Page 75 of The Last Library of Paris

‘What do you need me to help with?’

‘Allen has been involved in a few things, but because of her, a team working in Lisbon heard about your Soldiers’ Book Service. That team is working on smoothing the progress of downed airmen and lost soldiers along the escape lines.’

‘Good lord,’ I said. ‘I thought those escape lines were just a rumour.’

‘They’re very real, and top secret, obviously,’ said Marcus. ‘The Resistance are working hard to keep it that way.’

‘I’m sorry, I don’t really understand what this has to do with me,’ I said, still none the wiser as to how a librarian in Paris could help a lost airman in the French countryside.

Marcus outlined a scheme the team was working on. It seemed they had hidden addresses of safe houses in bookshop stamps which they were putting on special editions of Peacock Books.

‘Shakespeare & Co here in Paris stamp their name on all the books they sell,’ I told Marcus.

‘Indeed, it’s common.’ He nodded. ‘It’s simple and clever. The Peacock books fit in uniform pockets. It’s a perfect way to ensure the forces know where to go if the worst happens.’

‘And where do I come in?’

‘They are distributing books to all the soldiers and airmen in training, but they want to get more books out there,’ Marcus explained. ‘They thought your Book Service could be the perfect way to get them to hospitals and soldiers who are already on the frontline.’

‘I see.’

‘Would you be agreeable?’

‘In theory, but I’ve got barely any staff, and we’re stretched as it is.’

‘It shouldn’t be much additional work,’ Marcus said. ‘The books will come from London – stamped already – and you’d just add them to your own donations.’

‘Our Soldiers’ Book Service has the approval of the Nazis,’ I said.

‘Yes.’

I smiled, amused at the thought of using my Nazi-approved scheme to help their enemies.

‘I’ll help.’

‘I need to get London to check everyone who’ll be working on the project. Will it be Guy? And the others? Do you trust them?’

I thought about it. ‘I trust Guy, absolutely.’

‘Sylvie?’

‘She is young, but she is furious about the occupation. She has fire in her belly.’

‘Controllable?’

I screwed my face up, thinking hard. ‘I believe so.’

‘That’s fine. What about Alain? You say he’s working with the Resistance?’

‘He is boastful and I think he is too pleased with himself,’ I told him. ‘I’ve had my suspicions about how trustworthy he really is – but he’s in this with us now.’

‘I will add him to the list.’ Marcus nodded. ‘London will find out what we need to know. Though it may take a few days for the people there to make their checks.’

‘That’s fine.’ I felt a wave of relief that I’d finally know the truth about Alain.

‘Anything else you need to know?’

‘Is it safe?’