Page 106 of The Last Library of Paris

‘The addresses,’ said Alain, sounding triumphant. ‘I knew there was something odd about those. I was right.’

But I was not in the mood to listen to Alain’s boasts. Instead, I looked at Marcus’s stricken face.

‘Do they know?’ I asked. ‘Do the Nazis know what we’ve been doing?’

He nodded. ‘I’m afraid so. I’ve had communication from Lisbon that the project has been compromised.’

Fear made me angry. I marched across the room to where Alain stood and punched him hard on the arm.

‘You absolute piece of shit,’ I hissed. ‘You utter, treacherous bastard. How could you?’

‘Woah.’ Alain held his hands up in protest. ‘Arrête! I don’t know what’s happened but it had nothing to do with me.’

‘Oh, come on,’ I said. My vision blurred with tears, but I was too angry to cry. Or was it guilt I was feeling? ‘I saw you with a bloody Nazi. And I know Alain Travers isn’t your real name. Who are you really?’

Alain’s eyes widened. ‘What is this? Why are you angry with me again?’

I snorted, furious at his pretence at innocence and turned to Guy. ‘I’m sorry, I should have told you,’ I said. Despite my best efforts, a sob escaped my tight throat. ‘I’m so sorry.’

Guy was staring at me, then at Alain, then back to me. He didn’t speak.

‘This is literally the first time I’m hearing this,’ Alain said. He laughed, but it was awkward. ‘I didn’t know anything about these books.’

Marcus took my shoulders and turned me to face him. ‘It wasn’t Alain,’ he said. ‘It was someone in Lisbon. I’m not sure of the details.’

‘It wasn’t Alain?’ I said.

‘Not this time,’ said Alain, defiantly.

Shocked, my legs went weak and Marcus steered me into a chair. Sylvie came to my side.

‘Take some deep breaths,’ she said. ‘You made a mistake, that’s all.’

But I couldn’t take deep breaths. I was gasping for air, and I could feel my heart pounding.

‘Like this,’ Sylvie said. ‘In and out, that’s it. In … out.’

I tried to follow her breaths and found my heart slowing down.

‘There’s some brandy in the desk drawer,’ said Marcus. ‘Maybe that will help.’

‘You really have made yourself at home, haven’t you?’ Guy said, with barbs in his voice.

He went to my desk and took out one bottle with a small amount left, and another full one. ‘Is there a glass?’

I held my hand out. ‘Just give me the bottle.’

Guy gave me the almost-empty bottle and I drained it.

‘Right,’ I said, looking at the four faces all staring at me. ‘Right. I’m fine.’ I lifted my chin. ‘Alain, I’m sorry to have said those things.’

Alain gave me a brief nod. Guy stared at me in disbelief and I dropped my gaze, embarrassed.

‘Marcus,’ I said. ‘Carry on.’

‘The important thing is the Nazis know,’ Marcus said. ‘And that means it’s no longer safe for you to be here.’

‘We need to leave the library?’ I said. ‘Really?’