Page 87 of The Last Library of Paris

‘We can’t do the deliveries without him.’

Marcus nodded. ‘Deliveries to the Jews?’

‘Yes. It’s so popular now, and we are getting more requests every day. Too many for me alone. Guy helps of course, but he usually does the deliveries closer to the library because it is hard for him on a bicycle. And Sylvie, well, she attracts a lot of attention. She does a good job of hiding her hair under scarves, and she knows all the back streets and alleyways, but she’s noticeable. Memorable. Sending her out is a risk.’

‘You’ve been doing these deliveries since the start of the occupation you said?’

‘Yes.’

‘And has Alain been helping all this time?’

‘No.’ I went back to the window and sat down again, looking out over the quiet Paris streets. ‘He only got involved a few weeks ago. One of our readers was sick and he got him medicine.’

‘And he delivers the books himself?’

‘He does.’

‘And you’ve not had any interest from the Nazis since he started working with you? None of your readers have said anything? No one has been in trouble?’

‘No.’

‘How did you meet him?’

‘Through Guy,’ I said. I paused. ‘I think … I think perhaps they aren’t just friends.’

‘Right,’ said Marcus. He looked straight at me. ‘Do you trust him?’

I made a face. ‘No,’ I admitted. ‘But …’

‘But?’

‘I find him arrogant. Full of himself. Shockingly indiscreet; he told me he was with the Resistance about thirty seconds after I met him. But Sylvie says – and she’s right – that him being annoying isn’t reason enough to doubt him.’

Marcus gave a little laugh. ‘Sylvie is sharp.’

‘Isn’t she?’ I said. ‘I said Alain reminded me of my ex-husband. He was that way – making everything about him. Everything he did was the biggest or the best, or the worst even sometimes. Sylvie said that was why I didn’t like him.’

‘Do you think she’s right?’

‘I don’t know,’ I said, slightly despairingly. ‘Maybe. Vince was a character, and I knew that, but I trusted him. And then it turned out he was cheating with women all over town. It made me feel like I couldn’t trust myself.’

I breathed out, watching the window fog. ‘So when it comes to Alain, I just can’t decide what to make of him.’

I rested my head on the window briefly. Then I turned back to look at Marcus.

‘What should I do?’

Marcus sighed. ‘It’s tricky,’ he said. ‘I’ll check with London, but I’d say it’s your call. There’s little risk with the Peacock books because you don’t have to tell the others what they’re for. Just say they’re an extra donation. They don’t need to know about hidden information inside.’

‘I suppose.’

‘It’s your other deliveries that carry the risk,’ he said. ‘And that’s really up to you.’

‘How about if I speak to Alain?’ I suggested. ‘Find out if he’s changed his name? Or perhaps he wasn’t born in France?’

‘If it makes you feel more confident,’ said Marcus. ‘But do it subtly, eh?’

‘I will.’