They courted and were promised to one another, but then the Nazis occupied France. While Merlin joined the resistance, Brigitte's family became Nazi sympathizers. A love won by fate and lost by circumstance.
The war's end brought reconciliation and reunion, but the intervening years drove an irreparable wedge between them.
In Merlin's absence, his good friend ensured Brigitte's safety. But those were volatile times, full of fear and terror. Merlin never recaptured the essence of his first love. In the end, he was forced to make a choice.
He chose passion over love.
In an odd twist of fate, the friendship between Brigitte and Merlin's best friend became an enduring union, blessed by two wealthy families. That union cemented the Faulks name, established their power base, and catapulted them into industrial royalty.
Vivianne would have never been brought into my life if not for Merlin. He may understand Nicholas's intent and is trying to take the decision out of my hands. Ever the wise one, my father knows what Nicholas is capable of, which gives me hope.
Where is the girl?
Now, why am I not surprised?
Where is Vivianne?
Nicholas sends an address. I curse. As suspected, Nicholas drew me away from Lac Léman, placing time and distance between me and Vivianne's rescue.
And father?
You get to choose only one.
I don't believe Nicholas's hatred runs deep enough to commit patricide, but worry gnaws at the edges of my resolve. I will not be forced into choosing one over the other.
There is another way.
"Forgive me, Father."
The phone chirps in my palm.
Brother, it's a long drive. I suggest you hurry. Come alone. Your Russian friends aren't welcome.
There is no way Urakov is staying behind, but if Nicholas knows Urakov is with me, the chalet is under surveillance. I clear my throat and swallow the thick lump of anger and regret. I hand my phone to Urakov. After scrolling through our conversation, he glances up.
"I see. And what are your thoughts?"
"The house is being monitored. I must go alone."
"Obviously." A glance at the painting. "The weight of the world..."
"Pull that out of the crate. We have work to do."
My phone chirps again. Urakov glances down. His brows draw together, lips pursing into a frown.
"What is it?" My hands curl into fists at my sides.
"You must hurry." He turns the screen around.
Strapped to a metal chair, Vivianne sits inside a cistern. Water trickles from a pipe overhead, splashing her as it falls. Her eyes are wide, wild, and she pulls against the restraints with desperate jerks.
There is no doubt of Nicholas's intent.
He intends for her to drown.
FIVE
Vivianne: Drowning
