“All books ... 1870...” So many books. So many wonderful and lovely books.
“I wanted to warn you,” Wattenberg said in his harsh German accent.
She huffed. “So I can prepare to turn over half my stock to be burned.”
“I am afraid so.” At least he had the good grace to sound sad. “I will leave now. Good night, Miss Girard.”
“Good night, Lieutenant.”
The street opened up to the place de l’Odéon, facing the dark and brooding theater. The smell of seafood wafted over from La Méditerranée, its blue awnings blackened by night. But the rich scent passed right through her.
“What now?” she whispered to the moonless sky.
Just when she’d found ways to increase sales. Just whenBernadette had cleaned the desk, although with much dillydallying. Just when Lucie was getting used to her schedule of tasks.
Now she’d lose half her stock. Half her sales.
All her hard work in vain.
18
SUNDAY, JUNE15, 1941
Organ music flowed over Paul, washing away the tension of spying at the German Institute. Of lying.
Abide with me—fast falls the eventide,
The darkness deepens—Lord, with me abide;
When other helpers fail and comforts flee,
Help of the helpless, O abide with me!
Hold Thou Thy word before my closing eyes,
Shine thru the gloom and point me to the skies;
Heav’n’s morning breaks and earth’s vain shadows flee—
In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me!
Standing on the pew, Josie swayed in rhythm and studied the hymnal, her bell-like voice chiming in on a few phrases. Paul moved his finger under the lyrics to help her learn to read.
Edmund Pendleton played the final chord, the music reverberating to the neogothic ceiling. Then he said the benediction and dismissed the congregation.
Paul took his time returning the hymnal and tying on Josie’s hat. He’d be the last to leave.
“Mr. Aubrey, may I ask a favor?” Mr. Pendleton stood before him in a dark suit. “Would you please meet with me in the pastor’s apartment? It’s on the fourth floor of the church house. Perhaps in twenty minutes?”
Paul tried to interpret the church director’s strained expression. “Yes. I’d be honored.”
“Thank you. I’ll see you then,” Mr. Pendleton said in his Midwestern accent, and he headed down the aisle.
“Josie!” Two girls in red pigtails ran over and hugged Paul’s daughter.
The Hartman girls, and Paul tensed.
The younger girl played with the ribbon of Josie’s hat. “You look so cute. Would you like to play with us?”
