‘A safe deposit box at my bank.’
In any other circumstances Darcie might have argued that this was overkill but in this instance, it felt the right move. ‘OK. Let’s do that. Then I need to think what I’m going to do long term.’
‘It would make a good news story. You should think about it. Once the story is out there, whether you’re able to prove it or not, you’ll be safer because everyone will know you own the dress. Padgett can’t steal it and would gain nothing by doing so. He wants to stop the story getting out. Once it’s out, it’s game over for him, regardless of the truth behind the dress’s origin.’
‘I know what you’re saying, but I’m not sure anyone will be interested unless I have proof about the history of the dress and how it came to be left in a locker in England.’
‘Maybe we should contact someone else at the House of Chanel,’ suggested Matt. ‘I’m sure they would be more than interested in what their esteemed Christophe Padgett is up to.’
‘I don’t know,’ said Darcie. ‘What if they claim some sort of ownership of the dress and sketchbook. I’m not against that, but I’m frightened no one will be interested in finding out the real story behind it: what happened to Nathalie Leroux and why Padgett is being so deceitful.’
‘Fair enough,’ said Matt. ‘Let’s get this dress put somewhere safe in the meantime. I’ll feel a lot happier then. Also, I don’t like the idea of you going back to that place tonight. Would you consider staying with me, at mine?’
Darcie looked up and smiled. ‘I don’t need asking twice.’
Letting Matt take the lead on directions, they made their way across the city via the Métro to Matt’s bank. Darcie wasn’t surprised to see it was an international bank and judging by the security on the door, the bag checking, the marble flooring and air of luxury, this wasn’t your average high street financial institution.
‘Sorry about all this,’ said Matt. ‘It’s easier than trying to open a French bank account when I’m only here on a visa.’
Darcie could tell he was embarrassed by the obvious wealth surrounding them. She guessed the average customer had to be pretty rich to even get through the door.
It was a relatively straightforward process depositing the dress and Darcie couldn’t help feeling a wave of relief once they were out on the pavement, knowing the gown was safe.
Matt’s phone rang and they moved to one side, while he answered the call. He spoke in French and Darcie idly took in her surroundings, enjoying the feeling of calm around her.
At first, she didn’t think anything of the car across the road– black saloon cars, Mercedes, BMW, Citroën were very much a part of this banking district landscape. It was only when she inadvertently made eye contact with a man, phone pressed to his ear, standing across the road from her that something on the edge of her memory stirred. She couldn’t work out what. It was too far out of her reach, but something about the man looked familiar.
She looked away as she tried to grapple with her thoughts but couldn’t summon up anything tangible. When she looked back, the man was getting into the black Mercedes. Another man was behind the wheel of the car and the vehicle pulled away, accelerating down the street.
‘You’ll never guess what,’ said Matt, coming over to her. He stopped when he saw her expression. ‘What’s up?’
‘I don’t know.’ She frowned, still unsure of what she’d just seen. ‘There was a man across the road, on his phone. We made eye contact. I’ve seen him somewhere before but I can’t place him.’
‘Where is he?’
‘He’s gone now. Got into a car.’
Matt looked up the road but gave a shrug. ‘Maybe he was someone famous. You get a lot of celebs around here.’
‘Yeah. Maybe.’
‘Anyway, have I got some good news or what?’ He was grinning broadly.
‘What? Tell me!’
‘I’ve just got off the phone from Elaine Vachon. Things have changed again. She wants to see us. In person.’
‘She does?’
‘Yep. Odile wants to speak to us.’
‘Oh, Matt, do you think … wait, what about Elaine’s mother, Paulette?’
Matt winced. ‘Elaine has assured me that Paulette won’t be a problem and Odile definitely wants to speak to us.’
‘Does that mean we have to go back to Brittany?’
‘Yeah. We can go tonight, if you want.’
