You’re surprised I sent for you?” Danton leaned back in his chair and regarded Jean Marc wearily. “I’m a little surprised myself. I was very annoyed with you at one time. I didn’t like losing a pawn of the magnitude of the Wind Dancer.”
“One cannot lose what one has never possessed.” Jean Marc seated himself in the chair across from Danton’s desk. “Though, of course, I have not the faintest idea as to your meaning.”
“Of course.” Danton smiled sardonically. “However, you should know I was so annoyed that I failed to inform you I was paid a call by a mutual acquaintance of ours several weeks ago.”
“Indeed?”
“Raoul Dupree.”
Jean Marc froze.
“You did good work on the bastard. Hisbody is crippled and his face would do justice to a nightmare.”
“Not good enough, evidently. I meant to kill him.”
“I know. He told me. He was frothing with plans for vengeance. He said he’d take the statue from you and the two of us would share the glory of the Wind Dancer.” He smiled faintly. “Naturally, his plans called for your very painful demise.”
“How surprising, and I thought he was so fond of me.”
“He also mentioned your cousin, Mademoiselle Catherine, and Juliette de Clement.”
“And?”
Danton shrugged. “I told him I wasn’t interested in obtaining his services. I was quite busy at the time trying to keep Robespierre from chopping off half the heads in Paris and certainly wasn’t interested in having yours served up to me.”
“I suppose I should be grateful you were otherwise occupied.”
“Dupree swore he’d go to Robespierre when I refused him.” Danton frowned. “But since you’re still alive I doubt he did as he threatened.”
“May I ask why you’re suddenly concerned for my continued well-being?”
“Oh, I’m not. You must take your chances with the rest of us,” Danton said bitterly.
“Then why are you warning me?”
“It’s come to my ears that your cousin now occupies the quarters of François Etchelet in the Temple. A romantic, foolish gesture on her part.”
“I agree. I couldn’t persuade her to do otherwise.”
“If I know she’s in Paris, then it’s reasonable to assume Dupree knows also. He has many contacts in the city and Pirard, his former lieutenant, is now serving in the Temple. It would be wise of you to safeguard her.”
“I’ll endeavor to do so.” Jean Marc stood up. “Thank you for your warning. May I ask why you bothered to give it?”
“I remembered her face that night at the abbey…” Danton shook his head wearily. “She’s suffered enough.So many innocents dying…Did you hear about my wife Gabrielle?”
“Yes, my deepest sympathy, Citizen.”
“I’m married again now. Lucille is Gabrielle’s cousin, a fine woman. After I married her we went away to the country for a number of months. We were very happy there.” He sighed. “I didn’t want to come back.”
“But you did.”
“I have to try to halt it,” Danton said. “The tumbrils keep rolling to the guillotine. Robespierre thinks terror is the only way the revolution will survive.”
“Good luck,” Jean Marc said gravely. “I’d not like to wager on your chances of stopping that madman.”
“I’m not sure I would either. God, I’m weary of it all.” Danton stood up. “Good day, Andreas. Guard your cousin well.”
“François will guard her.”
