Page 18 of The Last Library of Paris

Digby did not look even the slightest bit shocked to see me.

‘Cassandra,’ he said as I went in. ‘Surprised it took you so long, if I’m honest.’

‘I just wanted to introduce myself.’

He nodded, as if there was nothing he could do to stop me, which was true. ‘Valentine, this is …’

‘Milk, one sugar,’ said Valentine, winking at me. ‘Quick as you like, sweetheart, I’m parched.’ He turned back to Digby. ‘So, it’s just me and Hughes, for now? When’s the rest of our team getting here?’

I clenched my hands into fists at my side, then I inserted myself in between Valentine and the other men and stuck my hand out for him to shake. ‘Cassandra Watkins,’ I said.

Valentine – what kind of silly name was that? – glanced from me to Digby.

‘Cassie is part of Section D,’ Digby confirmed. ‘Just not at the moment.’

‘I’ll be back before you know it,’ I said, sounding to my own ears like an over-enthusiastic teacher’s pet.

Valentine looked at me for a second, appraising me. I fought the urge to smooth down my hair or straighten my skirt. Then finally he took my still-outstretched hand and shook it firmly.

‘Good to meet you, Wilkins.’

‘It’s Watkins,’ I said, making no attempt to hide my irritation.

‘Watkins.’ Valentine nodded. ‘I’m Archibald Valentine.’

‘I don’t make tea,’ I said.

‘Glad to hear it.’ Valentine grinned. ‘It was just a joke.’

‘Well, it wasn’t a very funny one.’

‘No.’ He looked slightly surprised. ‘It wasn’t.’

‘As long as we’re clear,’ I said, unsmiling. I’d worked with a lot of men. And I had learned very quickly that the best way to get them to take me seriously was to be serious.

‘Good Lord,’ Valentine said to Digby in an undertone.

‘I can hear you,’ I pointed out. ‘I’m standing right here.’

‘Before we get off on the wrong foot,’ Digby said quickly. ‘Shall we begin? Valentine, let Bingham and me show you round and we can talk as we go.’

‘Sounds good.’

Valentine, Digby and Bingham all made for the door. I followed.

‘Not now,’ said Digby, firm but apologetic.

‘Eleven days,’ I told him as he shut the door in my face.

‘What’s happening in eleven days?’

I jumped, turning to see the earnest young man, who to be quite honest, I’d entirely forgotten about.

‘Gosh,’ I said, putting my hand to my chest. ‘You surprised me.’

He nodded. ‘People always forget I’m here,’ he said. Then he grinned, showing two dimples in his cheeks. ‘It’s actually quite useful.’

I chuckled. ‘I imagine it is.’