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“Tell you what,” he says. “Why don’t you take the rest of the night off? I’ll go out to grab us a bite to eat and we can watch a movie when I get back.”
“But all the movies the hotel offers are in German,” I complain.
“I’m pretty sure they have subtitles.”
“I don’t like toreadmy movies, thank you very much.”
Gabriel chuckles. “Fine, we’ll find something else to do. Point is, I’m starving, and you haven’t eaten anything since brunch—”
A phone buzzes.
I hop up off Gabriel’s lap, thinking it’s Lucius calling with yet another annoying check-in. Much to my surprise, Gabriel’s phone is going off. He practically leaps out of his seat to answer.
“Excuse me,” he says, exiting into the hall. His voice is muffled by the door, but his tone comes across perfectly clear. He’s upset about something.
Come to think of it, he’salwaysupset after he receives a call.
When I try to ask him about it, he tells me Penelope’s being difficult. When I was still at his house, Penelope seemed like a perfectly capable housekeeper and caretaker.
There’s a strange feeling in my gut. I have no reason to doubt him, but I don’t think he’s telling me the whole story.
As quiet as a mouse, I tiptoe closer to the door and press my ear to it. I can hear him more clearly. Naturally, he’s speaking in French, so it’s anyone’s guess what he’s saying. I can only pick up a few basic words.
Please.
Odette.
Favreaux.
I frown. Favreaux? Where have I heard that name before?
My memory never fails me. The second I close my eyes, I can easily picture myself on the train from Montpellier to Bern. I can remember the smell of the train car, the adrenaline coursing through my veins as those men chased after me, can still hear the sound of the gunshots as they opened fire.
Favreaux needs her alive!
Confusion sweeps over me. Is it a coincidence? Maybe I misheard? I’m eavesdropping through a thick door, after all. I honestly don’t know what to make of this information.
Outside, I hear the shuffling of Gabriel’s footsteps as he makes his way back inside. I scurry back to the couch, flicking on the TV like I wasn’t just listening in on his conversation.
“Checking in on Odette?” I ask, keeping my voice level. My heart beats wildly in my chest. It feels so wrong to doubt him. Maybe I’m just being paranoid.
“Her fever’s all better,” he says with a smile. “Did you pick a movie yet?”
“We’re in luck. It looks likeMission Impossibleis on. I’m curious to know what Tom Cruise sounds like dubbed over.”
“Oh, good,” he mumbles. “I’ll just order room service, then. It’ll be quicker.”
“Cool,” I say lamely.
My stomach churns all night. I don’t remember much about the movie. It’s hard to follow which characters can be trusted and those who wind up dead before the credits roll. I morbidly wonder which of the two I’ll be.
Chapter 26
Gabriel
Ten more days until Van Straus’ Christmas party.
Ten more days before I have to betray Raquel.
