The Keeping Read Online Free PDF

year ago, but the article didn’t include a picture of the
man, nor any other useful particulars. She rubbed her forehead in
frustration. Obviously, the man was very ordinary or there would
have been some mention of him. But, if he was so ordinary, then why
were the gallery and Elise withholding information about him? It
wasn’t as if her article would harm him. There was no malicious
intent.
    And, as far as she
knew, her benefactor, Mr. Greyson, just wanted background on a
favourite artist. Maybe Greyson felt Mr. Taylor was an
up-and-coming talent, and wanted to purchase more of his work as an
investment, before the pictures became too expensive. Whatever the
reason, she was being paid handsomely for the job—a job that wasn’t
progressing very satisfactorily and would leave her with nothing to
report to Mr. Aldrich, if she didn’t get moving. Arching her back,
she pulled out yet another edition of the paper and got back to
work.
    Several hours
later, Mel stood on the steps of the library, muttering under her
breath and contemplating her next move. There must be a way to find
Taylor. She had long ago dropped the honorific ‘Mr.’ when thinking
of the man—he was now just plain ‘Taylor’ in her mind. Anyone who
was causing her this much frustration wasn’t deserving of the extra
title.
    She shoved her
hands in her pocket and tilted her face to the sky, wishing
inspiration would descend upon her. A few snowflakes were drifting
lazily down and catching on her lashes, causing her to blink
rapidly. If she hadn’t been feeling grumpy about her unproductive
day, Mel might have appreciated the lacy white precipitation. As it
was, she merely brushed the flakes from her face, stomped down the
steps and along the sidewalk, morosely noting how her pant cuffs
were becoming soaked from the slush. She was heading for the post
office now, in the vain hope of finding a lead there.
    Possibly, some
mail was still being delivered to Ryne’s old, local address. The
local postmaster would need to redirect it to his new location, so
maybe there was some information to be had from that sector.
Privacy laws would likely prevent her from having access to what
she needed to know, but at this point, anything was worth a
try.
    Pushing open the
heavy metal and glass doors, Mel entered the buff coloured building
and glanced around. The ‘lovely’ impersonal atmosphere that
habitually permeated all government offices greeted her. Scuffed
terrazzo flooring, a bedraggled fig tree, and bland paint were the
extent of the decorating in the cavernous space. Post office boxes
lined two walls and several kiosks stood in the middle of the room,
displaying posters and various government brochures. At the far end
of the room, people stood in a trance-like state waiting for their
turn while others huddled around a nearby table, writing addresses
on packages or affixing stamps.
    Deciding that
she’d have a greater chance of success if there wasn’t a long line,
Mel pretended to peruse the various posters while keeping an eye on
the number of individuals awaiting service. No one spared her a
glance, everyone seeming to be busy with their own agendas. The
outer door opened, letting in a rush of cold air, causing the
various papers and pamphlets to rustle in the breeze before
settling down again. Mel glanced towards the source of the mini
disturbance and was surprised to see Elise entering with her hunky
husband. They appeared to be having a heated discussion, and some
inner voice told Mel to make herself scarce.
    Quickly
positioning herself on the far side of the kiosk, she strained to
hear what the two were saying. Their voices were low, but she
managed to catch most of the conversation.
    “I said I’d never
heard of him, but I don’t know if she believed me or not.” Elise
whispered to her husband. Mel frowned. What had Elise said his name
was? Kyle...? Ken...? Kane! That was it.
    A male voice
rumbled in reply. “And you say she mentioned the wolf