The French Code by Deborah Abela

it?’
    Max stared at the musty book that smelled like a forgotten wing of an old library. ‘I think I’ll leave my future to me to decide, not some moth-eaten book.’
    Veronique sighed. ‘You wouldn’t be the first person to be nervous about having your future held up before you.’
    â€˜It’s a stupid old book that I’ve never seen before. It has nothing to do with my future.’
    â€˜If you’re scared of what I’ll think of you, you can ask your question under your breath.’
    â€˜Unless it says “your friends are safe and you’re going home soon”, I’m not interested.’
    â€˜I’ll go first.’ Veronique laid the book on its spine and held it firmly between her splayed fingers. ‘You can ask a specific question or simply be open to whatever the book has to tell you.’
    Max looked at Fifi, who was sitting upright, transfixed by Veronique and her smelly book.
    Veronique took a deep breath and closed her eyes. ‘Will I meet a handsome boy soon who will think I’m charming and cute?’
    â€˜Maybe you should ask if you’re always going to be this shy?’ Max mumbled.
    â€˜Shhhh,’ Veronique whispered. ‘I need to concentrate.’
    She took her hands away and let the book fall open. She slid her finger across the page, opened her eyes and read aloud:
    Sometimes what you are searching for
    may already be with you.
    French proverb
    Veronique looked up. ‘Excellent.’
    â€˜Excellent what?’ Max asked.
    â€˜It means I’ve already met him. Probably … very … recently.’ Veronique flounced her hair.
    â€˜Really?’ Max frowned at the book. ‘Maybe I will have a go.’
    She pulled the book towards her and held it between her hands. She closed her eyes and let it fall open. Her finger swept across the page to one small passage:
    Avoid being impatient. Remember, time
    brings roses.
    Anonymous
    Fifi barked and pawed the air.
    â€˜I’m not impatient.’ Max shut the book firmly. ‘This book has no idea what it’s talking about.’
    â€˜I said you don’t always get the answers you hope for.’ Veronique patted Fifi. ‘Have another go.’
    Max scowled at the book and held it upwards. ‘I’m only doing this to amuse you and as part of mybabysitting duties.’ She took a long, deep breath, let the book fall open, pointed her finger and read:
    If you never leap, you’ll never learn to fly.
    Chinese proverb
    â€˜And since I’m not planning on doing any flying any time soon, it’s been another pointless reading. This bibliomancy thing is a pile of –’ Max’s watch lit up. She held it to her mouth. ‘Linden? Are you okay? Where are you?’
    â€˜We’re fine,’ Linden’s voice came through in a whisper. ‘We’re at the cemetery.’
    â€˜Can you see anyone?’ Max asked.
    â€˜You mean live people?’ Toby piped up.
    â€˜That’s the general idea,’ Max answered.
    â€˜Not yet.’
    â€˜What can you see around you?’ Max asked.
    â€˜Apart from a tree-lined road, a bunch of old crypts and loads of weeping angels, not much,’ Toby whispered.
    Veronique grabbed Max’s wrist and spoke into her watch. ‘Have they left any more messages?’
    â€˜You have to press this button to speak.’ Max pressed it for her and she asked again. ‘Can you see any messages?’
    â€˜No, but it’s pretty dark,’ Linden said. ‘There are only a few lights, and we don’t want to use our torches in case they’re seen. We’ve got our Night Vision Sunglasses on so we should … wait.’ Linden went quiet.
    â€˜What’s wrong?’ Veronique asked Max.
    â€˜I don’t know.’ Max texted Linden via her watch. ‘u ok?’
    In a few seconds a message came back. ‘i c 2 men hiding. will leave camera on.