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We continue with Part 2 of the short story, The Man Who Killed The Library.

Before we continue, you’ll find a brief summary of Part 1 below (or read it in full on the website), followed by a short excerpt to ease you back into the story.

Bartholomew learns that his first book, The Scholarly Letters, has been leaked on Lucy’s Library, a shadow library that allows copyrighted works to be downloaded for free. Soon after, his editor, Julius, tells him that despite the book’s popularity, a second book deal is unlikely, as more copies are being downloaded from Lucy’s Library than are being sold by Laurel Publishing.

A few days later, during what appears to be a routine maintenance update, Bartholomew discovers that he can edit the webpage hosting his book. He attempts to stop the downloads, but instead causes far more serious damage. He is abducted and brought before Lucy herself, who informs him that he has destroyed The Library.

(Excerpt from Part 1)

“You've caused us quite a bit of trouble,” she said coolly, folding her arms and looking intently at him. “How did you do it?”

Bartholomew said nothing, blinking stupidly back at her.

“Don't play dumb, Bartholomew. Even if you hadn’t made it obvious the author of the The Scholarly Letters was behind the attack, we could have found you. But what I want to know,” she said, standing up, clasping her hands behind her back and leaning forwards, “is how you got into our system last night.”

A spark of understanding flickered in his mind. She noticed, raising her eyebrow and motioning with her hand for him to speak.

“Is this about the webpage I edited?” he said groggily.

For a few moments she said nothing, her face expressionless, before turning abruptly and walking quickly out of the room, slamming the door behind her.