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Phoebe jumped up Literally, jumped up onto her feet, a wide smile across her face “We’re du around “Here, Matteo Here The library The place that was going to remain undisturbed The place that children probably wouldn’t play, and the renovations wouldn’t touch” She ran over and flicked the ht

It was like being hit by a thunderbolt Of course Of course

Phoebe had already er at hihty school kids at the ancient sex manuals and look for the real prize A red album It has to be here”

Phoebe cli steps and started to look at the top shelves She pointed doard “Let’s be methodical about this You look at the shelves underneath me”

Matteo nodded His eyes swept along the shelves A lot of the books were far too thick to be a photo albu color He pulled out a few, checking they really were books, then pushing them back onto the shelves

“Right” ca a bit”

He looked up and pulled a face at her

“What? There’s no point in ”

“I think you’re enjoying this a little too much”

She shrugged and gave hi anyhow”

The ladder squeaked and shook as he wheeled her along “Don’t get used to this,” he murmured

She laughed above hiave a little flip The horrible dread and associations he’d always had about this place didn’t seem quite so bad when Phoebe was around Fivehim around—Phoebe let out a squeal

“I think I’ve got it!”

Matteo ju at the botto a red album in one hand Excitement seemed to bubble from her He lifted his arms up toward her It just seemed so natural So easy And Phoebe didn’t hesitate—she let him lift her down the steps

The album was in her hands It looked old She flicked open the front page then stopped and stared at him “Oh, I’m sorry Do you want to do this yourself?”