He nodded, and we both knew we had come to an impasse. ‘Me too.’
‘How long have I got?’ I asked, the tears freely falling now.
‘Twenty-four hours at the most.’
It was my turn to nod. ‘Thank you, Alphonse. Goodbye.’
‘Goodbye, Nathalie.’
I didn’t look back as I went inside and I was sure Alphonse didn’t either. The sound of his unfaltering footsteps striding across the rear courtyard echoed around the buildings.
The vultures were circling, closing in on me, coming from all sides. I didn’t know who would strike first. Alphonse had given me twenty-four hours’ head start, and I needed to make every hour, every minute, every second count.
Chapter 31
Darcie
Before they had even set off for Paris, Matt had already made some phone calls to his mother and to Myles Hoffer, assuring Darcie that he was certain at least one of them would come good.
‘I don’t like leaving, thinking Odile has been pressured in some way,’ confessed Darcie as Matt drove through the Breton countryside, heading for Paris on the N24.
‘It’s despicable,’ said Matt. ‘It wouldn’t make for a good story if it ever got out.’ He gave her a sideways look. ‘You could use it as leverage when you go back to Padgett.’
‘I was thinking the same,’ admitted Darcie. ‘I’m not going to let him off the hook so easily, and I’m certainly not going to negotiate with him on the sketchbook and dress. It’s a matter of principle now.’
She took out her phone and fired off an email to Padgett asking if she could meet with him as soon as possible.
‘He’ll think you’re ready to cave,’ said Matt. ‘I’d love to be a fly on the wall when you tell him no.’
‘Why don’t you come with me?’ suggested Darcie. ‘Safety in numbers and all that. Not that I’m frightened of him.’
Matt gave a grin. ‘I’d love to be there.’
By the time they had arrived back in Paris, nearly five hours later, Darcie had received a reply from Padgett.
‘He wants to meet tomorrow at eleven-thirty,’ said Darcie, scanning the email.
‘He’s keen.’
‘Can you make it?’
‘Sure. I’ve a few days free between jobs, so not a problem.’
‘Thanks.’
‘Hey, listen, do you want to stay over at mine tonight? No pressure, though.’
‘I’d love to stay over,’ said Darcie without hesitation.
‘Phew. I was hoping you’d say that.’
Darcie sat back in the seat, a feeling of contentment settling over her where Matt was concerned. It was something she didn’t think she’d felt before. It was good and although she knew she shouldn’t get used to it, she gave herself permission to enjoy the moment.
The morning came all too quickly and Darcie had no desire to get out of bed. Neither did Matt as it happened, but eventually his mobile rapid-firing text message alerts forced him up from the comfort of the duvet.
‘It’s from Mom,’ he said, looking at the screen.
Darcie propped herself up on one elbow. ‘She’s got news already?’ She looked over at the bedside clock. ‘It’s only eight-twenty.’
