“In essence, a treasure map,” Amelie said softly.
Schulz nodded.
“As I told you before, Armand lived a simple life outside the restaurant,” Amelie said. “He left little behind—just money he set up in a trust for his son.”
“No journals, ledgers, books or letters he might have had in his library or had his attorney deliver upon his death?” Schulz asked.
Amelie’s lips pressed together. “His work at the restaurant was everything to him.” He’d been happiest in his element, making great cuisine.
“I came to warn you to beware.” Schulz pushed to his feet and straightened his blazer.
Maurice and Amelie rose as well.
“I shall be in New Orleans to check on shipping industry documentation, on the slim chance they keep records that far back of Germaine’s employment,” Schulz said. “I hope to locate the residence where the Benoîts lived.”
“If the house still exists,” Maurice said. “Hurricane Katrina and the resulting flooding destroyed a significant portion of some of the older neighborhoods.”
“I am aware.” Schulz held out his hand to Amelie. “Thank you for your time and patience.”
“Good luck on your search.”
Maurice shook his hand next. “Let us know if you find anything. Now that we know what’s at stake, we’re curious about the final destination of the Monet.”
The other man nodded. “She deserves to shine in the light.” He turned and left the diner.
Mandy Boudreaux, the black-haired, brown-eyed young woman who’d purchased the diner from Tante Mimi, thus becoming the new Mimi, hurried over with a pot of coffee. “Need a refill?”
Amelie pushed her coffee cup closer. “Hit me, Mimi.”
“I’ll take some of that as well,” Maurice said.
As she poured, Mimi murmured, “That looked like one intense conversation. Everything all right?”
Amelie smiled at her friend and peer. Mimi, a talented chef in her own right, had left New Orleans for the quieter life in Bayou Mambaloa. On several occasions, they’d teamed up to cater events in the area. “As all right as it can be.”
“I’m sorry about what happened to the bakery. What I don’t understand is who would anyone ransack a bakery and leave without taking some of your mouth-watering pastries?”
Amelie grinned. “Someone on a diet?”
“What’s wrong with people?” Mimi poured coffee into Maurice’s cup. “You let me know if you need anything over there. And I’ll keep an eye out for anyone lurking.” Mimi reached out to take Amelie’s hand with her empty one. “Neighbors have to look out for each other.”
Amelie’s eyes filled, and her heart swelled. “Thanks, Mimi. Moving back to Mambaloa was the best decision I ever made.”
“Same here,” Mimi said. “Who needs a big city where you’re surrounded by people you don’t know?”
A customer called out, “Mimi, I could use some of that coffee over here.”
“That’s my cue.” Mimi grinned. “Be careful out there.”
As soon as Mimi left their table, Amelie brought out her cell phone.
Maurice shifted to sit across from her. “Calling Luis?” he asked in a low tone only she could hear.
She nodded.
In a whisper, he added, “About the photos?”
Again, she nodded, selected Luis’s number and placed the call.
