Page 28 of One Last Step

Claudia sighs and folds her arms across her chest.“That’s a very difficult question to answer right now, and it will remain difficult until I discover if that watch is what I think it is and if there’s anything or anyone else there that requires my attention.I speculate that Dr.Rousseau is in danger of losing several of her more valuable pieces.That’s likely to be the only ill she suffers as long as we determine that she isn’t intentionally trying to impede our investigation.If sheis… well, that’s when Mossad starts thinking about sending their own agents.”

I laugh, but there’s no mirth in it.“Surely we’re not going to be raided by armed special forces agents.”

Claudia laughs, and there’s quite a bit of mirth in her laughter.“Oh no, no.Nothing like that.No, that sort of thing is Hollywood embellishment.In a worst case, Mossad would seek her arrest for hiding Nazi artifacts that are listed as under Mossad’s jurisdiction by international treaty.Unless she’s attending skinhead meetings, she won’t serve any sort of time, and the fine she’d have to pay would be modest.Itisjust a pocket watch, after all.But her reputation would be ruined, and that, I suspect, is why she's reluctant to talk to me."

I shake my head again.“I just can’t believe that Dr.Rousseau is being investigated for having Nazi memorabilia.”

“It’s unbelievable,” she agrees.She stands and says, “But I’ve kept you long enough, and I have work to do as well.Please don’t fret too much about this.The last thing I want is to put you in an uncomfortable position.If you feel it’s too dangerous or stressful to assist, then feel free to ignore my request and go about your life as though you’d never met me.I won’t be offended.And just in case there’s even the slightest doubt in your mind about this, let me assure you that you are not in any way at risk.Even if this were Hollywood, the governess who arrived less than a week ago would not be near the top of anyone’s list of suspects.”

Tell that to Inspector Moreau.

The two of us return to the museum.It’s open for business now, and guests are already starting to file in.Claudia stops outside of the entrance and turns to me.“It was lovely to meet you, Mary.I look forward to talking again.”

“When?”I blurt out.“I mean… when should… when do you…”

Claudia shows me mercy.“I’ll be back within a few days.I’m not sure yet how many.Just keep your eyes and ears open, and again, don’t worry too much.”

“Right.“Um… It was nice to meet you, Ann—Claudia.”

If Claudia notices my slip, she doesn’t let it show.“Goodbye, Mary.”

She leaves, and no amount of willpower I possess will allow me to keep from staring at the way her hips sway as she walks.Even the way she moves reminds me of Annie.

Finally, she turns the corner, and I’m able to enter the museum.Gustaf is behind the visitor’s information counter.He gives me a look of wary concern and asks, “Miss Mary?Are you all right?”

I look at him and catch my reflection in the mirror.It’s only then that I realize that I’m pale as a ghost.

I should probably lie to him, but I don’t think I can manage it right now.

“No, Gustaf.I am quite far from all right.”

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

I intend to head directly to my room to take some time to decompress, but as soon as I step into Exhibit One, Elena accosts me.“Ah, Mary.I’m glad to see you.”

I nearly jump out of my skin.Elena is smiling at me, but it looks as though her lips are pulled back in terror, not friendliness.Considering what I’ve just heard from Claudia, I don’t blame her.I imagine Elena isveryinterested in what I’ve heard from Claudia, which is why she’s confronting me now.

"Dr.Rousseau," I reply."Elena," I remember Sophie and flinch again."Oh!I'm so sorry.I forgot to tell you that Lukas Meyer took Sophie to lunch for a playdate with Luc.They'll return before dinner."

“That’s perfectly fine,” Elena says, flipping her hand.“I figured as much when I saw them in the foyer.”

I wonder if she saw the way Lukas paled when he heard about the presence of an Interpol detective.“If you’d like, I can go find them and keep—”

"Oh no, no, I trust Lukas.He is a gentleman, but he is still a good man."

I frown, not sure how to interpret that odd statement.Before I can think of something, Elena says, "Anyway, I was wondering if you'd keep me company for a while?We have a guest, and I'm sure you'll enjoy what she has to say.She has a deep knowledge of this Museum's history."

I don’t answer right away.My mind is already spinning.What is this new development now?“A guest?”

My question is answered when a strange voice announces, “All right, everyone, thank you for coming.”

I look up and see that the exhibit is full nearly to bursting.There must be nearly fifty people just in this room.They crowd all available space and look toward the back of the room, where a plump woman with rosy cheeks and dark, beady eyes smiles benignly.Apparently, there is some kind of event happening at the Museum again.

I prepare to excuse myself, but Elena takes my arm and holds it firmly as though trying to prevent me from running away.Which is exactly what she’s doing.

That’s odd, though.If she wants to ask me about my conversation with Annie, she should take me where no one can hear…

Damn it.My conversation with Claudia.Claudia, not Annie.

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