Knockemout, #3
Things We Left Behind
by Lucy Score
Contents
27
Overview
On Valentine’s Day, Sloane runs a successful library author event but receives an anonymous threat, prompting Nash to investigate and insist she alert friends. Naomi and Sloane quietly coordinate for intel. After Lucian’s discreet gift and a clandestine visit, he takes Sloane to his place for privacy, escalating their relationship amid rising danger.
Summary
On a snowy Valentine’s Day, Sloane decorates the library for an evening author event while enjoying positive press for her Mary Louise coverage—and anticipating a night with Lucian. Chief Nash Morgan arrives, reveals cowboy boots for Lina, and books autism-awareness trainings at the library. Their light banter ends when Jamal delivers an anonymous note from the book drop: “Stop now before someone gets hurt.”
Nash’s demeanor hardens; he vows to check cameras and follow procedure, insisting Sloane tell close friends within twenty-four hours. Naomi arrives with a bow-topped case of sports drinks—an unsigned gift Sloane recognizes as Lucian’s—and backs Nash’s caution. Sloane worries the note might tie to ongoing Hugo/FBI fallout; Naomi will press Knox, and Sloane plans to loop in Lina.
A tender moment follows when Ezra Abbott, Gael and Isaac’s foster son, gifts Sloane a pirate drawing, reinforcing her nurturing side. Amid small-town antics, Sloane texts with Lucian about the drinks. The author event succeeds, and Blaze and Agatha insist Sloane head out early.
Upstairs, Sloane finds Lucian in her office, incognito and reading. Their chemistry explodes into a fierce kiss. After dodging lingering patrons, they reach her Jeep. Lucian drives her home, but when privacy finally beckons, he orders her to pack to avoid small-town eyes and interruptions.
The chapter closes with Sloane agreeing to leave with Lucian for his place, their plan signaling a deeper, more private entanglement even as the anonymous threat raises the stakes around her advocacy and their fragile peace.
Who Appears
- SloaneLibrarian hosting a Valentine author event; receives a threatening note; coordinates caution; deepens secret affair with Lucian.
- Lucian RollinsArrives incognito, sends sports drinks, kisses Sloane, and takes her to his place for privacy amid growing risks.
- Chief Nash MorganFinds the threat serious; initiates procedure and camera checks; books autism-awareness trainings; urges Sloane to alert friends.
- NaomiSupports Sloane after the threat, plans to seek intel from Knox, and shares a heartfelt moment at the library.
- JamalLibrary staffer who discovers and delivers the anonymous threat note from the book drop.
- Ezra AbbottGael and Isaac’s young foster son; gifts Sloane a pirate drawing, lightening the mood.
- BlazeLibrary board member; covers cleanup so Sloane can leave early.
- AgathaBlaze’s wife and fellow board member; helps close the library after the event.
- BelindaFlirtatious patron who playfully flusters Nash during his visit.
- Cecelia BlatchGuest author whose event draws crowds and sells out.