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“At about five o’clock,” said Madame Béland. “That’s when the edits were made.”

“Who could do this?” asked Gamache. “Who has the access and the ability?”

“Well …” She took off her own glasses. Now she looked both bleary and weary. “Obviously, I could. But didn’t. The videos are in a virtual library. Our security oversees all that. But unfortunately, where humans are involved nothing is completely safe and secure.”

“You have your own private security,” said Beauvoir. “Could they do it?”

“Well, yes. They’re trained in many things, including cybersecurity. It’s not just about muscle anymore.”

“Who trains them?” asked Beauvoir.

“Mossad. Spetsnaz,” she said with a smile. “They train the best, and once finished there, we hire them.”

“GIGN?” asked Gamache.

“Preferably, yes,” said Madame Béland. “We ask for them specifically because they already speak French and know Paris well.”

“Is there any way to know how much was taken out and restore it?” Jean-Guy asked.

“You know,” she said, “I’m not sure. This’s never happened to me before. I’ll try to find out.”

“Bon,” said Gamache. “Can you back up what’s left so we don’t lose more?”

“Already have, Chief Inspector. I’ll send you a link.”

“Merci. And please don’t tell anyone about this.”

“The investigators from the Préfecture might ask to see the security video. I’m actually a little surprised they haven’t.”

So were Beauvoir and Gamache.

“Can you show them without volunteering this information?” Beauvoir asked.

She thought, then nodded. “But if they ask outright, I’ll have to tell them.”

“Understood, but keep it to yourself if you can,” said Gamache. “The firm who does your security, who is that?”

“SecurForte.”

“That sounds familiar,” said Gamache.

“Stephen’s apartment,” murmured Jean-Guy. “The flic.”

Gamache nodded. Yes, the investigator in charge had asked Jean-Guy if he’d joined SecurForte. It was obviously well-known to the Paris police.

After she left, Gamache looked at the time. Almost six. Far later than he’d thought.

“We need to go,” he said.

“I forgot to ask her one question,” said Beauvoir.

“We can stop in on the way out,” said Armand.

“Not important. I was just surprised that the George V uses Ikea furniture.”

“Why do you say that?”

He looked at his father-in-law with amusement. “Have you never put together an Ikea bookcase or desk?”