Elliot had another chat with Mirabe, and since she called him "teacher," he figured she was practically one of his students. So, he stood up with a smile, "I''ve got something special for you."


    He made his way over to the bookshelf. Mirabe watched him, a sense of dread creeping in. Just half an hour ago, Professor Robert had pulled a book from his shelf for her to read. Now, Dr. Elliot was heading to the bookshelf again... Mirabe pressed her temples, wondering if she could make a quick getaway.


    Elliot picked out three books, turned around, and, despite a slight hesitation, handed them to Mirabe. "These are for you. Take them home and give them a good read."


    Mirabe thought to herself, "Just great..."


    Today was really not her day! Still, she managed a smile as she took the books. "Thank you, Professor."


    Elliot nodded, pleased, and sat back down. "When I get a chance, I''ll introduce you to your two senior fellows."


    Mirabe''s temples throbbed at the thought. Getting books was one thing, but now she had two surprise mentors: "?"


    She felt like she''d been bamboozled. Since she had to visit the Jones family, Mirabe didn''t linger at Dr. Elliot''s. Soon, she left the physics department, burdened with four books and dragging her feet.


    All she could think was: What a mess.


    **


    At the school gate, Johnny was already waiting. When he saw Mirabe, he walked over and greeted her, "Ms. Mirabe," noticing her downcast look. "What happened?"


    Mirabe just shook her head, "Nothing."


    Johnny saw she didn''t want to borate, so he didn''t push. "Alright, let''s head to the Jones family."


    "Okay," Mirabe replied, trailing after Johnny to the curb. Just as they reached the car, she spotted a ck sedan nearby.


    Her steps faltered, and she told Johnny, "Hold on a second."


    Johnny had just opened the car door when he heard her. He looked up to see her hurrying towards the other car, adjusting his sses as he did.


    Even from a distance, he recognized the person in the car-it was someone from the Shepherd family?


    Johnny was taken aback for a moment but quickly averted his gaze, not wanting


    to stare.


    Mirabe reached the ck sedan, and before she could tap on the window, it rolled down to reveal James''s sharply defined face.


    She plopped the books onto the passenger seat and asked, "Didn''t you see my message on Messenger?"


    James picked up his phone, nced at it briefly, then set it down. "Just saw it."


    Mirabe, leaning against the car window, gestured back towards Johnny. "I''ve got another errand. You can head back."


    James looked out, his eyes brieflynding on Johnny. With a knowing grin, he asked, "Off to make some money again?"


    Mirabe''s cheeks flushed slightly. "I''m treating someone!"


    James gave her a sidelong nce, "When will you be done?"


    Mirabe thought it over and replied, "If I go now, it''ll take at least an hour and a half."