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Irene set her jaw mulishly ‘Have I personally broken any laws?’

‘Not yet,’ Vale said ‘At least, none of which I am aware’ The tone of his voice made it clear that he suspected she wouldn’t hesitate

And would she? Well, it would depend on the law Her body was huh-tension wire, probably the effects of the s ‘I don’t want to har her head ‘I just want a single book’

She could feel the weight of Vale’s accusing stare ‘And so we have to hurry across London, deceiving the pilot and endangering her as well as ourselves, because you must have this book’

‘Watch what you say,’ Kai said softly

Vale shrugged ‘I ask Miss Winters questions to which she should have answers – if such answers exist If she has none, then perhaps you should consider your own allegiances What is the point of this Library, if it demands such sacrifices?’

Irene pushed herself to her feet ‘Thank you, Kai, but you don’t need to defend et this book Not just because the Library wants it, but also because Alberich wants it, and he is far ave hi look ‘Has it occurred to you that besides trying to kill us, he has killed other people? Librarians, people that I know about, even if you don’t – and we have no idea what he et this book out of here, he will probably kill others? And if I don’t get to the British Library first, then –’ Her brain caught up hat she was saying ‘– then he is going to kill Bradamant,’ she finished

Vale snorted ‘The wo care of herself’

‘Maybe she is,’ Irene said ‘But that’s not the point I aht of Dominic Aubrey, and wondered with a shudder how his skin had ended up in that jar She would not, could not, let that happen to so it ‘You may think of uilty for what I’ve just done’

‘Ah’ Vale stepped away from the side of the zeppelin, and offered her his hand ‘Then I believe we can work together, Miss Winters’

Irene nearly said Huh? – which would have been inappropriate in so’