Page 37 of Desert Wind

Seeing through the glass of the front door, he could tell it was already daylight, and Ghost and Nine stood on the porch.

“Hey,” he said in a whisper. “Everything okay?”

“Sorry to wake you, but we had a message early this morning from Claudia St. Martine. She’s throwing a ball and wants Jenna and guest to attend.”

“That’s great, right?”

The two men frowned at him, shaking their heads.

“What’s wrong?”

“We’ll be sending a large team with you. Get dressed and come to the offices. We need to show you what the boys have found.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

“A ball, madam?”

“Yes. A ball. Like the ones we had ages ago. It’s a celebration. My daughter has been found,” she said, staring at the staff.

“She’s been found?” asked one of the maids.

“Yes, Patricia. Found. As in, we know she’s alive and well. I’ll be throwing a ball. Invite everyone.”

“Yes, madam.”

Claudia turned and walked toward her office, holding her head up and her shoulders back. She knew it would be a shock for everyone. She hadn’t entertained in years, and balls were very much out of fashion.

She didn’t care.

Seated at her desk, she dialed the number she’d been given by the people who’d visited her initially about her daughter.

“I’d like to speak with Gaspar Robicheaux, please,” she said crisply.

“May I say who’s calling?” asked Code.

“Claudia St. Martine.”

She waited patiently as she was placed on hold. With pen and paper, she began to scribble out all the details of what she believed would make a successful ball.

Entertainment. There should be a wonderful band or perhaps a quartet. No. No, young people didn’t like quartets any longer. Should they wear gowns or just cocktail dresses? Tuxedos? No, that seemed too formal.

Food. She’d focus on the food. It was the one thing she knew something about. Meats, fish, and cheeses of all varieties, and more pastries than you could possibly find in the world.

Everyone who was anyone would know about this amazing event and be present. Everyone.

“Hello, this is Gaspar Robicheaux,” said the voice.

“Ah, yes. The young man with fourteen siblings.”

“Yes, ma’am. That’s me.”

“I’d like to meet my daughter. I’d like for her to come to France, with a guest, if she prefers. She can stay at my chateau, where I’ll be throwing a large ball in her honor. We must announce to everyone that she’s been found, and I’m delighted to introduce her to the world. A few years late, but nevertheless.”

“Why the sudden change of heart?” he asked suspiciously.

“A woman reserves the right to change her mind,” she said calmly. “I’ve thought a great deal about this situation. About the past. I’d like to die knowing that I’ve met my daughter and everything has righted itself.”

“I see. And when would this soiree be scheduled?”

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