Order of the Omni: A Supernatural Romantic Suspense Novel (The Immortalies Book 1) Penny Knight (100 best novels of all time TXT) 📖

“No, I don’t recognise this picture,” he says and turns his head away.

Crap, come on Gregory, give me more. “Oh, do you mind if we have a look around for it, maybe it’s been forgotten?”

You can look around all you want. You won’t find it on my shelf. It’s in the bottom of my desk drawer. So look around all you want.

Bingo.

“Of course, but I remember everything I have, and I am certain it’s not here,” he says.

“Great, thanks.” I spring up from the chair and yank at Topher’s arm to follow.

Gregory stands and slowly walks towards a trolley at the front of the shop with a stack of books on it, out of earshot.

“Oh my god, I almost fell asleep,” Topher whines. “What a waste of time.”

“It’s here,” I say as I pull him behind a tall shelf.

“Wait, I didn’t actually fall asleep, did I? I’m pretty sure he said it’s not.”

“He said that, but he thought differently,” I raise my brows and smile.

“Man, I wish I had what you had. The things I could do,” he says wistfully.

“It’s not always great, remember?”

“Yeah, yeah, I remember.”

“Anyway, you distract him and I’ll go in the back and see if I can find it.”

“Right. How am I meant to do that?”.

“Keep him talking. Oh and keep thinking loud and let me know if he’s coming back there.”

“Ugh, more talking about books,” he groans.

“How can you not find it interesting?”

“Because I was born in this millennium.”

“That’s the problem with kids today,” I shake my head.

“Kids today? You’re like five years older than me.”

“Just keep him talking, and keep me posted on his actions,”

“Ok, ok,” he says.

We continue our search through the store, looking at books and picking some up. We return to Gregory where his stacking shelves from books off his trolley.

“No luck?” Gregory asks.

“No.” I shrug. “I think it’s just a myth. It makes a good story, though.” I smile.

“I’m sure it does.”

Death follows that story; you’d do best to leave it alone. May god have mercy on all of us, if it falls into the hands of the wrong person.

The fear in his thoughts sends goosebumps over my body. He is truly scared of this book. It makes no sense why he would choose to keep it. I really wish I could leave it alone like he says, but it’s my only lead and the only way I might be able to find any answers.

“Do you mind if Graham finishes up the last few questions? I need to find a restroom somewhere.” I shuffle from left to right.

“Dear, you can use the restroom at the back. Just go through the door behind the counter and then take your first left,” he says as I knew he would.

I’ve been working to this question, built up the trust and relationship. Now he’s giving me access to a closed off area. A pang of guilt hits me. He is such a nice man. But, nothing is going to stop me at this point.

“Thanks.”

I grab my bag from the table where I left it and walk back to the door behind the counter.

“So, Gregory, have you ever thought of uploading a digital catalogue online so you could sell to a bigger market?” I hear Topher as I walk into the back.

Gregory has a nice setup, it’s warm and comfortable. A large armchair sits in the room’s corner. In front is the oldest TV that I have seen in a long time. To my right next to the door, a small wooden desk with a green lampshade, a pile of books stacked on top. I find the door to the restroom easily and open then close it shut, but don’t enter.

I wait and listen. Gregory is quietly talking. It’s great he’s a chatter, and if Topher keeps the topic on his store, it will give me plenty of time. I creep back towards the front door and peer in the doorway. It’s clear. They’re still at the front and out of view. I sprint past the open door and to the desk.

Diving straight to the bottom drawer, I pull it open, but it doesn’t budge. Jammed full of books most likely. I wiggle the handle a bit and pull. Keeping the noise as low as possible. It gives a bit, but there’s a book stuck, I can’t see it. Searching the top of the desk, I find a letter opener. With that, I pry the book down and pull the drawer. It opens with a thud.

Shit.

I wait and hold my breath.

There’s nothing, I’m good.

There are so many books in the deep drawer. This is going to take longer than I expected.

I pile out the books on the floor. I remove one book after the other quietly, studying the front carefully and giving it a quick flick through. I want to be thorough, leaving empty-handed is not an option.

I’m low at the bottom and lift a purple hardcover. It’s then I see it. On a brown leather-bound journal, staring back at me, the symbol that was marked on my neck.

Finally.

With both hands, I lift it up. Overwhelmed with curiosity I open the book, scanning the pages. My heart sinks as I realise none of it is in English. I have no idea what language it is, but the pages I have scanned through are unreadable to me. I can see drawings and pictures, handwritten notes. I close my eyes and breathe it in. Somewhere in here are my answers.

ELITA, hurry up.

I hear Topher scream. It must be in his mind. Obviously.

He is wondering where you are.

Crap. I open my bag and place the book in. Stacking the rest of the books back into the drawer.

He is coming to check on you! Hurry, get back out here now.

I jam the last book into place and try to close the drawer. “Shit.”. It doesn’t close. How did he pack this?

What’s taking her so long? That voice