Gemotions

The low hum of the air conditioning unit in the library was a soothing counterpoint to the city sounds outside. I sat in a well-worn armchair, the leather cool against my arms. A half-finished crossword puzzle lay on the table in front of me. I had invited Clara here to discuss her recent promotion at the prestigious law firm. It all sounded very impressive, which she had been keen to point out several times over the last few months.

My fingers brushed against the smooth spine of a book as I waited. I was glad to be here, away from the chaos of my own work. I'd started to notice a few discrepancies in her stories, the inconsistencies small but persistent. The way she described her daily routine didn't quite line up with my understanding of legal practices, as I had once worked at a similar firm.

A comfortable stillness settled over me as I heard the light click of the front door. Clara hurried over, a bright smile on her face, and sat down opposite me. I smiled back, and gently tapped my fingers on the crossword grid.