Page 27

We pull up in front of the hotel. The traffic is back to normal, and we are able to get out of the limo without difficulty. My stomach still doesn’t feel well, and I step carefully so as not to disturb it more. The lobby is the quietest I’ve ever seen it; I’m grateful for the calm as I gingerly make my way to the elevator.
“Lady Bouquet?” the concierge calls out. She runs from her desk over to us.
“I’ve a letter for you at the front desk. Shall I fetch it?”
“No- I’ll get it myself. Thank you.” Mireille answers smoothly and nods her head. There’s no surprise in her voice- was she expecting this?
I watch as she walks quickly over to the desk.
“I told you.” Uncle says gravely. “I told you he would write to her again.”
“She wouldn’t show me the telegram.” I don’t dare mention the rest of the conversation to him. I watch as she opens the letter, and see several pictures fall out onto the floor. She bends over to scoop them up; I see the surprised look on her face as she glances at them. The look changes and I see her brow furrow as she reads, ignoring us completely.
“He’s dragging her into the past with him, feeding her hate. You must help me, Kirika.” Uncle puts his hand on my shoulder. “We cannot let her walk down the same path as Roland Bouquet.”

Maybe later. That had been her reply once I’d approached her at the desk and asked to see the pictures. I watch as she stands in the corner of the elevator, reading the letter again. The silence is uncomfortable to me, but she seems to not notice, or not care.
The doors open and we file silently out, each in our own thought. My stomach is giving me fits; I resolve to have some tea to try and settle it.
“Marchaud. Anything?” Uncle asks our hallyway sentinel.
“Nothing. Very quiet.” Marchaud replies “Henry- care to switch up?”
“Absolutely. Go on in, I will take the door.” Henry bows.
“I’m going to make tea, if anyone would like some.” I say as I head into the kitchen.

We are all seated at the table, even Marchaud. He looks relieved to sit down- I think he may be even older than Uncle. As always, Mirielle and Uncle sit at opposite heads of the table. I wonder if they will ever get along, or always fight for leadership.
Mirelle carefully snaps shut her purse and shoves it aside to make room for her tea.
“Droger sent me another letter. It was…very interesting.” she taps her fingers on the table. I'm relieved she's mentioned it; maybe now things will be better.
“Were you at my father’s wedding?” she looks pointedly at Uncle. He glances quickly to Marchaud, who frowns.
“I was in Italy at that time. My assignment kept me there for several years.” Uncle replies. “What does Droger have to say about it?”
“He says…he was the best man. And he sent a picture.” Her voice drops a little with emotion. “A picture of my parents…with him.”
“I think Droger is trying to manipulate you, Mireille.” Uncle says gently. “He may distort the truth for his own gain.”
“And of course Soldats would never do such a thing.” Mireille snaps.
“Mireille, please…” I start, but she waves at me with her hand to be quiet.
“Then tell me something.” Her stare is directed back at Uncle. “Is it true that when Droger came to you for help, you turned him in to the police for murder?”
Uncle and Marchaud look at each other again. I start to feel nervous. I do not want to think that I cannot trust Uncle, not after all this.
“It is a matter of perspective. I turned in someone who committed murder. There was no helping what that man had done. It was a horrible thing that could not be excused.” Uncle’s eyes narrow. “It was an act of true dishonor.”
“And murder is honorable? Murder is murder- the end is the same. No one at this table has clean hands- no one.” Mireille states firmly. “There couldn’t be another reason you had him locked away, could there?”
“Discussing the past is pointless!” Marchaud interjects loudly and slams down his cup. “Do you not realize that every day he has the book he grows stronger? Soon he will no longer just twist and bend you-” he looks at Mireille, then picks up his napkin and rips it in half.
“He will break you.”