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Everyone’s eyes opened wider, including the investigators’.
The little boys and girls, in their dark blue and crisp white uniforms, were as much a part of Paris lore as Madeline and her adventures. The boys and girls could be seen solemnly holding hands as they crossed the boulevards of the Sixth Arrondissement, and played in the jardin du Luxembourg.
It was, without a doubt, the very best private school in Paris. Probably France. And one of the most expensive.
“How … ?” Reine-Marie began, then stopped herself.
“Did we get them in?” asked Daniel, beaming.
“Yes.”
Though it was clear she’d actually meant to ask another question.
How were they going to pay for it? And a new apartment?
But some things were best not asked. Not in front of a homicide investigator.
“Congratulations,” said Armand. “It’s a great school. The girls will love it.”
But Annie was glaring at her brother. Not sharing her parents’ enthusiasm, however forced it might have been.
“Terrific, my ass,” said Annie, unable to hold it in. “We decided to live two streets over to be close to you, and now you leave?”
“We’re not going far,” said Daniel.
“Do you rent here?” asked Fontaine.
“Yes. Shouldn’t be a problem subletting,” said Daniel. He turned to his sister. “Maybe you could take it?”
“Maybe you could—” began Annie.
“Maybe we can talk about this later,” their mother interrupted.
But if she was hoping to change the subject, it was too late.
“You’re going from renting to buying?” said Commander Fontaine. “A larger apartment in a better neighborhood.”
“Yes,” said Daniel.
“And sending both of your daughters to the Lycée?”
If Daniel didn’t hear the subtle implication, his father did. He remained quiet, though watchful.
Daniel took Roslyn’s hand and smiled, his face open and without guile. “Oui. Sorry, Mom, I know you hoped we’d eventually move back to Montréal, but Paris is our home now.”
Armand put his own hand lightly over Reine-Marie’s.
It was true. They’d always hoped, expected even, that Daniel, Roslyn, and the children would one day return to Québec. But now it seemed that wouldn’t happen. Paris had taken their son and their grandchildren. And now Annie and her growing family had been beguiled.
It wasn’t the city’s fault. It couldn’t help being luminous.
But just at this moment, Reine-Marie hated the city. And Armand wasn’t so enamored either.
“Well, that sucks,” said Annie as Jean-Guy took her hand and squeezed.
Commander Fontaine watched. But try as she might, she couldn’t see this as a family riddled with hatred and resentments. If anything, their reaction to Daniel’s announcement was driven by affection.
They wanted to be closer, not farther apart.
