Page 53 of French Escapade

Élodie

It’s been so long since someone made me breakfast, I can’t even remember when it was. Yet I can’t seem to enjoy is as much as I would like to. My head is spinning with too many thoughts.

At least I was able to catch a few hours of sleep. I was so tired, I crashed. Like Ken.

Since I opened my eyes a few minutes ago, my brain has been churning. The message from my boss ordering me to come to the station as soon as possible didn’t help me relax.

I know I’m due for a stern lecture and a suspension. What I don’t know is how I’m going to be able to help Ken find Madison if I have to stay put.

The police haven’t been a great help up to now,whispers a little voice in my head.

“According to Ted, it seems your boss is no longer upset about the situation,” Ken says.

I’m surprised. First by the news, and secondly, by Ken reading my mind. “Seems that he’s feeling much better, because there’s an article in your local newspaper saying how great he’s been.”

“Wagner does love good press coverage,” I answer sarcastically.

“Well, if this plays in our favor, we’ll not complain about it, right?.”

His green eyes study me. I drink more coffee before I answer, “I still have to face my bosses. I should hurry—it’s late already.”

“Do you want me to drive you there?”

“No. Thanks. I’ll go on my own.”

He nods, not hiding he’s disappointed by my turning him down. “Then I’ll go to my hotel and shower. I’m meeting Ted a little before 1600.”

“At the police station?”

He scratches his head and puts on a guilty face. He’s adorable. “Yes, and I think you’re not the only one who is going to get yelled at by the brass.”

I smile as I remember what Christophe told me about the altercation between Wagner and Ken. I try to reassure him. “Wagner can look tough, but if you flatter him it will be just fine. Apologize and don’t talk about your slight…disagreement with anyone.”

“What about you? What’s your plan with him?”

I sigh. “I don’t have one. Not really. I just want to ask him to delay my suspension so I can finish what I started.”

Before he has a chance to protest, I insist, “I’m not letting you down, not while we’re in the middle of this investigation. We’ll find Madison, even if that’s the last thing I do as a police officer.”

* * *

I take his hand on the table and hold it tight. Neither of us has said it out loud, but we both know: my days in the police force are numbered.

A few hours later, I know I was right.

I’m suspended, as of right now. An inquiry will be conducted, and I have no doubt sanctions will be taken against me.

I’m really down when I return to my office to pick up my stuff. When I enter, Christophe looks up from his computer.

“Good, it’s you. I wanted to talk to you.”

“Before you say anything, I need to let you know I’ve been suspended.”

He stands and shuts the door.

“I know,” he says. “But I’m pretty sure that’s not going to stop you, right?”

He looks at me quizzically. Twenty-four hours ago, I would have hesitated to answer. But last night, my colleague surprised me. In a good way.