“Not anymore,” said the director. “You can take him away.”
Officer Moulard nodded to his colleagues, who took out two pairs of handcuffs.
“I really don’t think that’s necessary,” Paul protested.
“I disagree,” said the director. “These people strike me as the very definition of unruly.”
As Mia held out her wrists for the policeman, she glanced at her watch. Seeing how late it was, she suddenly felt nervous.
The detective took their statements. Paul acknowledged the charges against them, taking full responsibility himself while playing down the seriousness of their misdemeanor. He solemnly swore they would never do it again if they were allowed to go. Surely they weren’t going to be kept overnight at the station?
The detective sighed.
“You are foreign nationals. Until I am able to contact your respective consulates and verify your identities, I couldn’t possibly let you go.”
“I have a resident card,” Paul said. “I left it at home, but I assure you I am a French resident.”
“And I’m supposed to just take you at your word on that?”
“They’re going to kill me,” Mia muttered.
“Someone is threatening you, mademoiselle?” the detective asked her.
“No. Just a figure of speech.”
“Please exercise some caution with your vocabulary. This is a police station.”
“Who’s going to kill you?” Paul asked, leaning toward Mia.
“What did I just say?” the inspector demanded.
“I heard you! This isn’t school! Apparently, this situation has put my friend in an awkward professional position. You could show just a little flexibility.”
“You should have thought of that before breaking and entering into a public building.”
“There was no breaking and entering. All the doors were open, including the one leading to the roof.”
“And you think walking on the roof of the Palais Garnier is not a security breach? Would you find it normal if I did the same thing in your country?”
“If you really wanted to, Detective, I wouldn’t have any objections at all. I could even recommend a few spots with breathtaking views.”
“I’ve heard enough,” the policeman sighed. “Lock these two clowns up. And deal with the comedian first.”
“Wait!” Paul begged. “If a French citizen came here to testify to my identity, and brought you proof, would you consider letting us leave?”
“If your citizen makes it here within the next hour, I’d consider it. After that, my shift is over and you would have to wait until morning.”
“Could I use your phone?”
The detective handed Paul the phone from his desk.
“You can’t be serious.”
“Perfectly serious.”
“At this hour of night?”
“You don’t really get to choose what time this kind of thing happens.”
