready the small hall and print the posters.
I havent forgotten, Olivia, Nina smiled. The posters are already printed; theyre in the top drawer of my desk. Grab them yourself; I still have to finish the catalogue.
Olivia nodded, moved to the massive oak desk where Nina worked, pulled out the upper drawer, and lifted a folder of posters.
Whats this? she asked, pulling a loose sheet from the folder.
What? Nina turned to her.
It looks like a note, probably fell out of the folder.
Olivia handed her a folded notebook page. Nina unfolded it and read three words scrawled in a hurried hand: He knows. Run.
Her heart missed a beat. The first thought was a joke, but deep down she knew it wasnt. She folded the paper carefully and slipped it into the pocket of her cardigan.
Just a silly note, she said, trying to keep her voice flat. Probably a student dropped it. Theyre always passing papers around here.
Olivia shrugged.
Ill go hang the posters.
When the door shut behind Olivia, Nina retrieved the note again. He knows. Run. Who knew? What for? Who had written it? The handwriting was familiar, yet she couldnt place it. Not a colleagues style. Perhaps Stephen? But why would he leave such a warning after a clean, amicable split? He had simply said he no longer felt the same and that they should remain friendsplain and predictable, like a cheap romance.
Nina tried to focus on her work, but the note haunted her. By the end of the day she finally finished the catalogue, handed the keys to the night guard, and stepped out into a damp October evening. A fine drizzle fell, streetlights blurring into yellow halos in the fog.
The walk home was fifteen minutes. Usually she enjoyed the route past the old park, through the cosy culdesac with its swing set where children played in the daylight. Tonight every shadow seemed menacing, every footstep made her flinch. He knows. Run. Run from whom?
She entered the lift, exhaled in relief as the hallway lights flickered on. The thirdfloor flat door opened to the familiar silence, the faint scent of cinnamon from the sachet shed hung by the front door to mask Stephens absence.
She slipped off her coat, hung it on the peg, and padded into the kitchen. She set the kettle on, rummaged for the leftover salad in the fridge. She didnt feel like eating, but needed something to keep her mind occupied.
The phone rang, and she jumped. The display showed Mum.
Hi, Mum, Nina said, forcing calm into her voice.
Nina, love, how are you? her mothers tone was edged with worry. Ive felt uneasy all day. Everything okay?
Everythings fine, Nina lied. Her mother was already overconcerned about the breakup, and an anonymous note would just add to her nerves. Just tired from work.
Why dont you come over for the weekend? Ill bake a cake, you can relax
Maybe, Mum. Lets talk on Friday, alright?
After the call Nina felt even lonelier. The tea grew cold, she couldnt watch TV, she stared at the note again. He knows. Run.
A knock came at ten oclock. She froze. Who could be at the door this late? She tiptoed to the peephole and saw an elderly neighbour, Michael Stevens, from upstairs.
Whos there? she called out, just in case.
Its me, Michael. Open up, love,
She opened the door but left the chain on.
Sorry to bother you at this hour, he said sheepishly. My pipes leaking, water coming down the hall.
No worries, all dry here, Nina replied, relief smoothing her shoulders. Thanks for letting me know.
He promised a plumber would come tomorrow and left. Nina laughed at herself, realizing shed let a simple note drive her to panic, perhaps a prank from the students. She tried to calm herself with that thought and crawled into bed, but sleep wouldnt come. Every creak of the old house sounded like a threat.
Morning found her exhausted. After a hurried breakfast and a strong cup of tea, she headed back to work. The day was packed: the authors talk, the hall setup, and finishing the new arrivals.
Inside the library the atmosphere buzzed. Angela barked instructions, Olivia arranged chairs in the small hall, and Aunt Clara scowled as she scrubbed the floors.
Nina, a man was asking for you, Aunt Clara called as Nina passed. Tall, dark coat. I told him you werent in yet.
A man? Nina stopped. Did he give his name?
No, just said hed be back later.
The memory of the note surged: He knows. Run. Who was he? What did he want? Nina forced herself to stay calm.
She settled at her workstation, but a knock sounded on the door half an hour later.
Come in, Nina called without looking up.
The door opened to reveal a tall stranger in a dark coat. Ninas breath caught. It was Andrew, a former classmate of Stephens, someone shed only met a handful of times.
Hello, Nina, he said, closing the door behind him. Sorry to barge in, but we need to talk.
About what? her voice rose higher than she intended, edged with fear.
Andrew glanced around, then sat opposite her.
Its about Stephen, he whispered. And about you.
Were over, Nina replied curtly. If you have business with him, go straight to him.
It isnt about the breakup. Its far more serious.
He leaned in, voice dropping.
Did you get my note?
Ninas spine prickled.
Your note? He knows. Run? What does that even mean?
Andrew glanced at the door, then back at her.
It means Stephen isnt who he says he is. He knows Ive uncovered something, and now he suspects you might know too.
Know what? Ninas mind whirled. What are you talking about?
The scheme Stephens involved in, Andrew pulled a phone from his pocket, flashing a photo. In it Stephen stood with a man in front of a drab grey building. That was taken three days ago. Recognise the place?
Nina shook her head.
Thats the Eastgate Investment office. Theyve been in the papers latelypromising high returns to pensioners, then vanishing with the cash.
And Stephen? Ninas voice trembled. He works at a car dealership.
Thats a front, Andrew showed another picture. Hes one of the organizers.
Ninas world tilted. The man shed lived with for four years, who cooked on weekends and collected vinyl, now a fraudster?
Why did you write run? she asked, desperate.
Because hes dangerous, Andrews eyes were hard. When I started digging, they began watching me. The last person who tried to expose them ended up in an accident.
Nina recalled the feeling of being watched that night. Was it paranoia or real surveillance?
What should I do? she asked, voice trembling.
Get out of town, at least until this settles. Do you have somewhere to go?
She thought of her mothers small town three hundred miles away.
I do.
Then pack tonight and leave. Ill contact you when its safe to return.
Andrew left, and Nina sat staring at the empty desk, the reality of the photographs and the note sinking in. She marched to Angelas office.
I need urgent leave. Family emergency. May I have a few days off?
Angelas brow furrowed.
Something wrong? You look pale.
My mothers ill, Nina lied. I have to be with her.
Of course, go. Well manage the authors talk without you.
Nina hurriedly packed a small bagpassport, a few pounds, some clothesand called her mother.
Im on the evening train, love, she said. See you soon.
Is everything okay? her mothers voice quivered.
Just missing you, thats all.
She paused at the bookshelf, her eyes falling on a framed photo of herself and Stephen on a sunny beach, smiling, sunkissed. She held it, wondering how she could have been so blind.
A sudden knock made her jump. She crept to the door, peered through the peephole. Stephen stood there, heart hammering.
Nina, I know youre home, his voice was calm, a little weary. Please open up. We need to talk.
She stayed silent, breath shallow.
Its about Andrew, he continued. He was here today, right? Talking about Eastgate?
How could he know? Was she really being watched?
Nina, listen, its not what you think, Stephen pleaded. Andrew got it all wrong. I can explain everything.
She stayed mute, her mind racing. Escape through the balcony? She lived on the third floor. Call the police? What would she tell themthat a former lover was at the door demanding a conversation?
Fine, Stephen sighed. If you wont open, Ill leave a note.
He shuffled away, footsteps fading up the stairs. After a tense minute, Nina eased the door open enough to glimpse a folded slip on the floor. She snatched it up and shut the door.
The note read: Nina, Im working undercover. Investigating Eastgate with the police. Andrews one of the suspects. Hes trying to cover his tracks. Dont trust him. Call me, Ill explain. Stephen
She read it twice, the words blurring. Who to believe? Andrew, a nearstranger, or Stephen, the man shed loved for four years, now apparently hiding a whole other life?
She sank onto the sofa, the two notes clenched in her handsHe knows. Run and Dont trust him. The tangled web of truth and lies felt impossible to untangle.
She dialed her old friend Marina, now a prosecutor.
Marina, Im sorry to bother you, Nina began. I need help. Can you check a persons background? Its urgent.
Whats happened? Marinas voice held concern.
Its complicated. Can we meet?
An hour later they were in a tiny café two streets from Ninas flat. Marina listened, then stared at her coffee, tapping a finger against the cup.
I can look into both Stephen and Andrew. Itll take time, but well get to the bottom of this, she said finally. In the meantime, go to your mothers. Itll be safer there.
Nina nodded, feeling the weight lift slightly. That evening she boarded the eastbound train, watching the city lights recede, thinking how shed been a simple librarian yesterday and a detective caught in a dangerous game today.
The trains phone rang. It was Marina.
Nina, Ive found out, Marinas tone was tense. Stephen really is undercover, working with the economic crime unit.
So he was honest? Ninas heart hammered.
Yes. And Andrew hes one of the founders of Eastgate.
Nina felt a cold shiver run down her spine. Andrew had tried to use her to flush Stephen out.
What should I do now? she asked, voice shaking.
Return, Marina advised. Stephen is looking for you. Hes worried.
Why didnt he tell me earlier? Nina wondered.
Thats what youll have to ask him, Marina said.
At the next stop Nina got off and turned back toward the city. A train pulled in, and Stephen was waiting on the platform, his shoulders slumped, eyes full of anxiety. Seeing her, he let out a breath of relief.
Thank God youre okay, he said.
Why didnt you tell me? she asked, the first words spilling out.
I couldnt, he gestured helplessly. It was a covert operation. Any leak could have ruined everything. When we got close to the end, it became too dangerous. I left to keep you safe.
Safe? Ninas tone was bitter. You broke my heart!
Im sorry, his eyes were raw with pain. I didnt know any other way.
They stood in the bustling station, two people separated not just by months but by a breach of trust.
I dont know if I can ever trust you again, Nina admitted. So many lies.
I understand, Stephen nodded. But I want to make it right, if youll let me.
Nina looked at the man she thought she knew best and realized how little she truly understood him. Perhaps now, with the cards on the table, they could start anew.
Lets go home, she said. Well talk there.
On the train back, Stephen poured out everything: how hed infiltrated Eastgate, met Andrew, why hed vanished, and how hed tried to protect her from the fallout.
And now? Nina asked. Is the operation over?
Almost, he said. Just a few more arrests. Andrews already in custody.
Outside her flat, Nina paused at the door.
I dont know what the future holds. I need time to think, she said.
Take all the time you need, Stephen smiled sadly. Ill be waiting.
He walked away, and Nina stepped inside the empty apartment. On the kitchen table lay the two notesHe knows. Run and Dont trust him. Both true and false at once. Life was far messier than any detective novel shed ever loved.
She moved to the window, watching the city glow beneath a twilight sky. For the first time in months she felt she had a choice. And that felt more important than any mystery.
