Page 131 - The Book Thief

Perhaps the woman hadnt seen her steal the book after all. It had been getting

dark. Perhaps it was one of those times when a person appears to be looking
directly at you when, in fact, theyre contentedly watching something else or
simply daydreaming. Whatever the answer, Liesel didnt attempt any further
analysis. Shed gotten away with it and that was enough.

She turned and handled the remainder of the steps normally, taking the last three
all at once.

Lets go, Saukerl. She even allowed herself a laugh. Eleven-year-old paranoia
was powerful. Eleven-year-old relief was euphoric.

A LITTLE SOMETHING TO
DAMPEN THE EUPHORIA
She had gotten away with nothing.
The mayors wife had seen her, all right.
She was just waiting for the right moment.

A few weeks passed.

Soccer on Himmel Street.

Reading The Shoulder Shrug between two and three oclock each morning, post-
nightmare, or during the afternoon, in the basement.

Another benign visit to the mayors house.

All was lovely.

Until.

When Liesel next visited, minus Rudy, the opportunity presented itself. It was a
pickup day.

The mayors wife opened the door and she was not holding the bag, like she