Page 10 of One Last Step

“Mary Wilcox,” I reply, extending my hand.“Dr.Rousseau has hired me as governess to Sophie.”

Jacques turns to Elena.“Is that true?”

She nods.“That’s true.She started the night before.”

“Is that so?”Jacques asks.

“That’s so,” I say curtly.“I haven’t seen this pocket watch.I just finished today’s lessons with Sophie before coming downstairs to learn more about the family’s history.I was engaged in a lovely conversation with Dr.Weber when I learned of the missing piece.”

“Hmm,” Jacques says, “And you say you’ve never even seen the piece in question?”

“I have said that.Clearly.Several times.I’m not sure how much more clearly Icansay it.”

Both Jacques and Elena redden at that.Jacques opens his mouth to say something, but Sophie’s voice interrupts us.“Mama?What’s going on?”

I see an opportunity to leave this uncomfortable situation.“Come on, Sophie.This is a matter for adults.Let’s go upstairs.”

I expect Elena to protest, but she stays quiet as I take Sophie back up to her room.I hear Jacques talking with Hans, but I can’t make out what they’re saying.That’s fine with me.I’d just as soon not be a part of whatever this is turning out to be.

As soon as the elevator doors close behind us, Sophie asks, “What’s wrong, Mary?”

I take a deep breath and smile.“One of the watches is missing.”

Her eyes widen.“Which one?Is it one of the cuckoo clocks?”

“No, sweetheart.It’s a pocket watch.”

“Oh.”She sighs with relief.“I guess that makes sense.It would be pretty difficult to take one of the cuckoo clocks out of here.”

“It sure would.”

The door opens, and I realize that Sophie’s pressed the third floor.“I’m hungry,” she announces.

“I’ll make you some dinner.”

“Okay!”she says brightly.

She leads me into the kitchen.It’s smaller than I would expect from such a large house, but it’s well-equipped, and there’s a separate pantry stocked full with everything a kitchen needs.I have a suspicion that the inquiry into the missing watch isn’t over, so I settle for a ham and cheese sandwich for Sophie and toast with jam for myself.

She thanks me for the sandwich, then asks, “Do you think one of the spies took the watch?”

My brow furrows.“Why would you ask that?”

She shrugs.“I don’t know.If I were a spy, I would try to take something valuable.Then I would make the enemy tell me what I needed to know before I gave it back.”

“That’s…”

My voice trails off.I replay Sophie’s story about the messages delivered in sealed compartments, and it no longer seems like such a mystery why Elena is so upset and afraid over a missing watch.

The elevator door opens.Jacques and Elena both step out.They’re clearly in the middle of an argument.

“I know, Jacques,” Elena snaps.“But I can’t have that become common knowledge.You know how people are.”

Then Jacques surprises me again.“Miss Wilcox, would you consent to a search of your room and your person?”

CHAPTER SIX

I look between Jacques and Elena.Elena no longer wears that oddly childish expression of triumph, but there’s a good deal of mistrust in her eyes as she meets my gaze.

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