Chapter 11 - A New Job and Old Rivalries

Ethan walked into the bookstore with a sense of nervous anticipation. He had spent the past few days preparing for the job interview, researching the store's history and the types of books they sold. He wanted to make a good impression and land the job as an assistant.

The interviewer, Stanley, was a stern-looking man with a no-nonsense attitude. He asked Ethan a series of questions about his experience, education, and interests. Ethan answered as best as he could, but he couldn't shake the feeling that he wasn't doing well.

As Stanley continued to question him, Ethan's mind began to wander. He suddenly felt a strange sensation, like someone was trying to communicate with him. It was Sarah. She was reaching out to him again.

Ethan tried to focus on the interview, but he couldn't ignore Sarah's call for help. He closed his eyes for a moment, and when he opened them, he found himself staring directly at a book on the shelf behind Stanley. The title of the book was "The Art of Persuasion."

Without thinking, Ethan blurted out the answer to the next question Stanley asked him. He knew it was the right answer, and he saw the surprise on Stanley's face.

Stanley continued with the interview, but Ethan was no longer nervous. He realized that he could use his ESP to read Stanley's mind and anticipate the questions he would ask. He sailed through the rest of the interview, impressing Stanley with his knowledge and enthusiasm.

After the interview, Ethan left the bookstore feeling relieved and excited. He had landed the job, and he couldn't wait to start. As he walked down the street, he saw the antique shop where the librarian worked. He wondered if she was there and decided to pay her a visit.

Ethan arrived at the antique shop to find the librarian already engrossed in a conversation with Mark. He could feel the tension in the air as he approached them, but tried not to let it show on his face.

"Ah, Ethan. Good to see you," Mark said, a hint of malice in his voice. "I understand you're looking for work?"

Ethan nodded, unsure of where this was going.

"Well, I have a proposition for you," Mark continued. "I think you would be a great addition to our organization. You have unique talents that could be put to good use."

Ethan didn't like where this was going. He knew Mark's organization was not what it seemed, and he wanted no part in it.

"I appreciate the offer, but I'm not interested," Ethan said firmly.

Mark's smile turned into a scowl. "I don't think you understand the gravity of the situation, Ethan. You see, we don't take no for an answer."

Ethan could feel the pressure building in his mind as Mark tried to coerce him. He knew he had to resist, but it was becoming more difficult with each passing moment.

The librarian stepped in, sensing the tension between the two men. "Gentlemen, let's not fight. Ethan has made his decision, and we should respect that."

Mark turned his attention to the librarian, his eyes narrowing. "And what about you, my dear? Are you going to stand in the way of progress?"

The librarian didn't back down. "I will not be a party to coercion, Mark. Ethan is his own person, and he has the right to make his own decisions."

Mark huffed, clearly displeased with the outcome. "Fine. But don't say I didn't warn you, Ethan. You're making a grave mistake by refusing my offer."

With that, Mark stormed out of the antique shop, leaving Ethan and the librarian alone.

Ethan took a deep breath, trying to calm his nerves. He knew he had made the right decision, but he couldn't shake the feeling of unease that lingered in the air.

The librarian placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "You did the right thing, Ethan. You don't want to get involved with someone like Mark."

Ethan nodded, grateful for the librarian's support. He knew he had to be more careful in the future. The world was full of dangerous people, and he couldn't let his guard down again.