Maya's POV
The library opens at ten. We arrive at nine-thirty. Wait outside like criminals planning a heist.
"This is crazy," Sophie says. "We're searching a public library for evidence your dead mother hid twenty years ago."
"I know."
"Based on an anonymous text that deleted itself."
"I know."
"From someone who might be Marcus trying to trap us."
"I know!" I snap. "But what choice do I have? If there's something here about Hope's danger, I need to find it."
Ethan squeezes my hand. "Then we find it. Together."
The library is massive. Five floors. Thousands of books. Where would Mom hide something?
"Where did your parents meet exactly?" Sophie asks.
"Third floor. Near the history section. Mom was studying ancient civilizations."
We take the stairs. The third floor is quiet. Almost empty. A few students. One librarian.
I walk to the history section. Run my fingers along the spines. Nothing feels special. Nothing calls to me.
"What are we looking for?" Ethan whispers.
