Page 131 of The Last Library of Paris

‘It really doesn’t look like anyone’s in there,’ Archie said, looking at the building as Lara had done. ‘Is this definitely what Marcus meant?’

‘No,’ I said honestly. ‘But actually, this is as good a place to start as any.’

‘You’re right,’ Archie said with a sigh. ‘So we break in?’

We all looked at the door. It was old but solid. ‘Could we kick it in?’ I asked doubtfully.

Henry took a step forward. ‘May I try?’

I looked at his spindly legs and then at Lara, who scratched her nose to hide her smile.

‘Go ahead,’ said Archie.

Henry went to the door, feeling in his pocket and pulling out a small metal case. Inside was a variety of tiny screwdrivers and other tools.

‘Oh, you’re picking the lock,’ I said, understanding.

‘I’m trying,’ said Henry. ‘Does anyone have a torch?’

‘I do,’ Archie said, digging in his own pocket until he found it. He turned it on and shone it on the lock.

We all stayed silent, eyes trained on Henry and ears trained on the street in case anyone came along to see what we were doing. And then with a click, the lock released, and Henry sat back on his haunches, triumphant.

‘Good work, Hughes,’ said Archie. ‘Speak as little as possible once we’re inside.’

‘Should we speak in French?’ I asked in a whisper. ‘German?’

Archie thought about it. ‘German, I think. But only if you must.’

Henry stood up and tried the handle, which opened. We all slipped inside, letting our eyes adjust to the dim light.

Archie shone his torch along the route into the main part of the library and gestured for us all to follow.

‘Ruhig,’ I warned as we trod slowly across the tiled floor. Quietly.

‘Shhh,’ said Lara, putting her finger to her lip as a librarian would. I gave her a nudge and she smiled at me. I felt glad suddenly that she was here.

We made our way out into the foyer of the library from round behind a huge, sweeping staircase. It was very dim inside, with the windows covered, but we could see enough to know it was a wonderful building with a high ceiling. There were towering stacks of bookshelves and a solid wooden desk in the centre. But the front of the building was blackened and burned. Charred curtains hung in ribbons over the windows, and the air was heavy with the smell of smoke.

‘Upstairs?’ whispered Archie in English, pointing his torch at the staircase that dominated the room.

‘It just doesn’t feel like there’s anyone here,’ Henry replied just as quietly. ‘Like you said.’

‘Maybe the Nazis came back,’ suggested Lara. Her voice cracked. ‘Maybe everyone has gone?’

Archie put his hand on her shoulder in comfort, and then gestured to us to follow him. He made his way to the bottom step, but as he did, I heard the creak of a floorboard behind me.

‘Shh,’ I said. ‘Was ist das?’

Everyone froze, staying quiet. I listened intently, but I couldn’t hear anything. And then, right beside me, I heard the click of a gun being cocked, and felt the cold steel of a muzzle against my temple.

‘Hands where I can see them,’ said a woman’s voice in my ear. ‘Or I will shoot.’

Slowly I raised my hands. ‘Archie?’ I croaked. He turned, one foot on the stairs, and looked at me in horror. Lara and Henry turned too, Lara gasping as she realised what was happening.

‘Now I have you here,’ said the woman. ‘Would you mind telling me who the bloody hell you are?’

Chapter 35