Page 32 of The Last Library of Paris

‘And you think that’s odd?’ Bea looked worried.

‘I’m not sure yet. Perhaps he just lives nearby.’

Lara bit her lip.

‘Does he have a sort of narrow face, and hair that’s all swept over to one side?’

‘That’s him.’ I stared at her, impressed. ‘Well spotted.’

‘I had a good teacher,’ she said, smiling at me.

I was flattered but I didn’t let it distract me.

‘How often have you seen him?’

‘Only once, but I think he followed me. I was only going for custard tarts though, so it wasn’t worth worrying about.’

‘Bugger,’ I breathed.

‘Maybe he also wanted custard tarts,’ suggested Bea, then she added, ‘Or maybe not.’ Lara and I both frowned.

‘Also,’ said Lara, ‘I think I’ve seen him before. That’s why I noticed him.’

Now I was on high alert.

‘Where?’

‘In the bar,’ she said. ‘Ages ago. But he was with Maria from the docks, do you know her?’

I shook my head.

‘I’ve not seen her in ages, but I know that when the refugees first arrived, she was one of the people making a lot of money selling tickets on ships with extra charges on top. Extra charges she pocketed.’

Bea looked sickened. ‘Despicable,’ she muttered.

My mind was racing.

‘Be cautious,’ I said. ‘You should be in the clear now Mendes’s project is done and dusted, but use the back door if you’re going anywhere slightly of interest to the PVDE. Double back on yourself. Lara, you know the drill.’

Lara nodded.

‘Stay alert, and if you see this chap – I think his name is Steven – let me know.’

‘All right,’ said Bea. She didn’t seem fazed by the potential danger. On the contrary, her eyes gleamed, which I quite liked.

‘I’ll be in touch,’ I said.

Chapter 8

Frances

Paris

Fischer giving me his support wasn’t the beginning of my plan. In fact, I’d been working on the Soldiers’ Book Service idea for months.

As I’d told Guy, I already had the support of the Red Cross, and the Quakers – I’d called in every favour I was owed, going way back to the last war. I had a list of hospitals, army canteens and RAF bases that were waiting to receive books, and I had piles of donations ready to go.

The only thing I didn’t have was enough hands.