Page 16 of Rendez-Vous in Cannes
It took Daisy nearly ten minutes to reach Chez Cambone after leaving the mall. Although still firmly closed to customers, she saw the flowers had been moved to one side, allowing access through the restaurant door.
Slowly Daisy began to read the tributes as she looked for the single rose she knew Anna had placed in the doorway.
A sad loss
One of the greats
You’ll be missed
There were two single roses – both red and both with attached cards.
Au revoir. God bless you. A lifelong admirer
read one. The other card was unsigned and read:
One Life. One Love. Farewell
followed by three kisses. Thoughtfully, Daisy studied that card. One kiss for each sentiment?
As Daisy stood there holding them, wondering which rose Anna had placed there, which inscription was from her, the restaurant door opened. Bernard Audibert came out, accompanied by another man who Daisy guessed was Jacques Cambone, Philippe’s twin brother. From the photos she’d seen searching the internet, she could see the likeness.
The two men shook hands and Jacques disappeared back indoors, closing the door firmly behind him, without as much as a glance in Daisy’s direction.
Daisy smiled at Bernard. ‘Hello. D’you remember me? Marcus introduced us at your party.’
‘Bien sûr, I remember you – it’s Daisy, isn’t it?’ Bernard leant in and kissed her cheek. ‘You were asking me about Philippe and the Cambone family.’ He gestured towards the closed restaurant door. ‘Désolé, I don’t think Jacques was in the mood to be introduced.’
‘No worries,’ Daisy said. ‘I’ve heard something about an American actor called Sean Hamill being somehow involved in a scandal involving Philippe Cambone. Any truth in that, d’you think?’ Daisy said, watching for Bernard’s reaction.
He shrugged. ‘I doubt it. I think it’s a publicity stunt in very questionable taste. The Cambones have already got the police looking into him. But – and this is strictly off the record, understand?’ Bernard paused before continuing. ‘Two letters have been found amongst Philippe’s effects from someone trying to trace their family tree.’
‘Is this why the Cambones have closed ranks?’
Bernard nodded his head in agreement.
‘D’you know who the letters are from?’ Daisy asked.
‘No.’ Bernard shrugged. ‘I didn’t get to see or read the letters and Jacques was being pretty coy about their contents. He certainly didn’t name names, but it was clear that Philippe had replied to the first letter. The second one arrived in response to it the day Philippe died.’ He took a deep breath. ‘Anyway, I’ve finally got some dates out of Jacques for the funeral and the memorial service. The funeral will be on Monday – strictly private, family and close friends. No details will be issued to the public.’
‘Are you going?’ Daisy asked.
Bernard nodded. ‘Of course. I’m doing a reading. Hoping my son will be able to get here in time too.’
‘And the memorial service is when?’ Daisy asked.
‘The following Monday morning after the festival has closed, open to everyone.’
Bernard looked at the flowers Daisy was still holding. ‘From you?’
‘Oh. No,’ Daisy said. ‘I was just reading the messages. They both have a certain regretful solicitous tone,’ and she read the first one out to Bernard. ‘The other one feels more personal somehow: One life. One love. Farewell.’
‘Show me,’ Bernard demanded, holding his hand out.
Daisy handed him the two roses and the cards and watched him, his face intent as he studied both the messages, muttering under his breath as he did so and shaking his head.
Daisy had just caught the words ‘C’est pas possible,’ when Bernard turned to face her.
‘I’m sorry, I have to go. I’m running late for a meeting.’ He leant in and kissed her on the cheek. ‘Keep in touch and I’ll let you know if there’s any news. Au revoir.’ Carefully he placed the flowers down on the step and was gone.
