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“Allida and Judith are still there along with Séverine,” said Reine-Marie. “We haven’t been able to make any connection between the dates in Stephen’s notes and GHS. It’s frustrating.”

“Not to worry, we’ll figure it out. And there are more important things right now. Annie?”

“Yes, Dad.”

“We’ll be there as soon as we can. I love you.”

“I love you, too, Papa,” she said, though he could hear her disappointment and slight confusion that her father wasn’t also rushing to the hospital, to be there with her.

“Wait a minute,” said Jean-Guy. “You called me. Did you want something?”

“Just to check in. Please, please, let me know about the baby and Annie.”

“You’ll be here long before anything happens.” There was a pause. “Are you all right? What did Dussault want?”

“It was a fishing expedition. Trying to figure out what we know.”

“So he is involved in all this?”

“I’m not so sure. Look, this will wait. You have far more important things happening. If we’re not there before she arrives, tell your daughter that her uncle and grandfather love her.”

“You’ll tell her yourselves. Armand—”

But Gamache had hung up before Jean-Guy could say more.

“Congratulations,” said Girard as he took the phone back. “Happy day.”

He read the emails and texts, then handed the phone to Dussault, who also read them.

Reine-Marie had been trying to reach Armand to tell him about Annie.

“Shame Beauvoir can’t join you. I suspect your chances of success, never great, have just collapsed.” Dussault handed the phone back to Gamache.

“I’ll need the JSPS card.” Armand walked over to Daniel. “I gave mine to him.”

Sliding his hand into Daniel’s pocket, he found the card and felt for the coins.

“Let me see,” said Girard when Armand withdrew his hand.

It held only the card.

“Should we send one of them with him?” asked Girard, indicating the guards.

“Non, no need. What’s he going to do? Run away? Go to the police?” Dussault smiled. “All we need are the documents. I don’t care how he does it, but he’ll be faster, more efficient without one of them tagging along.”

Armand turned to Daniel. “I have to leave, but I’ll be back in time. I promise.”

He pulled Daniel to him, in a bear hug. And whispered, “I’m so proud of you. I love you.”

Daniel nodded.

CHAPTER 38

Armand unlocked the door to their apartment in the Marais and quickly went over to the bookcase.

The gun was still there.

Slipping it into his coat pocket, he locked up and left.