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Date Posted: 18:56:50 12/07/08 Sun
Author: Hannah
Author Host/IP: bas21-toronto12-1242431666.dsl.bell.ca / 74.14.0.178
Subject: Northern Woods, Chapter 162
In reply to: Hannah 's message, "Northern Woods, Chapter 160" on 21:00:37 10/28/08 Tue

Chapter 162

“Oui Constable, I am.” Joseph Gagne replied as he turned from listening to the reports the various team leaders were relaying to him. “How may I help you?”

“A colleague of mine is working with you tonight” Claude began hopefully, “and I was wondering if you would be able to tell me when she’ll be finished. It’s very important that I speak to her.”

‘Her?’ Joseph thought. ‘The only woman on tonight is Maria… that has to be who he means!’

“Give me a minute, would you please?” Joseph stalled politely. Then quickly memorizing Claude’s identification and general description, he nodded. “I’ll see what I can find out.”

“Of course.” Claude replied. “Merci beaucoup.”

Walking a few feet away from the officer, Joseph hit his com unit and whispered, “Davenport?”

“Oui Gagne?” came back Davenport’s gruff response.

“Sir, I have a city police officer here inquiring when Maria will be done for the evening.” Gagne reported. “What should I tell him?”

“Describe him.” Davenport ordered tersely.

“About six feet tall, reddish brown hair, grey eyes, badge says ‘Laurent’.” Gagne responded.

‘The fool has apparently had a change of heart.’ Chris thought contemptuously. ‘Too bad… he doesn’t deserve her!’

“Tell him her assignment might mean an overnight stay here at the hotel.” Chris said, grinning evilly.

“Sir?” Gagne inquired with a frown.



“Just do it.” Davenport snapped. Then the Joseph frowned as he realized that his boss had disconnected their link.

Turning once more to the officer who was still waiting patiently, Gagne reviewed his options and the order he had just received.

‘Staying the night?’ he thought incredulously. ‘That makes no sense! Monsieur Samuelle and his bride are newly married! They aren’t going to want their “babysitter” to stay overnight in their penthouse! Why would Davenport say such a thing?’

As his brown eyes met the hopeful grey ones of the waiting man in blue, Gagne took a deep breath and made what he knew could very well be a career altering decision.

‘Davenport’s got a suite here set aside for security reasons, but surely he wouldn’t?’ Joseph sighed. His superior had a reputation of being a ladies’ man, so it was possible he would. ‘No! Maria’s a lady too… I could tell that when I met her! *She* wouldn’t do such a thing… I’m sure of it! Then why would he say that? *Merde*! The man’s lying to me… he *has* to be! Well, I’m not going to relay that information! Even *if* it’*is* true... no… I’m a pretty good judge of character… not Maria!’

As that grim realization set in, Joseph came to a decision.

‘I’m not getting involved in this… and this officer doesn’t deserve to hear it either! If Davenport finds out I didn’t give this officer that message that it might ruin my chances of being promoted, but I don’t care.’

Reaching up behind his ear, he peeled his com unit off and tucked it in his pocket, thus disabling the unit.

‘What makes sense here is that Davenport’s smitten with Maria. I’ve witnessed that myself. Now this officer is enquiring when she’ll be free? No… this has the feel of two men battling over one woman.’

“You’re referring to Maria Viscano, aren’t you?” Joseph finally replied to Claude’s inquiry.

“Oui. Do you know what her assignment is tonight and when she’ll be done?” Claude asked hopefully.

‘What Davenport’s just ordered me to do isn’t right.. and I refuse to *play* this *game*! This man loves Maria.. I can see it in his eyes… and I’m not going to lie to him! If Davenport wants Maria, he’s going to have to fight fair.’

“Oui. She’s babysitting Adam in Monsieur Samuelle’s penthouse during tonight’s party.” Joseph replied truthfully. “It might be very late when she’s done. Why don’t you try calling her at home tomorrow?”

“Babysitting?” Claude said in surprise.

“Oui. She’s acting as a combination of a babysitter and a bodyguard for young Adam.” Joseph admitted readily, seeing the concern written all over Claude’s face.

“Explain.” Claude replied bluntly. “Who is this Adam?”

“He’s Monsieur Samuelle’s son from his first marriage. There was a change in the custody agreement he had with his first wife and Maria was the officer who brought the boy to his lawyer. Adam’s very shy but he liked Maria.” Joseph explained.

“All kids like Maria. She’s a natural with them.” Claude blurted out.

“I can believe that. She seems like a nice lady.” Joseph said gently.

“You’ve met her?” Claude asked curiously, pouncing on this admission.

“Oui, briefly. If I see her later, I’ll let her know you were here.” Joseph promised.

“Thanks.” Claude murmured. “I need to let her know a few things too.”

Joseph nodded. ‘I’m sure you do. The two of you probably had a lover’s spat… and now Davenport’s trying to horn in on your relationship! Mon Dieu… I like the man, but there are times I do not respect him. How could he stoop to making a comment like his earlier one? Does he really think I’m that stupid that I’d pass something like that along?’

“Couldn’t Monsieur Samuelle have hired a sitter for his son through the hotel?” Claude inquired.

“He could have I suppose.” Joseph replied honestly. “However, Monsieur Samuelle was concerned that a hostile might break into his suite while he was at the party in order to either capture Adam as leverage or bait.”

“Are you saying this person might have tried to use a five year old child to either torment Monsieur Samuelle or to trade him for his new wife?” Claude asked, and although he was not surprised by the fact that someone as wealthy as Monsieur Samuelle needed to have security for his child, he was aghast that Maria was involved in something like this.

“That is our understanding.” Joseph replied. “Monsieur Samuelle wanted to protect his child by having a professional guard the boy, but he also wanted someone the child would accept.”

“I see.” Claude replied. “That makes sense.”

‘It does make sense… and I can see why he’d choose Maria… but she’s not on duty… she doesn’t have to do this! She’s willingly putting herself at risk for a small child.’ Claude realized as his love for her grew greater with that knowledge. Shutting his eyes, he turned away from the security man in order to hide his emotions. ‘Knowing her… even if he pays her a high sum of money, she’ll give it to her parents… or some charity.’

“Constable?” Joseph called out, thinking Claude was about to leave.

“Oui?” Claude replied, turning once more to face the security man.

Joseph was nothing if not observant. The emotional upheaval apparent by the tear soaked lashes on the face the man before him was unsettling and he lowered his probing gaze in respectful embarrassment.

‘He’s worried!’ Joseph thought. ‘He really loves Maria! Damn Davenport!’

“Before you go, I think you might want to hear about an arrest my men made earlier.” Joseph began quietly, hoping to convey what he saw as pertinent intel as well as providing a distraction for the shaken professional he saw before him. “I think it’s connected to the arrest you just made.”

“Oh?” Claude replied, shoving aside his personal concerns for the moment and emotionally pulling himself together while preparing to focus as a professional on whatever the man before him had to convey.

Gagne knew his suppositions about the redhead needed to be included in his report to Davenport, but he also saw this as an opportunity to give this vital piece of intel to the officer who was about to depart. This intel reflected poorly on Davenport’s preparations for tonight and it was possible the man would try to keep it out of his report to Monsieur Samuelle. Not knowing for sure if Davenport would do this, Gagne made a decision that he knew might cost him dearly.

‘The police need to know this now! By the time Davenport gets around to telling it to them… that witch might be released and the cops will have to start their investigation all over again!’ Joseph realized.

“And your name is?” Claude inquired politely. With a concerted effort, he shoved down his personal concerns and smoothly slid into his professional persona, pulling out his notepad and clicking his pen in preparation to make notes on their conversation.

In the back of his mind, he heard Maria’s voice chiding him on his ability to shut down his emotions so easily and willing what she scornfully called his iron mask to cover his features.

‘She has no idea!’ he thought as he struggled to control his angst. ‘I have to be like this to do the job! I can’t run on emotions like she does… and just because I don’t… she’s always assumed they aren’t there! They’re there all right… and right now I’m worried… about her… about our ‘relationship’. Do we still have one? Can it be salvaged after what I’ve done? Damn it! After three years, you’d think she’d know me better!’

“Joseph Gagne.” The black clad man replied. “I’m the ‘unofficial’ second-in-command with Monsieur Samuelle’s security teams.

“Unofficial?” a now seemingly unemotional Claude replied questioningly as he dutifully wrote down the particulars.

“The position of Security Chief was just filled recently when the former one retired. The new man is testing me… although I’m sure he doesn’t think I realize that.” Joseph replied with a slightly quirky grin. “If he’s satisfied with my efforts tonight… I’ll be the *official* second-in-command before the end of the week.”

“I see.” Claude said with a slight smile. ‘I like this man’s style.’ “So… tell me about the kidnapping plot. You caught the men who you assumed planned to kidnap Madame Samuelle?”

‘Good!’ Joseph thought as he registered the crack in the armor of the man before him. ‘He’s human after all! He shut down completely on me right there! I’m sure he’s good at his job… but that totally blank mask he put on just then scared me!’

“There was no assumption about the three men we handed over to your fellow officers, Constable. They admitted their culpability.” Joseph replied. “They were working in the kitchen as extra dishwashers in order to gain access to Madame Samuelle.”

“And how did you know they were there?” Claude inquired.

“We had a tip from a reliable, well-placed source.” Joseph hedged.

“I see… an undercover staff member.” Claude correctly interpreted as he scribble furiously.

“Oui. That would be correct.” Joseph agreed, as a slight grin appeared on his face now as well.

“So with the tip this person gave you… you foiled a kidnapping plot?” Claude asked, intrigued. “How does that connect to my prisoner?”

“I’ll explain. Keep in mind though that this is supposition on my part. However, after you hear me out, I’m sure you’ll agree as a professional that my theory fits the facts.” Joseph replied.

“All right.” Claude agreed. “What is your theory?”

“Well.. in order for those men to have had access to Madame Samuelle, they would have either needed to go into the ballroom and get her or lure her out of the ballroom somehow.” Joseph explained. “She was secure in there. We have at least ten security people in that room, plus her husband and guests were there too.”

“But if Madame Samuelle had left the ballroom on her own… like she did when she was attacked, she would have been a target.” Claude finished, immediately following this man’s line of reasoning.

“Oui. We were lucky enough to arrest our ‘kidnappers’ before the woman in your cruiser could drive Madame Samuelle into an area where she would have been at risk.” Joseph explained.

“An area of risk?” Claude inquired; refocusing on his interview with Joseph. “Are you telling me that your security was lax tonight?”

“It shouldn’t have happened.” Joseph replied defensively. “In our initial briefing, our company security chief and the security chief for this facility agreed that Samtech’s security teams were supposed to be in charge of the perimeter and interior security tonight with the exception of the corridors and lobbies. Hotel security was to be in charge of that as their first official act for their new owner. Somehow, that plan failed.”

“Failed?” Claude asked curiously. “What do you mean?”

“From what happened, and from other intel I’ve been assessing thus far it seems like hotel security was seriously understaffed tonight. I want to know why.” Joseph revealed.

“I see.” Claude said quietly as he continued his note taking while he took in the determined tone of the security man before him. “And why do you suppose that happened?”

“I don’t know, but I will find out.” Joseph replied in a steel laced voice.

“And this security chief… what is his excuse for his teams’ failure?” Claude inquired.

“That’s what I want to ask him.” Joseph said, jutting out his chin, angered by the lapse that he’d detected.

“Meaning?” Claude inquired curiously.

“The man in charge of hotel security hasn’t been seen all night.” Joseph reported.

“And his name?” Claude inquired.

“Antoine Lalonde.” Joseph replied. “His job was to assist us in insuring Madame’s safety. I wouldn’t want to be him when Monsieur Samuelle finds out this information.”

Claude nodded. While it was known that the handsome billionaire he’d spoken to earlier was a generous man, it was also known that he did not tolerate fools gladly.

‘Heads are going to roll no doubt.’ Claude thought grimly. ‘And rightly so. These men were being paid to protect his wife. That’s an important job… and if they can’t be trusted… then they deserve the consequences!’

“It sounds like you were lucky. You didn’t need those men… thanks to the tip you received.” Claude replied as he noted these suspicious facts on his notepad.

“I think you’re right… we were lucky.” Joseph quietly replied. “That doesn’t change the fact that the hotel security dropped the ball. They were supposed to be acting as back-up on this assignment.”

“I see.” Claude replied. “I take it you’ve just realized this and your superior has yet to be informed?”

“That would be correct.” Joseph replied succinctly. “Officially then, I have no further comment on that piece of intel.”

“I understand. How long did you know about this potential threat?” Claude inquired, as he continued to feverishly jot down all this new information. His fellow officers might need this new data and he could see the logic behind the scenario the man before him was outlining.

“Only a few minutes before we raided the kitchen.” Joseph admitted. “We got a tip from our source that the man who wanted Madame Samuelle kidnapped had been refused admittance to the premises, but he’d had the foresight to have men placed inside. We found out that intel just through luck.”

“The kitchen?” Claude asked quietly.

“Yes, the men who admitted being a part of this plot were in the kitchen, washing pots.” Joseph replied. “They had somehow avoided the standard security test the hotel is supposed to put each employee through.”

“And no one has spoken to this Antoine Lalonde?” Claude inquired.

“No… as far as I know he isn’t here.” Joseph admitted. “He’s supposed to be, but one of *his* team said he’d left today to go on holidays. My superior is investigating this as we speak.”

“I see.” Claude replied.

‘‘He’s right. It certainly *is* suspicious that this Lalonde would go on holidays the very night of an important event that he’s supposed to be assisting security with!’ Claude realized as he continued to take notes. ‘This man’s theory seems solid, but the only problem I see is that there’s no hard evidence to connect that redhead to this plot. Not yet anyway!’

“However, I have no doubt that my superior will get to the bottom of this.” Joseph repeated firmly.

“And his name is?” Claude inquired as he jotted down all they were discussing.

“Chris Davenport.” Joseph supplied. “He’s the head of security for Samtech Industries. You can reach him there during business hours.”

“I see. And where is he right now?” Claude inquired.

“Investigating Lalonde.” Joseph revealed.

Claude studiously ignored that comment, deciding he’d let that point go for the moment. He knew he’d needed to get back to the station, and this Davenport could be interviewed another time.

“And how could you legally refuse the first man you mentioned admittance to a public place?” Claude asked seriously.

‘Whether this Davenport finds out what happened or not isn’t my concern. Giles might be interested in this intel though. What concerns me right now is this man’s assertion that someone was banned from a public place. Monsieur Samuelle’s attorney could have advised him that wasn’t a smart move. I hope I don’t have to investigate this further. After all, refusing access to a public place is a violation of a citizen’s rights under Canada’s Charter of Rights.’

“Monsieur Samuelle bought this hotel yesterday, and had his lawyer designate it as private property.” Joseph replied.

“I see.” Claude replied in relief. ‘That relieves me of any legal obligation to investigate this matter further.’

‘Wow!’ Claude thought in amazement a second later as Joseph’s previous statement sunk in. ‘This is a five star hotel! The man must be loaded! And yet… he seemed like a nice guy! He wasn’t arrogant or stuck up… I’d always heard he was both! If I’d met him without knowing who is was, I’d think he was just an ordinary guy!’

“So, again…this is all supposition? You have no actual proof of my prisoner’s involvement?” Claude asked as he forced himself to concentrate on the line of questioning he’d begun.

“As far as I know at this point, yes, that is correct. However, my theory appears to fit the facts as we know them. You’ll have to admit, my suppositions appear to be logical.” Joseph replied.

“You’re right, they do. However, as I’m sure you’re aware… suppositions are not facts. As much as I’m sure Monsieur Samuelle would like to press charges on this matter, it would not be a good idea… and you know why.” Claude replied.

“I totally agree.” Joseph replied. “There’s insufficient evidence at this time.”

“Precisely. You also realize, don’t you, that stating these accusations publicly could leave you open to charges of slander.” Claude warned.

“I do.” Joseph replied. “I just wanted you to be aware of the situation.”

“And I appreciate that. However, all I can do right now is charge the woman in my cruiser with assault.” Claude continued. “I have no solid evidence of a conspiracy to commit kidnapping.”

“I understand.” Joseph replied.

“Who are you theorizing was behind this attempt?” an intrigued Claude asked.

“That part isn’t theory. One of the Hispanics arrested earlier implicated a playboy named Hans Jurgen. I understand the swat team that took the three dishwashers away in the paddy wagon were going after him as well. It seems that the one dishwasher received a cell phone call from him moments before our swat team grabbed them.” Joseph admitted.

“Oh?” Claude inquired softly. “And what did they overhear.. if anything?”

“The swat team heard the dishwasher mention that *a red haired friend* of Jurgen’s was involved too. The woman in your cruiser fits the description of the woman they spoke about.”

‘She does.’ Claude mentally agreed. ‘Unfortunately… even though people with red hair are less numerous than those with other hair colouring… my prisoner isn’t the only red head we *might* be talking about. Making that stick might be a problem unless Giles… who I know handled that arrest… gets this intel and finds a way to use it!’

“That doesn’t mean my prisoner is the woman the dishwashers spoke about.” Claude replied; again being the voice of reason.

“I know.” Joseph admitted. “You have to admit that it is a coincidence though.”

“It is.” Claude replied. There was nothing more he could add and so he took a deep breath, and continued to ask questions while taking detailed notes.

“Why would this man want to kidnap Madame Samuelle?” Claude asked. “What could his motivation possibly be?”

“He hates Monsieur Samuelle and he threatened to do this to any woman he was with long before Monsieur and Madame married.” Joseph explained.

A puzzled Claude shook his head in bewilderment. ‘Monsieur Samuelle seemed like a decent person… why would this Jurgen want to hurt him and his wife this way? Jurgen..? Wait a minute…is that the same idiot we’re always getting complaints about?’ “Why?”

“I’m not sure.” Joseph admitted sadly. “As I understand it, he was instrumental in the failure of Monsieur Samuelle’s first marriage. I believe his determination to assault Monsieur Samuelle’s second wife is based on that history and a past business deal that soured, but I can’t be sure. All I *do* know for certain is that he wants to sexually abuse Monsieur’s pregnant bride even though he’s never met her. The man’s sick and he’ll do anything to hurt the Samuelles.”

Joseph knew that he was revealing data that he shouldn’t, but at the moment, he didn’t give a damn. It all fit, and if the man before him could use this intel to nail that red haired witch sitting in the cruiser, it would make it worth any career repercussions he might encounter later. Like all the team, however, he’d seen photographs of Nikita Samuelle, and he wanted to protect her. Whatever it took.

‘Madame Samuelle is expecting? Mon Dieu! Sick doesn’t even begin to cover this!’ Claude thought as he shook his head again, pushing down the nausea that threatened to overwhelm him, while closing his eyes to shield the man before him from the repulsion that filled his being. ‘From what I’ve seen and read, rape can be a traumatizing experience for a any woman… but a pregnant woman could be in enough jeopardy to lose her child! I knew Jurgen was sick… but this exceeds sick!’

“And what would my prisoner’s possible motivation be?” Claude asked quietly when he finally pulled himself together sufficiently. He had a general idea what one of Monsieur Samuelle’s old girlfriends might want, but he wanted to hear the suppositions of the man before him.

Claude also knew that Joseph could very well find himself fired for his revelations so he resolved to present the data he was gathering as a confidential tip.

“She was heard on the security com-link saying that she’d like to ‘get rid of’ Madame Samuelle, and that she wanted him for herself.” Joseph replied honestly. “She’s also an avid Separatist and her dislike of all Anglophones is well documented.”

‘*Given Monsieur Samuelle’s wealth, either motivator is likely!!’ Claude thought, remembering that he’d wondered about that himself earlier.

“ ‘Get rid of’?” Claude echoed. “What exactly is that supposed to mean?”

“I can’t be sure. It could mean she wanted to drive her out of Monsieur Samuelle’s life… or it could mean something more sinister.” Joseph said with a sigh. “However, that’s just speculation on my part. There’s really no way of knowing at this point. Either way, the comment and her Separatist leanings do provide a powerful motive.”

“You’re right. They do. And was this conversation recorded?” Claude inquired.

“It was.” Joseph replied. “Why?”

“If you could give me a copy of that conversation,” Claude replied, “I could see that the officer who arrested those Hispanics got it.”

“I think I can do that.” Joseph replied and after a whispered conversation to someone that Claude assumed was another member of the security force, Joseph nodded at the man in blue reassuringly. “The man I just spoke to will put another copy of that conversation in CD format and it will have it here in a minute. Anyway, as I was saying… Monsieur Samuelle’s an extremely wealthy man…”

Claude nodded, watching as the other man scurried off to a black van parked around the side of the hotel to do Joseph’s bidding. ‘Every citizen of Montreal knows that….’

“I appreciate your co-operation.” Claude replied. ‘Madame Samuelle doesn’t know that though…’ he thought, remembering his conversation with the auburn-haired billionaire. ‘To her, he’s just her husband. I can’t imagine how he must have felt about the attitudes the women he knew before her had about his wealth. It must have been awful wondering if they wanted him… or his money. No wonder he treasures the fact that she doesn’t know his worth!’

“No problem. It’s also occurred to me that maybe your prisoner thought if Madame Samuelle was abused significantly that her husband wouldn’t want her back. Is that a possibility?” Joseph speculated.

Claude paused in his writing to cock his eyebrow cynically and stare in Joseph’s direction.

‘I can’t see that happening.’ He thought. ‘The man seemed like a decent type. No… in my opinion, he’d stand by his wife no matter what.’

“I don’t know.” Joseph continued as he registered the officer’s skepticism. “After what she said, it seems something her *type* would think. Logically, she couldn’t possibly know Madame Samuelle well enough for this to be personal, so I can only assume that her hatred of the English and getting her hands on his money in order to become wife number three were her motivators.”

Claude shivered. ‘The man has a point. Someone like my prisoner would think that Madame Samuelle was beneath her ….a disposable commodity. Given what I’ve seen so far she might even be capable of consenting to… or assisting in a permanent removal of the woman she sees as her competition! To her …people have no value… unless they’re in her social strata… and an Anglophone in particular would be beneath her contempt. Other than that, money is all that matters. In my opinion… she’s sick! However, if her actions in this matter led to Madame Samuelle miscarrying then she’s more than sick… Mon Dieu! That would be manslaughter!’

“All I do know” Joseph continued, “is the one Hispanic took a call on his cell phone and identified this Jurgen by name and mentioned a ‘red-haired friend’. It was very incriminating, but unfortunately, he didn’t name the ‘friend’.”

“Well, anything’s possible, I suppose.” Claude replied, shuddering, as he finished his notes.

Claude was proud to be French too, but he could never understand the blind hatred some Separatists felt. In his opinion, all Canadians were part of the same ‘family’ and to hate one other ‘member’ of that ‘family’ simply for cultural or language reasons was ridiculous. Quebec was still a part of the nation aside from what Separatist bigotry proclaimed. The divisions between French and English that people like Claire dwelt on had been in place since before Confederation.

‘It’s true…’ Claude realized, ‘the English haven’t always treated us with respect; but bigots like Claire maintain hatreds that are best let go. After all, continually remembering past wrongs doesn’t change them. Isn’t it better to strive to make the future a better place instead of holding onto animosities that can’t be avenged? Surely Monsieur Samuelle feels the same too, or he wouldn’t have married an Anglophone!

“And it’s good to hear that the conversation was recorded.” The professional in him continued. “I’m assuming the arresting officers got a recorded copy of the conversation that you recorded during the kitchen raid?”

“Oui.” Joseph replied. “They got a copy.. transferred to a CD. They also heard it in real time too.”

At that moment, another black-clad security man appeared with a CD in his hand. He pressed the information into Joseph’s hand and quickly disappeared.

“Here it is.” Joseph replied. “The redhead’s conversation with her ‘friend’ is on this CD. She wasn’t explicit on *how* she’d get rid of Madame Samuelle, but it definitely shows malicious intent. I hope you’ll be able to use this.”

“Bien.” Claude repeated as he accepted the CD from Joseph’s hand. ‘Very efficient… impressive! Too bad that the witch in my cruiser wasn’t identified by name too!’ “I’ll be sure to pass this and your theory to the arresting officer as well. I’m sure he’ll find it very interesting.”

Nothing surprised him anymore when it came to human nature. His job was more than enough to expose him to the seedier side of people’s desires and now that he had an indication of his prisoner’s motivation, he knew that this intel needed to be given to Giles as soon as possible. Madame Samuelle deserved that much.

“Unfortunately,” Claude continued, “as much as I personally tend to agree with your suppositions, I must state again that there’s no real proof connecting my prisoner with what you’ve just told me. So unless the suspects who were arrested earlier implicate her, I’ll have no choice but to charge her with assault and not as an accessory to a kidnapping conspiracy.”

“I know.” Joseph replied. “I just wanted you to be aware of the situation. One never knows when a small bit of intel can be useful.”

“True. I appreciate the intel and I will pass it onto the arresting officers in that case.” Claude replied. “I also appreciate your intel about Maria.”

“No problem.” Joseph responded with a weary smile. “I was glad to help.”

Claude looked into Joseph’s dark eyes and saw the compassion there. ‘He does understand!’

Claude smiled a slight, sad smile in response and hoped it conveyed his gratitude before turning away. “I have to go. I need to get my prisoner to the station.”

As he turned to leave once more, Claude casually glanced down at the paperwork spread out on the card table that Joseph had been sitting near when he’d approached. The corner of a glossy colour photograph was poking out from the scattered sheets and caught his eye.

“May I?” he inquired politely as he tentatively extended his hand in that direction.

“Of course.” Joseph replied.

Carefully, Claude separated the photograph from the reports scattered in front of Joseph to reveal an 8 x 10 photograph of a stunningly gorgeous blue-eyed blonde. Her beautiful heart-shaped porcelain face shone with a natural, translucent blush and her wide generously dark-lashed cerulean eyes portrayed an innocence that Claude had rarely seen aside from children. Her face was framed by long, wavy flaxen hair and her full, generously proportioned lips were the softest shade of pink. Those lips were curved into an impishly sweet smile as she took in the photographer before her. There was genuine love and laughter reflected in those twinkling azure pools and Claude’s own eyes widened in pure male admiration.

“And this is?” he asked in a hushed voice. ‘Is this *her*?’

“That is Nikita Samuelle… our boss’ new wife.” Joseph confirmed in an equally hushed tone. “Elle est très belle, n’est pas?

“Oui.” Claude replied in reverent awe as he gently set the photograph down on the table once more. ‘So *this* is her? This is the *lady* I’ve heard so much about tonight? She’s exquisite! Magnifique! Who’d believe that one so beautiful could be as beautiful inside too! No wonder her husband was drawn to her! Elle est incroyable! Now I understand the looks of contempt the women inside directed at Monsieur Samuelle! All of them… including that red headed witch in my cruiser were jealous! And no wonder! This picture shows Madame Samuelle in jeans and a t-shirt, and even dressed like this she’s gorgeous! That means that she must have looked incredible all dressed up!’

“I don’t know what it is about the lady.” Joseph continued in a hushed voice, “I’ve never met her and I’m being paid to protect her… but I think I would look out for her anyway.”

“I know what you mean.” A slightly smiling Claude replied in a hushed voice as his eyes met Gagne’s. “There’s a gentleness… an innocence about her… like a child that needs protection.”

“Yes.” Joseph replied in an equally hushed voice. “That’s it. And yet, she’s also a beautiful woman. I don’t know what she’s like, of course. I can only hope for his sake that she’s not a witch like his first wife.”

“No,” Claude quietly replied confidently. “I don’t think she’s like that. In my opinion, she’s a fine lady.”

At Joseph’s curious look, Claude continued.

“Before you ask… no… I didn’t meet her. I did however, have a long talk with Monsieur Samuelle.” Claude admitted. “From what he said, the lady seems to be very loving, supportive and unassuming. There had to have been over three hundred people in that room and he tells me she’s very shy. She doesn’t know any French, and yet despite his request that his guests speak English for her sake, they wouldn’t. Can you imagine how overwhelmed she must have felt tonight?”

“Oui.” Joseph replied as he nodded his comprehension. ‘I remember being in similar circumstances… but certainly not in a crowd that big! Poor lady! I’m not surprised by the attitudes he’s talking about either.’ Joseph thought as he visualized what must have happened. ‘What a terrible way to treat someone who is new to our society! Monsieur Samuelle must have been furious!’

“In my opinion, the woman in my cruiser was jealous and from what he and all of the other witness said, she attacked Madame Samuelle without any provocation.” Claude continued in disgust. “It wasn’t a life-threatening attack by any means, but I’m sure the lady was upset.”

“I was inside… but I was at the back of the room.” Joseph replied. “Things moved so fast that security didn’t get an accurate report of the attack. What happened exactly?”

“My prisoner threw red wine on Madame Samuelle’s dress after she and another woman insulted her in front of her husband.” Claude honestly confided. “Afterwards, Madame Samuelle left the room… but before she did, he claims she apologized to him because she thinks the party is ruined. How many wives would do that if an old girlfriend attacked them?”

“She apologized to *him*?” Joseph repeated in amazement as he stared incredulously at the lawman in front of him. “Why would she do that?”

“I don’t know. All I do know is that after all I heard tonight I have nothing but respect for her.” Claude said quietly.

“What do you mean?” Joseph inquired.

“I’ve seen a lot of things in my job… as I’m sure you have.” Claude replied.

Joseph nodded, but said nothing in reply.

“I’ve also met many kinds of people… but I’ve never encountered someone as nice as she seems to be.” Claude continued. “Any man would be outraged if his wife were attacked like that, but most women who I’ve met in this sort of situation would demand vengance. She didn’t. No, I don’t think she’s a witch at all… I think she’s beautiful… inside and out.”

“That’s good to know. My boss is a good man.” Joseph said quietly. “He’s a fair employer and he does a lot of good for a lot of people. He deserves a good woman.”

Claude nodded in silent agreement. Everyone in Montreal knew about Monsieur Samuelle’s charitable nature. Knowing that had made it difficult to understand the way first wife had treated him and others. Hadn’t she seen that her exploits were an embarrassment to him? Hadn’t she cared even *that* much for him? How could she have been so callous that she continually embarrassed him in public? Her antics and attitudes had graced the society column on many occasions, and although Claude wasn’t one to read such things, he’d certainly heard the gossip they’d inspired. She’d made her well-respected husband into a figure of pity and most people he’d heard comment on her had wondered at his patience.

This lady, however sounded like her complete opposite. All that he’d heard tonight told him that her husband had been correct… she truly *was* a lady in the old-fashioned sense of the word. In fact, the things he’d heard this evening about this Nikita seemed to point to her being a wonderful person. His investigation seemed to highlight that her character was loving, gentle and shy… not to mention supportive and modest. However, now that he’d seen a picture of this paragon and discovered that she was also achingly gorgeous, Claude could fully understand both Michael’s protectiveness and his outrage.

‘The lady looks like an angel! And she’s pregnant? No wonder her husband was so upset when I spoke to him!’ He must be out of his mind with worry! And yet he didn’t lose control when that bitch attacked her? Unbelievable!’ Claude thought in wonder as he felt another burst of chivalrous rage blossom in his heart. ‘He’s got more control than I do! First my prisoner attacks her …and now I find out Jurgen wants to rape her! I’ve always known the man was sick… but this is a new low even for him! How can he even *think* he’s a gentleman if he wants to hurt a pregnant woman like that! A woman he doesn’t even know! An innocent! Whatever he thinks Monsieur Samuelle’s done to warrant his anger, she *doesn’t* deserve that fate! No woman does! Mon Dieu! If someone were to target Maria like that… I’d kill them!

This is serious! And will this be the end of it… or will these people try again? If this security man’s suppositions are correct, then the plot to kidnap the lady goes deeper than it seemed at first.

Giles needs to know this information! I know he was the arresting officer… I saw him bring three Hispanics into the station as I was coming on duty tonight. That had to have been them! I’m going to tell him about the possible connection between my prisoner and those three! He’ll want to know that! The security chief for the hotel deserves to be investigated too! Maybe Giles can get those Hispanics… or Jurgen to crack and hopefully they’ll implicate her! Merde! He’s only going to be able to hold them for maybe 24 hours! That’s not enough!’

He’d been very impressed with Monsieur Samuelle’s attitude towards him tonight too. As far as he’d been able to determine, all the negative things he’d ever heard about the man had proven to be false. No, as far as Claude could determine, Gagne was right. If anyone deserved a good woman it was him.

Reluctantly, Claude prepared to leave once more. Raising his gaze once more to Joseph’s, he finally rediscovered his ability to speak.

“I have to go. Thanks again for your help. I will pass this intel you gave me to the arresting officers.”

“I understand.” Joseph replied, realizing that Claude knew he wasn’t expressing thanks just about his prisoner.

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