by Blake Pierce
Going through to the dining room, she found the dishes had all been cleared away. Someone had definitely been helping her out. Curious to see if whoever had done this might still be tidying up, she headed to the kitchen.
When she walked in, she saw Marnie was sweeping the kitchen floor.
Marnie jumped so hard when she saw Cassie that she dropped the broom and it fell to the floor with a clatter.
“Hey,” Cassie said, surprised. “I thought you had the afternoon off, but thank you so much for helping.”
Then she looked more closely at Marnie. She was sheet-white.
“Are you OK?” Cassie asked.
“Pierre has gone? Tell me he has gone, Cassie.”
“He’s been arrested,” Cassie said. “The police arrived at about half past five. Why? Did you know about it?”
She felt as if her brain was starting to catch up with the reason for Marnie’s odd behavior.
“I knew about it,” Marnie confirmed. She spoke in a low voice, and Cassie found herself doing the same.
“Was that why you took the afternoon off? I assumed you were at a job interview. Was I wrong?”
Marnie nodded.
“I was at the police station.”
“Why?”
Cassie looked again at her tense, frightened face.
“I think you should sit down and tell me what happened. Can I make you some tea?”
Cassie put the kettle on, and took cups and teabags from the cupboard where she’d seen them in her earlier search for dinner ingredients. There was a bottle of milk in the fridge so she took that out, thinking as she did that the detail-oriented Marnie would have poured it into a smaller jug and put everything on a tray.
Marnie sat down at the kitchen table. She lowered her head and let out a deep breath, looking down at her hands.
“I was so frightened that they would not arrest him, and he would find out where I had been, and I would be in more trouble than anyone could imagine. I know that could still happen, because yes, I was the reason Pierre was arrested today.”
Cassie stared at her, taking a few moments to process what she was saying. Shock and relief chased each other around her mind.
“What did you do?” she asked.
She poured the tea and sat down next to Marnie.
“I was emptying the dustbin this morning. That one, over there.”
Marnie pointed to the large bin where the compostable waste was thrown away.
“It was by pure chance that I saw it, because it was right at the bottom of the bag and covered in dirt. It was a cell phone. A simple, older type of phone, not a fancy smartphone. I had never seen it before.”
“That’s weird,” Cassie agreed, wondering how the cell phone had incriminated Pierre.
“It was just after the funeral. I thought maybe a guest had dropped it, or else one of the children had gotten up to their tricks and thrown it away as a joke.”
Cassie nodded, thinking these were good guesses.
“I decided to try and find out who it belonged to, because someone was surely missing it. So I wiped it off and turned it on. There was still a little battery life remaining. I checked the recent call list and the contacts. There were no contacts. This phone had only made a few calls, and they were all to the same number. So I took the phone and drove down the road to the far side of the vineyard, where you can get a cell phone signal on fine days. There, I called the number.”
“What happened then?”
“A woman answered almost immediately,” Marnie said, cradling her cup in her hands.
Cassie stared at her, not daring to breathe, waiting for what Marnie was going to say.
“The woman said, ‘Pierre, is everything all right? I thought you had thrown this phone away.’”
Cassie stared at Marnie, aghast, and for a while she had no words.
CHAPTER THIRTY THREE
Cassie felt stunned by the turn events had taken. The incriminating content of the mystery woman’s words put everything in a completely different perspective. The fact that Pierre had been calling her on a secret phone, disposed of soon after Margot’s death, was a bombshell.
“What did you do when you heard her speak?” she asked Marnie.
Cassie put a hand on the table, reassured by the solid feeling of the wood, which grounded her when everything else seemed dizzyingly uncertain.
“I disconnected the call. I knew instantly that if Pierre discovered I’d found the phone, I would be in serious trouble. I was tempted to throw it straight back in the trash and pretend I’d never found it. Then I thought to myself—do I want to do what is easy, or do I want to do what is right?”
“And you chose what was right?”
Cassie could imagine how difficult that decision must have been.
“I did. I knew I had to take it to the police. But at the same time I could not just abscond with it. So I went to Pierre immediately, praying that this woman would not already have called him back.”
“I don’t think she ever did,” Cassie said. “Maybe she realized she’d made a mistake and decided to keep quiet.”
“Yes, I think that is what may have happened. Anyway I asked Pierre for the afternoon off. I said I had a few urgent errands to run. He granted it to me, and I drove straight to the police station. I had to wait a while for the detectives to return as both of them were out. When they returned they examined the phone and interviewed me. That was when I found out that the evidence wasn’t just incriminating, but grounds for arrest.”
Cassie refilled Marnie’s teacup and waited for her to continue.
“They said the calls had been made to Helene, Pierre’s mistress, who he visited on the night of Margot’s death. The timing was significant. The phone had only been used five times. Calls were made the morning before Margot died, later that afternoon, and late in the evening, and then another two calls were made the following morning.”
The pieces were falling into place for Cassie.
“So they used a different phone to communicate over that short time? Then Pierre threw it away?”
“Yes. Pierre never disclosed that phone to the police, and they said the phone together with the calls indicated preplanning.”
“I’m so proud of you, Marnie,” Cassie said. “What you did was very brave.”
“I was beside myself with worry. Pierre has a violent temper, and I have seen its effects. I’m not staying here anymore.”
“You couldn’t, after doing that. Has the other job offer been confirmed?”
“It has, but I am leaving France. The company who employed me is based in London and they have two hotels there. I asked if I could work in one of those, and they agreed. I don’t want to be in Paris, or even in the country, with Pierre’s trial under way. He is a vindictive man, and his influence is far reaching.”
“I understand,” Cassie replied soberly.
Marnie’s words made her think about her own situation, and the threats that Pierre had directed at her. She felt more uneasy than ever about her predicament, and wondered what she would say to Josephine and how much she should try to explain.
After she and Marnie had said goodnight and exchanged phone numbers, Cassie took some chocolate milk and biscuits up to the children, and then waited in her bedroom until she heard the cab arrive. She hurried to open the front door for Josephine.
A slender, dark-haired woman climbed out of the cab, walked straight up to Cassie, and gave her a warm hug.
“You poor thing,” she said. “What a terrible situation to have to cope with. Are the children all right? I came here as quickly as I could.”
“They’re all right. They were very upset, but they handled it well and supported each other. And they cheered up hugely when they heard you were coming. They’re having biscuits and milk in bed now,” Cassie said.
But they weren’t. Cassie heard running footsteps on the stairs and saw Marc was leading the charge to the front door, with Antoinette and Ella following close behi
nd.
“Aunt Josephine is here!” he yelled.
Placing her bag hastily on the floor, Josephine gathered the three children into her arms and hugged them tightly.
“It’s so wonderful to see all of you—how you have grown! Cassie has told me how brave you have been. I am so proud of you all.”
Cassie realized Josephine was crying. She took a tissue out of her pocket and wiped her eyes before turning back to the children.
“What’s going to happen now, Aunt Josephine?” Antoinette asked.
“Right now? We are all going to go to bed and get some rest.”
“And tomorrow?” Ella jumped up and down impatiently.
“Tomorrow, we have decided you will come home with me and live in the farmhouse in Bordeaux.”
“Really?” Antoinette asked, and there were tears in her eyes, too.
“Yes,” Josephine said gently.
Marc and Ella screamed in delight, dancing around Josephine, while Antoinette wrapped her arms tightly around her aunt and cried harder.
“I’m happy. I really am,” she said when she could speak. “I’m crying from happiness.”
Josephine smoothed her hair.
“It’s always good to cry, whether you’re happy or sad. But I’m glad you will be happy to come and live with me. I have spoken to your papa, and he sends his love and says he is fine. He is excited you will be living in the farmhouse. Now come on, you sleepy heads, you need to rest. We have a lot to do tomorrow. We have to get all your bags packed up, ready for our train journey back to Bordeaux.”
Cassie followed the family upstairs and helped Josephine put the children to bed. Not that she needed very much help, Cassie noticed. The children genuinely adored her, and were on their best behavior.
Within a few minutes, all of them were tucked up in bed.
“Let us have a little talk downstairs,” Josephine suggested to Cassie.
They headed to the dining room where Josephine poured them each a glass of claret.
“I find a glass of wine at night helps me sleep well,” she confided. “And after the craziness of this afternoon, I need something to calm me down. I’m sure you do, too.”
“Thank you,” Cassie said, sipping the rich, red claret and thinking how lucky the children were. Josephine was so kind, so down to earth, and genuinely friendly.
Josephine took a deep breath.
“I cannot thank you enough for helping to look after the children. I know how troubled they must have been with all this happening and I am sure you have not had an easy time.”
“It’s been OK,” Cassie said, but Josephine shook her head.
“Things have been very difficult these past few years. First, there were problems between Pierre and Diane in their marriage and I know Diane was tremendously unhappy for a long time. When she died, I suggested I should take over the children’s care but Pierre refused to allow it. Margot moved in almost immediately, and he told me Margot would cope perfectly, and that my interfering was unnecessary.”
“That must have been so hurtful,” Cassie said.
Josephine tilted her glass, gently swirling the red wine.
“I have not been welcome at the chateau for a long time. Pierre and I never got along, and our relationship worsened over the years, despite Diane trying to smooth things over between us. She and Pierre were fighting so badly, so much of the time, that it only worsened the conflict between us all. I ended up staying away and inviting the children to come to me for holidays. Then when Margot moved in, Pierre refused to allow that to happen. The children and I haven’t seen each other for over a year.”
“They must have missed you terribly,” Cassie said.
“I think they did. Their life here was not happy, and I doubt it improved during this past year,” Josephine agreed.
She took another sip of wine.
“The police said, when they called me, that there is compelling evidence against him. I asked if I could speak to Pierre and to my surprise, they allowed him to call me while I was on the train. He blustered and swore and blamed everyone except himself. He said that he had recently used a different phone to call his mistress after Margot grew suspicious. He disposed of it after her death because he didn’t want the police to know about it, and that because of this, they suspect collusion and preplanning.”
“That doesn’t sound good, surely?”
“He kept shouting that he was innocent and would clear his name, but even he acknowledged it might not be quick or easy. That was when I asked him again if I could take over the children’s custody. He had no choice but to agree. After all, with his future being so uncertain and even his release from prison not yet confirmed, there is no place in his life for children and I also pointed out that they would suffer from the rumors and accusations which will circulate in the community.”
“Yes, without a doubt,” Cassie said, wondering how many of Pierre’s supposed friends would switch sides when the news came out.
“We agreed that he will officially sign the children’s care over to me. I am more than happy to do this. My husband and I love the time we spend with them, and they get on well with our two boys.”
“It sounds like the perfect move for them. I am so relieved that it’s turned out this way,” Cassie agreed.
“I am sure you are wondering where this leaves you,” Josephine said.
Cassie realized, to her enormous relief, that now the children would be starting a new life, there would be no place for her at the chateau.
She nodded politely, clasping her hands tightly as Josephine continued.
“Please let me have your banking details. First thing tomorrow, I will transfer the amount due to you, together with a bonus for the stress and unpleasantness you have had to endure.”
“Thank you so much,” Cassie said. “I’ve got the contract saved on my phone, so I can check what my November salary is.”
Josephine shook her head firmly. “My husband and I both agree in this case, your full annual salary is due to you, together with a bonus as a thank-you. In return, all we ask is that you do not speak about what has happened—to the press, or to anyone who might be curious. For the children’s sake, we’d like to try and limit any damaging information as much as possible.”
“I understand,” Cassie said. “I wouldn’t have said anything, even without the bonus and the full salary, which is extremely kind of you.”
Josephine set her glass down. “Thank you so very much. If you or the children need me, I will be in the first bedroom on the right, in the guest wing. Sleep well.”
Cassie watched her go upstairs, her mind whirling.
She couldn’t believe the surprise ending to this dreadful day.
She realized how worried she’d been about the children, who had seemed to be stuck in this dysfunctional situation with no way out. Now they had a way. They had an aunt who loved them, a safe place to go, and a stable home life ahead of them, and she was relieved beyond measure about this.
And her circumstances had done an about-face, too. From living in fear, under a cloud of suspicion, she was free to leave and had some spending money—far more than she’d expected.
She set down her empty glass and headed to the front door to lock up for the night, but before she did that, she stepped outside.
She gazed up at the imposing stone frontage of the chateau, the pale stone seeming to glow in the darkness. A cool breeze made her shiver.
She wasn’t entirely free. Although Josephine hadn’t said so directly, she was certain Pierre had mentioned her name during his blustering. She was sure he would follow through on his threats to have her arrested for stealing and that might lead to her being accused of other crimes.
If Marnie was leaving the country, perhaps she should do the same, at least until his trial was over. After all, Pierre was a wealthy and vindictive man whose influence was far-reaching, and although the police had believed her story and let her go, Cassie feared that others might not. And
who knew when Pierre might be freed on bail? With all of his influence, maybe he could be let out as soon as tomorrow. And return to the chateau.
A shudder went down her spine. There could be no time to spare.
Yes, leaving France was exactly what she should do.
And she would do so first thing in the morning.
CHAPTER THIRTY FOUR
Morning light streamed into the chateau as Cassie helped the children carry their bags downstairs. Marc’s bag contained some clothes, as well as all the toys that could possibly fit into the large travel case. Marnie was carrying Ella’s bag and a spare rucksack, while Josephine and Antoinette rolled Antoinette’s enormous suitcase across the hallway.
“Shall we call a cab?” Josephine asked.
“No, no, let me drive you to the station,” Cassie insisted.
Marnie fetched Pierre’s SUV, the most spacious of the cars available, and brought it around to the front of the house, opening all the doors while Cassie started loading it up.
It was a beautiful day—cool, breezy, and clear. The crisp autumn wind ruffled Cassie’s hair and she felt hopeful about what lay ahead of her. After she’d dropped the family at the station, she could drive back here, return the car, and then pack her own bags and call a cab. She decided she would then head back to the very same station and take the Eurostar to London. In just a few hours, she could be across the Channel and in a brand new country—one she’d always wanted to explore.
Marnie was also ready to leave, and had loaded her belongings into her own car. Cassie hugged her, sad to say goodbye to someone who’d become such a good friend, even though she hoped that if they were both in London, they’d be able to see each other again soon.
“We will stay in touch,” Marnie whispered. “My new workplace has a signal, and I love messaging. Good luck.”
Then it was time to head for the station with the children, excited about the journey, singing in a tuneless chorus in the back of the car. Once there, Cassie helped Josephine load a trolley with all the bags and wheel it to the platform where the train to Bordeaux was already waiting.