Page 54 of One Summer in Monte Carlo
Jean-Claude turned the package over and over when she handed it to him.
‘I suspect it’s money,’ Nanette said. ‘But why would Luc give money – or anything – to Zac to put in a secret safe?’
Jean-Claude sighed. ‘Maybe it’s all part of his problems. I’d have sworn Luc was an honest businessman, but then I’d also have said Mathieu would never get mixed up with anything illegal.’ He glanced at her. ‘Was there anything else in the safe?’
‘Only the gun. Zac never even owned a gun in the past,’ she added quietly. ‘Shall we open it?’ Nanette asked, looking first at the package and then at Jean-Claude.
He didn’t reply for several minutes and then slowly shook his head. ‘Not here. I’ll take it with me and put it somewhere safe. I don’t feel happy with you having it here.’ He sighed. ‘It’s late. Time I went home. I’ll be here at about eleven o’clock tomorrow to drive Patsy to the airport. Goodnight,ma chérie.’
A gentle kiss brushed her cheek and he was gone, leaving Nanette feeling strangely bereft.
35
There was no sign of Mathieu the next morning before Nanette left to take the twins to school and his bedroom door remained firmly closed. When she returned, Patsy was out on the balcony enjoying her breakfast croissant and coffee.
‘I’m going to miss this view,’ she said. ‘Can’t believe in a few hours I’ll be back on the farm.’ She spread some marmalade on her croissant before adding, ‘Lots of activity onPole Positionthis morning. People coming and going.’
Nanette, helping herself to a cup of coffee, glanced up. ‘What sort of people?’
‘People in suits. Look, there’s one of them leaving now.’
The sisters watched as a man carrying a briefcase appeared in the stern of the yacht with Phil. The two men shook hands and Phil waited as the man left before raising the gangway and disappearing into the main cabin.
‘Hmm,’ Patsy said. ‘Wonder what that’s all about.’ She glanced over. ‘Bit of a family ding-dong last night?’
Nanette nodded. ‘Sorry if it disturbed you. Jean-Claude is getting increasingly worried about Mathieu. Unfortunately, I don’t think there is anything he can do. Have you seen him this morning?’
Patsy shook her head. ‘No. Florence said he went out very early.’
Nanette sighed. ‘Part of me wishes whatever it is would all come to a head and hang the consequences – at least we’d all know where we were.’
Patsy stood up. ‘Well, I’d better go and finish packing.’
‘Need a hand?’
‘No thanks. Might need Jean-Claude to carry the suitcase for me though, it’s a bit on the heavy side.’
While Patsy finished her packing, Nanette stayed out on the balcony looking down thoughtfully atPole Position. Just what had been happening earlier on the now deserted yacht? Something to do with Vacances au Soleilmaybe?
Florence, busy cleaning the sitting room, had the radio on softly in the background and Nanette was gently humming along to a favourite song when Jean-Claude arrived.
‘How are you today?’ she asked, returning his hug and staying in the circle of his arms, concerned at the lines of worry she could see still etched in his face from last night.
Jean-Claude shrugged non-committally. ‘I’ve been better, but I’ve done as Mathieu asked and called off the private detective.’
‘Did he have any final information to give you?’
Jean-Claude glanced towards Mathieu’s bedroom door. ‘Is he here?’
Nanette shook her head. ‘No.’
‘Apparently Mathieu has had several meetings in recent weeks just over the border in Italy. The detective can’t prove it, but he thinks Mathieu was recruiting people to join a business cartel.’ Jean-Claude sighed. ‘With Boris being refused a permanent visa, I’m afraid that Mathieu will attract more attention from the authorities and move up the list of undesirables. Who knows what will happen then?’
Nanette didn’t answer. ‘Did you open the package?’ she asked instead.
‘Non.’ He shook his head. ‘I thought we’d do it together when we get back. Now, is Patsy ready? We should really make a move. I’ve booked a table for an early lunch in Cannes before we go to the airport.’
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