Page 56 of The Last Library of Paris

‘What?’

‘Well, I was just thinking if he’s working for the PVDE, watching us won’t be the only thing he’s doing, will it?’

‘No,’ I said, doubt in my tone.

‘And he processes identity papers, you said?’

‘Yes, I think so.’

‘So perhaps he’s doing a little illegal processing of his own. But for the other side.’

‘The Nazis?’

‘Maybe,’ said Lara. ‘He’s got to be doing something to get the money to pay for his fancy watch and expensive shoes.’

‘Good lord,’ I said. ‘Maybe you’re right. I was so worried about him knowing we were playing the system that I didn’t consider he could be doing it, too.’

‘Should we tell Digby?’

I shook my head. ‘Not yet. Let’s get our visa scheme started first. In the meantime, I think we need to do a bit of watching of our own.’

Lara grinned. ‘We’re all watching each other. At least it will keep you out of trouble while you’re doing your last few days in clerical.’

‘Oh my goodness,’ I said. ‘I forgot to tell you the best bit.’

I filled her in on how I’d been asked to work with Valentine and Hughes, leaving out the details. For now.

Lara was predictably thrilled and smug. ‘I told you they needed you.’

‘I just hope Digby says yes. But everyone’s so short staffed and I’m only days away from seeing out my three weeks anyway.’

‘Digby will be fine,’ said Lara. She gave me a sideways glance. ‘Is there anything I can do for this new project?’

Actually, I had thought she and Bea might be useful in some way, given they both worked in a bookshop and this was all about books. ‘Not sure yet,’ I said honestly. ‘But I will let you know.’

‘I need to get back to work,’ said Lara.

I drained my glass. ‘I need to go home. Busy day tomorrow. Is Parrish still there?’

Lara stood up, looking over the bar.

‘Can’t see him. Maybe he’s gone to the loo.’

‘I’ll nip out now, then. I really can’t face him again.’

Lara gave me a kiss, and I waved goodbye to her friend Miguel behind the bar, picked up my bag and headed outside. I checked the street for any sign of Parrish, but I couldn’t see him. Reassured, I thought I might walk home rather than get the tram as it was a warm evening. I paused for a second, deciding whether to head for the main road to the tram stop or the side street that would take me home.

‘Waiting for me?’

My heart thumped as I looked round to see Parrish striding up behind me.

‘No,’ I said. I turned to walk to the tram stop, making the snap decision to stay where there were more people. Though the streets weren’t busy now as it was getting late.

Parrish caught up with me easily. He was tall and his long strides meant he barely had to hurry.

‘I saw you in the bar,’ he said. ‘I thought you might have come to find me.’

‘I didn’t,’ I said, genuinely confused. ‘I didn’t know you were going to be there.’