Knockemout, #3
Things We Left Behind
by Lucy Score
Contents
38
Overview
Hearing the library has burned with Sloane inside, Lucian races to Knockemout. After confirming Sloane survived, he ignores warnings and goes to her home. Finding Sloane in shock, he breaks in, tends to her injuries, and bathes her. Lucian resolves to stay by Sloane’s side and protect her henceforth.
Summary
From a helicopter, Lucian sees emergency lights over Knockemout and burns with guilt for being away while Sloane faced a library fire alone. He lands, speeds to the scene, and learns from Nash that Sloane escaped with Sergeant Grave Hopper’s help after alarms and sprinklers failed. The library sustained heavy loss, especially books.
Despite Nash’s warning that Sloane won’t want to see him, Lucian insists on going to her. He threatens anyone who tries to keep him away and heads to Sloane’s house.
At her door, Sloane ignores him. Lucian searches for a spare key, then climbs the old cherry tree to her bedroom window. He finds Sloane on the floor, filthy, bruised, and in silent tears. He enters, holds her as she cries, and resolves that distance failed to protect her; proximity will.
When Sloane begins to shiver, Lucian carries her to the bathroom, draws a bath, gently undresses her, and sees bruises on her arms and ribs. Furious at whoever caused them, he bathes with her, washing soot from her skin and hair as she slowly relaxes against him.
Afterward, Lucian changes her sheets, settles her into bed, and silently vows to rebuild and protect—planning security and a shared life. Sloane quietly notes he remembered her pillow arrangement, and Lucian affirms he remembers everything about them, committing internally never to leave her again.
Who Appears
- Lucian RollinsRaces back after the fire, defies warnings, breaks in to comfort Sloane, bathes and cares for her, vows lifelong protection.
- Sloane WaltonSurvives the library fire, traumatized and bruised; allows Lucian to care for her, quietly acknowledges their shared history.
- Nash MorganChief deputy coordinating at the scene; briefs Lucian, warns him not to upset Sloane.
- Sergeant Grave HopperPolice sergeant who entered the library and helped Sloane down the stairs before firefighters arrived.
- Chief MorganGrizzled fire chief on scene, directs Lucian toward command post amid the response.
- Hilly SwansonMayor present at the incident command discussion during the fire response.
- Officer BannerjeeDrives Sloane home and checks her house’s doors and windows after the fire.
- Meow MeowSloane’s cat, watches Lucian from the window as he tries to gain entry.