Chapter 319

[Atlas]

"What are you talking about?" I demand. "My mother has been dead for decades, Jude. Keep her name, and her memory, out of your mouth."

Doesn't he realize how close he is to becoming a body left on the beach? He's already pushed his luck beyond most of our limits.

"Oh, but she's still here. She's everywhere. Her family built this place."

"Her family?" I ask but he doesn't respond.

Jude is standing on the other side of the room next to a large bookcase that curves along the wall and reaches up several rows to the ceiling. He sets the book he is reading back on the shelf and without looking up grabs another.

"This system is archaic but complete. I do appreciate the craftsmanship," he continues to look through the collection without looking up. "Keeping notes by hand with this much detail and skill is a dying art."

"Why are we here?" I demand. This feels like a dangerous waste of time. "What was so important about this place that you'd drag me out here instead of just helping