She shook her head. The dog lay to the side of the path, ears raised in curiosity, nose quivering.
“Bon. How can I help you?”
She swiped at the muddy paw prints and puddle of saliva on her coat. “Is Sophie home?”
Lines gathered across his forehead like storm clouds. “Non.”
“When will she return?”
“Who are you?” He crossed his arms.
His eyes drilled into hers, making her take a step back. She was glad she had thought of a story if Sophie had a husband. She had rehearsed this and had it down pat. “We met at a wine event a few years ago, and Sophie told me to visit her when I returned, so, here I am.” A nervous laugh escaped.
“You are…?”
She tapped her head. “Sorry, I’m Claire.” Her hand shot out, but he stood rigid. “You are?” she asked.
“Where was thisevent?” His lips pressed into a tight line.
He had to be Sophie’s husband. Claire would not say anything that would reveal Luca’s true father. The man might not know, and, even if David had cheated on her, she couldn’t enlighten this man and wreck his marriage. Her fingers shook as she wiped hair from her eyes. “I have a terrible memory. But she sent a photo of Luca with her last Christmas card and invited me to meet him.” She smiled, proud of her plan.
The man neared. “You a child-napper?”
“What?” She backed away. “No. Whyever would you say such a thing?”
His eyebrows hooded his eyes. “You Americans think your country is the best, so you think America is the best country for Luca?”
“No. Of course not.”
“Go back to America.”
“I just wanted to say hello to Sophie and meet Luca.” His eyes held fury but why? “Who are you?” she asked.
“None of your business. Get out of here. Leave. Now!”
“You’re quite rude, do you know that?”
“Americans are the rudest people on earth,” he growled.
If he was Sophie’s husband and knew about David, she wouldn’t blame him for hating Americans. “I really need to see Sophie. It’s very important.” Claire pulled her head back. “Would you kindly tell her I stopped by?” She squared her shoulders, dug out the business card from the hotel and held it out.
He pointed at the taxi.
Why was he being so obstinate? Did he know Sophie had been unfaithful? In her heart and mind, Claire had promised David she would deliver his medical records to Sophie—if Luca inherited David’s heart condition the child was in extreme danger. She’d flown five-thousand miles, and she wasn’t about to give up, but she did need to be cautious. This guy could be an ax murderer. She stood tall, walked to the front door, shoved the card under it, and smiled a fake smile as she returned to the taxi.
She opened the taxi door and turned to the inhospitable, handsome man. “My name is Claire Didier, and I’m staying at L’hôtel la Rivière.” She got in the taxi, slid across the seat, and slammed the door. “My hotel, please.”
“Oui, Madame.” The driver backed away.
Claire stared at Sophie’s husband as he clapped his hands, releasing the dog who leaped up and licked the man’s face. At least one creature liked the jerk. She couldn’t help but feel a bit of compassion for him. He might have been cheated on. Betrayed. But he also was threatened, and protective of Luca.
She failed David once again. She failed at her invention, failed at her job, failed at giving David a family. Now she’d failed to protect his son.
The countryside undulated as they drove, but Claire didn’t appreciate it. Tears slid off her jaw as the spires of Colmar churches appeared in the distance.I promised I’d get your medical records to your son’s mother, David. And I won’t leave France until I do.
Chapter 9
Icicleshangingfromtheroof glittered in the bright sunlight. A steady drip of melting ice pattered like rain. Claire slipped between the drops, entered the hotel, and walked straight to the bar.
