I regret the necessity but …’ ‘But business is business, Inspector St-Cyr. Is that it?’ Ah nom de Dieu, had he struck a sensitive chord at last? ‘Madame, a childhood friend and employee is dead. Please, I must insist. I’ve a car waiting.’ A car … ‘Did she die in peace?’ What was the woman thinking? ‘Yes. She would not have known.’ ‘Then what is the concern? For years Claudine has wanted release, Inspector. If she died in her sleep, then her soul is at rest.’ He would have to be firmer. ‘Madame, murder is suspected. A positive identification is necessary of both Mademoiselle Bertrand and her mother. The law requires that you accompany me. If you refuse, then I will ask the magistrate to issue you with a summons and the préfet to provide you with the necessary escort!’ Murder … ‘The préfet, of course. Shall I ring for him?’ The bitch! ‘Or shall I come peacefully, Inspector, without further discussion?’ ‘Peacefully, I think. Bring an extra wrap and boots for it is very cold and will be equally so in the morgue.’ ‘These will have to do.’ The shoes were from that other time, from the belle époque, of black patent leather, laced up the front and well above the ankles.
