One of the lawyers coughed. ‘Before we go any further with the conversation, can I just confirm that you’re here to accept the offer made by Monsieur Padgett in an email sent out to you as per this copy?’ The lawyer whipped out a printed copy of the email from Padgett offering ten thousand euros.
Darcie looked at the email, the sum of money standing out amid the text. She was about to turn down ten thousand euros. She looked at Matt from the corner of her eye. His expression the epitome of poker face. A small surge of excited anticipation swelled inside her and she looked up at the three Frenchmen opposite her.
She smiled. Padgett returned a patronising smile, while the lawyers both appeared to physically relax.
‘Gentlemen,’ she began. ‘This email has given me much to think about. I was amazed at the generous amount offered.’ She waited as Padgett nodded and settled back into his chair. She felt Matt nudge her foot with his, but she ignored his unspoken gesture to get on with it– she was enjoying herself far too much. ‘But I expect ten thousand euros is really small change for someone like Monsieur Padgett.’
The lawyer who had spoken let out a sigh. ‘I wondered when we’d get to this.’ He flicked another page over. ‘We can get straight to the point.’
Padgett gave a nod to the lawyer, who continued. ‘So, we can extend our offer, without prejudice, as a gesture of goodwill to a maximum amount of twenty thousand euros.’
‘Wow. That is generous,’ replied Darcie. ‘But what I was getting to was that … I don’t want your money.’
Padgett sat forward. ‘What do you mean?’
Matt repeated what Darcie said in French. ‘Just for clarity,’ he added.
‘I know what she said!’ retorted Padgett, clearly ruffled by the exchange.
The second lawyer spoke. ‘What is it you do want?’
‘I want the truth,’ said Darcie.
‘You have the truth,’ said Padgett.
‘I don’t think I do.’ Darcie shifted in her seat. ‘I believe you’re withholding the truth. You’re frightened I’m going to make some discovery, of what I don’t yet know. What I do know is you silenced an elderly lady in her nineties.’
‘What foundation do you base that allegation on?’ asked the second lawyer. ‘There is a law against slander.’
Darcie felt Matt’s hand on her arm. ‘Darce,’ he said softly. ‘Careful now.’
She wanted to shrug off his hand. She wanted to jump to her feet and tell Padgett just what she thought of him and how intimidating an old woman was morally out of order. Unethical. But she did none of that. ‘If you have nothing to hide, then you won’t care if I take my story to the papers,’ she said.
‘No one will be interested. You need proof. There’s no truth without proof,’ sighed Padgett as if bored of the conversation now. ‘Why don’t you just take the money, give us the book and dress and we can all get on with our lives and you’ll be twenty thousand euros better off. I’m sure that will go a long way to making your mother’s life more comfortable.’
Darcie gasped. How did they know about Lena? ‘You leave my mother out of this!’
Padgett looked at Matt. ‘You seem a reasonable young man. Why don’t you speak to Mademoiselle Marchant? The offer is still open until close of business tonight.’
Darcie got to her feet. ‘Over my dead body.’ She stormed from the room and out through reception. It wasn’t until she was racing down the staircase that Matt caught up with her.
‘Jesus, Darcie, when did you turn into Flo-Jo?!’
She couldn’t help but smile at his joke. ‘I’m sorry, but he just got under my skin. I should have kept my head.’
‘I’m sorry he brought your mother into it,’ said Matt, taking her hand so they were now descending the stairs at a safe walking pace.
‘It’s scary that he did,’ admitted Darcie. ‘I mean, he must have looked into my background, my personal life. I don’t like it one bit.’
‘We can just walk away from this now,’ said Matt. ‘Or take the deal.’
‘I’m not doing either.’ They were now out in the main reception area. Silently, they walked across the marbled floor and out onto the street. ‘What all that means is that they have something to hide.’
‘They’re powerful men,’ warned Matt.
Darcie shrugged. ‘The truth is more powerful.’
‘Sure, but we need to find a way to get to the truth,’ said Matt. ‘Come on, let’s grab a drink and something to eat. We can work out what we do next.’
