My throat tightened. “I’m sorry about your dad. I hadn’t thought about it like that, but I think that’s beautiful.”

I looked around. Was I sharing space with Selene and Circe? Did Selene even want to share this with me? I didn’t think so, but Circe did. Her letter made that clear, but there was still something left to be discovered. Every time I looked at the spot where the hidden door was, knowing I still didn’t have the key, the pull toward it grew stronger. There was something else here that needed to be uncovered.

CHAPTER 16

CHAPTER 16

Karter left for his afternoon shift at the bookshop, and I took the time to shower, turn up my music in the bathroom I didn’t have to share with anybody, and give my hair the attention it so desperately needed. Two hours and one full Beyoncé Homecoming routine later, my hair was detangled, conditioned, twisted, and sitting under a plastic cap. I was lotioned up and feeling like a whole new me. I swore to myself I’d never let Marie, or anybody else, catch me slippin’ ever again.

I found Mo in one of the bedrooms she was using as a makeshift office, with her dresser as a desk. Everything smelled like freshly washed sheets and potpourri. She set up her computer to do the billing and ordering, but she’d skipped her first scheduled trip back to the shop to help out because one of Mom’s other friends had volunteered to give Jake a hand.

“Hey, Mo. Do you have that email for your friend at the university? I wanted to ask her about some of the books I found.”

“Sorry, love,” said Mo. “I totally forgot.” She sent me a text with her email and went back to her bookkeeping.

I went to my room, opened my laptop, and wrote a short email to Professor Madeline Kent.

Professor,

This is Briseis Greene. My mom, Angie Greene, gave me your email. I was hoping I could ask you a few questions about Greek mythology, specifically the story of Medea. I’ve come across different stories and thought you might have some more detailed information.

Thanks for your time,

Briseis

I hit send. Before I had a chance to put my phone down, I got a reply.

Hello, Briseis! I’d be happy to talk with you. Would it be all right if I called you?

I sent her my number and my phone rang a few minutes later.

“Professor Kent? Thank you so much for talking to me. I’m sorry to bother you.”

She laughed. “It’s not a problem at all. How’s Angie? I’ve been so busy I haven’t had a chance to call her lately.”

“She’s good. We’re in Rhinebeck for the summer.”

“Oh? Rhinebeck is beautiful in the summer. I’ve been there a few times myself. What can I help you with?”