Anna called Abbey to tell her about the eye-opening, and scary, Simon encounter that happened earlier that day at the ancestry research center. Simon, a sophomore history student at Gettysburg College, seemed very knowledgeable about local history. Simon had been helping find artifacts and other historic documents that could have helped Abbey find out what happened to Benjamin. Unrealized by Anna before today, Simon had taken a special liking to her. He also found out that she and Boston were on a break, which created the perfect opportunity for him to make his move.

 

***

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     While working in a private room in the research center where the older books were kept, Simon settled in uncomfortably close to Anna’s face, while she sat at the only wooden table in the room, deeply engrossed in the latest Cannon Falls history book she had found. Gently caressing her cheek with his warm fingers, he attempted to kiss her. Anna jumped to her feet immediately and pushed him away. “What are you doing, Simon?” Anna’s stomach twisted in knots, as the sudden nervous heat made the air in the room feel thick. 

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     “Come on, Anna, you know you want me,” he smirked.

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     Anna very quickly attempted to walk away from Simon and headed toward the single exit door, but he grabbed her wrist and held it tightly. “Let go of me!” Anna yelled as she yanked her hand back, breaking free of him. “How dare you grab me like that! I never want to see you again; lose my number, you creep!” 

 

     “Oh, don’t you worry, babe, I never cared about Mary and Benjamin, or this stupid investigation! I just didn’t realize what a tightly wound little girl you are. I thought maybe we could have some fun together, once you got rid of that pathetic high school boyfriend of yours.” Simon spat through his teeth as his face flushed red with anger.