Read Online An Imperfect Librarian by Elizabeth Murphy - Free Book Online

place.”
    He raises his fingers in my face. “Priority number one: deal with Francis.” He raises a second finger. “Priority number two: deal with Francis.”
    â€œI did a search of his name in the database. Information not found. Try refining your search. That’s all I got.”
    He laughs. “Try refining your search. There’s a meaty morsel of advice for a man in your condition. Search for a miracle, or, at the minimum, for some sense to sort out the mess you’re in.”
    â€œHalf or quarter of a miracle would do. Anything for Elsa to contact me. Once she does, I’ll manage from there.”
    Henry shakes his head before he rises from his seat. “Why do I bother? Especially on a day like today when the view is below average and the coffee has the texture of sandpaper because you’re too cheap to buy proper filters. If you want to waste your miracle on Elsa instead of Francis, I don’t give a shit what happens to you.”
    â€œThanks for the reassurance of your friendship.”
    â€œNo additional charge,” he says.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN
robinson crusoe revisited
    I T ’ S THE END OF A dragged-out day that started late. Most people have gone home. The Reading Room is dark. I sign out of the databases then put the lid on the cookie tin. I count them first because I have a suspicion that the night cleaners, security, whoever, are pilfering them when I’m not around. The phone rings. It can’t be Henry. He wouldn’t call this time of day. Tatie and Papa would be in bed because it’s four and a half hours later there. Edith usually emails me or knocks on the door. It could be Mercedes calling to invite me to join them on the weekend for their regular meatloaf and red Jell-O with bananas followed by a game of 120s.
    â€œHello?”
    â€œIt’s Elsa. I’ve been meaning to call you for so long. How are you?”
    It has been so long. Every time the phone rang for the last year, I hoped it would be her. Every time I opened my email, I searched for her name in the addresses.
    â€œIt’s Elsa calling you from Oslo. Hello? Carl?”
    I haven’t forgot how her voice sounds – confident, clear, soft with a sing-songy intonation. I always liked her English accent and the way she pronounces my name as if it has no vowels.
    â€œCarl? Are you there?”
    â€œHello, Elsa. Yes. It’s me.”
    â€œI’ve been meaning to call you but things have been hectic here. How are you, Carl? What have you been doing? Tell me your news about your new job, your flat, everything.”
    â€œFlat’s nice. Job’s great. I’m getting used to the weather. How have you been?”
    â€œThere’s not too much to tell. Thank you for the birthday gift. I was going to send you a note. Mother and Father gave me new ski equipment. They were skiing a lot this year.” She sighs. “They’re growing older, like me. How is your health?”
    â€œMy colleague Edith invites me for meals occasionally. She’s only my colleague. There’s nothing between us or anything.”
    â€œYou know it’s so important to eat well, especially as we grow older, especially for women when they reach a certain age. Like me. It’s a worry sometimes, growing old and wondering who’ll care for us. Do you ever think about that, Carl?”
    â€œYes. I do.”
    â€œMy parents are so lucky. They have me to take care of them. I’m not surprised that they’re asking when I will have children. I am not too old yet but in a few years...”
    We had talked about being a mor and far with datter , sønn or both. I couldn’t see myself as a far but if that’s what Elsa wanted, I was only too willing to make her happy.
    â€œ...I don’t want to adopt, not when I could have the baby myself, not when I still have a healthy husband and I’m a healthy woman who...”
    Elsa was proud of me when