Knockemout, #3
Things We Left Behind
by Lucy Score
Contents
12
Overview
At the library, Sloane juggles community duties while battling unwanted thoughts of Lucian. Lucian appears to return a manga, reigniting chemistry and old hurts, and calls Sloane “dangerous.” After he leaves, Maeve brings details of Mary Louise Upshaw’s excessively long sentence and admits to a secret breakup, prompting Sloane to consider investigating.
Summary
Sloane opens the revitalized Knockemout library, relishing routine and planning programs, but intrusive thoughts about Lucian persist. Naomi arrives, senses Sloane’s distraction, and invites her to dinner. A staff meeting covers events, donations, and handling recurring complaints from Marjorie Ronsanto, highlighting Sloane’s leadership and the library’s inclusive stance.
Back in her office, Sloane debates dating apps when Lucian unexpectedly appears, returning a manga she left in his office. Their conversation shifts from banter to nostalgia as Lucian recalls Simon’s pink 5K “gardening” shirt, briefly softening the tension. When Sloane presses about his help to her mother, Lucian shuts down.
The mood sours as Lucian notices Sloane’s bronzed softball and implies her injury ended her future, provoking mutual barbs. He labels Sloane “dangerous,” and leaves. Waylay greets him on his way out, while Sloane fights to regain composure.
Naomi and Maeve arrive; Sloane forbids the L-word and moves them to a conference room. Maeve presents files on Mary Louise Upshaw, imprisoned eleven years into a twenty-year sentence for first-offense drug charges, far above typical terms. Mary Louise pleaded no contest after initially denying ownership and has cycled through overworked public defenders.
Linking the case to Allen’s comment about his mother’s consequences, Sloane considers looking deeper. Maeve then admits to ending a secret relationship due to time and commitment fears. The sisters plan a Sunday “Simon Walton Memorial Trifecta” dinner, reaffirming family ties as Sloane weighs involvement in Mary Louise’s case.
Who Appears
- Sloane WaltonHead librarian; manages a hectic day, spars with Lucian, recalls her father, and considers investigating Mary Louise’s harsh sentence.
- Lucian RollinsArrives to return Sloane’s manga; rekindles tension and nostalgia, calls Sloane “dangerous,” and refuses to explain help to her mother.
- Maeve WaltonSloane’s sister; brings details on Mary Louise Upshaw’s excessive sentence and reveals a recently ended secret relationship.
- Naomi WittFriend and coworker; checks on Sloane, witnesses Lucian’s mood, and supports patrons with research help.
- JamalYouth services librarian; raises recurring complaint issue and maintains children’s section care.
- KristinAdult services librarian; proposes a local romance author event and needles a difficult patron about overdue items.
- BlazeBoard member and volunteer; criticizes Marjorie’s complaints and supports inclusive programming.
- AgathaBoard member; handles canned responses to complaints and will notify about an overdue spicy title.
- WaylayNaomi’s daughter; greets Lucian from the desk during his tense exit.
- Lonnie PotterTeen patron; offers to escort Lucian out, providing comic relief.
- Marjorie RonsantoLocal complainer; emails weekly grievances about inclusivity and boasts of donating a finicky trash can.
- Mary Louise UpshawPrisoner discussed; served 11 of 20 years for first-offense drug charges after a no-contest plea.
- Simon WaltonSloane’s late father; remembered for his pink 5K “gardening” shirt and warmth, deepening Sloane’s grief.