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“We seem fated to run into each other, Chief Inspector,” said Abigail Robinson when they’d stopped in the foyer.
“Excusez-moi.” He took Chancellor Roberge aside and dropped his voice. “I thought I asked you to keep Professor Robinson at your place. To not leave the property.”
“You did, but—”
“But we aren’t under arrest,” said Abigail, joining what was clearly meant to be a private conversation. “Are we? Being here isn’t breaking any law, is it?”
Armand took a deep breath. “Non. But for your own safety and the safety of others—”
“No one knew we were coming,” the Chancellor pointed out. “Not even our host.”
Now it was Colette’s turn to take Armand’s arm and lead him farther from the group.
“I didn’t expect to see you here, Armand. How do you know the Gilberts?”
“They’re neighbors. We live in this village. Why are you here, Colette?”
“Abby insisted. Remember I told you there was someone she wanted to meet?”
“They’re here?”
“Maybe.”
“Maybe?”
“Look, all I know is that she asked me to call around and find out if there were any parties happening here.”
“Here? In this village?”
“Yes. She knew about Three Pines. So I called Dominique and she invited us.”
“She invited you and Jean-Paul, not—” He nodded toward Abigail, then looked out at the gathering.
So far no one had noticed who’d just arrived. Most were still stealing glances at Haniya Daoud, though few were approaching anymore. She was beginning to look like a fortress, with a moat widening around her.
Even Reine-Marie had moved away.
“Who has Abigail come to see?” asked Armand. “You must’ve asked.”
“I did, but she wouldn’t tell me.”
“Why not?”
Colette sighed. “I don’t know.”
He stared at her. “You could’ve refused, you know. You didn’t have to bring her here. What’re you playing at, Colette?”
“Nothing. Just trying to help the daughter of a friend.”
“Why?”
“Pardon?”
“Why? Why go through all this? What do you owe him? Or her? Why’re you doing all this for her? You know how this looks.”
“How?” The Chancellor was also getting annoyed. “How exactly does this look?”
“You set up her talk. You have her staying with you. You bring her to this party. It looks like you support her campaign.”
