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Walter pursed his lips at the mention of Ginette’s name. “Somehow, I feared it would be.”
“Really?” Kira said before she could think the better of it.
Walter shrugged. “I am a boring, old man, who likes to spend most of his time reading about people who died hundreds of years ago.” He gestured at the pile of books on the table around him. “My adopted daughter is by far the most interesting thing about me. I assumed she was why you decided to track me down here to speak to me privately—unless you really wanted to take me up on my earlier invitation for me to share some of my favorite history collections with you?” He gave her a hopeful look as he gave one of the nearby piles of books a friendly pat.
“I—” Kira tried to think of an appropriate response, but failed.
Walter gave a wry s
