Raphael laughed very softly. “No wine for us. She’s pregnant.”
A wild joy ripped through him at saying this simple truth out loud to another human being.
The police officer smiled, and his eyes took on a mischievous twinkle. “She’s asleep?”
Raphael nodded, a ridiculous grin growing on his face. “They sleep a lotwhen they are with child.”
“Don’t I know it.” The policeman played his flashlight over the car’s rear seat. “Is this your first?”
“Yes, our first.”
“Congratulations, and you poor bastard. On your way, then. Merry Noel to you,” the police officer said.
“And Merry Noel to you, too.”
The police officer stepped back, and his flashlight beam swung through the dark, indicating that Raphael shoulddrive on.
Raphael gripped the steering wheel and drove away, waving, as a cold sweat broke out all over his chest and back.
That was close,too close.
They needed to find somewhere to hide for the night before Raphael fell asleep at the wheel and killed both of them.
And then they had to end this insanity with Pierre, by whatever means necessary.
