The Book Spy by Alan Hlad

Author:Alan Hlad [Hlad, Alan]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Kensington Books
Published: 2022-10-24T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 18

LISBON, PORTUGAL—MAY 11, 1943

Maria gripped the handle of a shipping trunk, opposite from Pilar, that was filled with camera equipment and microfilm. Together, they carried it to the front door of their apartment and placed it next to Pilar’s suitcase. While they waited for Roy to arrive, they sat in the kitchen and ate a breakfast of black coffee and toasted bread with pear jam.

“What are you going to do with the money you won at the casino?” Pilar asked.

“Give it to charity,” Maria said.

“Which one?”

Maria’s mind raced. She trusted Pilar implicitly. Equally, she didn’t want to breach Tiago’s confidence in her by revealing his secretive work. “A charity that will aid Jewish refugees. Tiago, the bookseller on Rua do Crucifixo, is knowledgeable about their plight. I plan to talk with him about how to make a donation.”

“That would be a good use of the money. It breaks my heart to see so many desperate people fleeing Europe to escape persecution.” Pilar looked at Maria. “When are you going to see him?”

“Today.”

A slim smile formed on Pilar’s face.

“What are you thinking?”

“You fancy Tiago.”

Maria’s skin turned warm. “He’s delivering us superior Axis publications to microfilm. His bookstore is the best source for our acquisitions, and his salesclerk, Rosa, is quite entertaining to speak with.”

“I’ve noticed that you refer to him as Tiago, rather than his bookstore, Livraria Soares. When you discuss other proprietors, you typically use the name of the shop.”

“I hadn’t noticed,” she said.

Pilar set aside her empty cup. “I’ve been meaning to tell you—I was in Tiago’s bookstore yesterday.”

Maria perked her head.

“I was in the area, so I stopped in to pick up a morning newspaper.”

“Did you see Tiago?” Maria asked.

“I did.”

“What did he say?”

“He asked how you were doing.”

Maria picked at crumbs on her plate. “And what did you tell him?”

“I told him you were well.” Pilar leaned forward. “You are fond of him, aren’t you?”

“Maybe I am.” Maria ran her hands over her skirt. “But I have no time for a personal life. My duties come first.”

“You’re going to be alone,” Pilar said. “It might be good to have a friend while Roy and I are in Madrid.”

Maria drew a deep breath and nodded. An emptiness spread through her chest. “I’m going to miss you.”

“Me too.”

“How are you feeling about going back to Spain?”

“I’m worried,” Pilar said. “It’s no longer the country that my parents and I left before the civil war. It’ll be difficult to see Spaniards living under a dictatorship.”

“I’m sure it will be.” She looked at Pilar, her eyes filled with apprehension. “I believe in you. You’ll do great things in Madrid.”

“Do you really think so?”

“I know so,” Maria said. “And I’m expecting you to uncover an enemy publication that will help us win the war.”

Pilar smiled. “I’ll do my best.”

A knock came from the door.

“I’ll get it.” Maria left the table and opened the door.

Roy entered and placed two pieces of luggage on the floor. He looked at Pilar, who was stacking plates in the sink.

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