Truth be told, Joe was more than a little curious about this librarian, William, who wanted an independent study on a subject of questionable legality. Those who kept to books, in Joe's experience, didn't tend to be the most adventurous group, but then again, stranger things had happened. Besides, it would be nice to have at least one person he could consider a friend.
"No need to apologize," Joe said with an easy, affable grin. "I'm kind of a night owl, so late works really well for me. Um, I have a free period now, but." He waves his hand toward the rest of the library, the students hunched over their books. A few of them cast sidelong glances at them, carefully hidden behind scribbling hands. "Little pitchers have big ears and all that."