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Date Posted: 15:06:56 09/28/08 Sun
Author: Hannah - please disregard previous Ch 158- Thanks Asorzer
Author Host/IP: port190.dialup.bfree.on.ca / 66.207.116.190
Subject: Northern Woods, Chapter 158
In reply to: Hannah 's message, "Northern Woods" on 09:32:57 08/07/08 Thu

Chapter 158

Constable Claude Laurent listened to the conversation between the two men, while noting how upset the billionaire in front of him seemed. He’d never met Monsieur Samuelle before but he’d heard many things about him. One thing he’d heard was that the man was stuck up and arrogant. So far, that rumour seemed false. Claude also noted that the man in front of him looked pale and that his hands shook a little when he picked up his coffee cup.

‘Something’s put him under a lot of stress!’ Claude realized immediately. ‘I can’t wait to hear what this is all about!’

With a sigh, he took out his notepad and prepared to make copious notes on the alleged assault he’d been summoned to investigate before he made any move to arrest anyone. This man was important in Montreal’s society and friends with many influential people, including the Commissioner.

However, the other people present tonight were also important and had a lot of clout. It was important, both to his job and his pride that he perform to the best of his abilities.

Claude looked around the room quickly; closed his eyes briefly and sighed.

‘Why me? I don’t need this kind of stress right now. After what happened with Maria the other day, I’d rather be chasing down drug dealers in a dirty alley right now than having to deal with *society* snobs! And wasn’t that bald man with the security team outside the same guy who was with her at the gas station the other day? He was.. I know it! That means he works for *this* man… and that also means Monsieur Samuelle’s the one who offered her the off-duty assignment! But doing what? I wonder if I’ll have a chance to find out?

Damn it… my personal concerns are going to have to wait! I can’t think about Maria now…. I have to concentrate on what this man’s going to say! Get a grip Laurent! The chief will chew you out if you don’t handle this perfectly… and that means catering to his friends! Well… forget it! I’m going follow the book on this and the hell with favouritism!’

With an effort, Claude schooled his features into what he hoped was an expressionless mask. He knew he needed to keep his outward appearance calm when he interviewed the upset billionaire before him. Whatever the problem was, the man in front of him was clearly distressed and Claude knew that part of his duty here was to dissipate any tensions in order to keep the peace while finding an acceptable legal outcome.

Quickly he glanced around the room, systematically noting the artful floral arrangements on all the tables, the flowered trellis, and the elegant décor. All of these things led him to the logical conclusion that this gathering was either a wedding reception or a wedding. High society had never fascinated him but he had heard rumours about this man over the years and he was somewhat confused as to the décor’s meaning.

‘Odd… could all this be for Monsieur Samuelle? It seems to be… but I heard he *was* married and had a small child. Wait! Didn’t I read somewhere that he got divorced too? Is this a second marriage?’ he wondered.

Claude’s attention was rapidly brought back to the socialite before him when he heard a baritone voice clearly inquire… “You wanted to speak to me Constable?”

“Bonsoir Monsieur Samuelle.” Claude began politely, summarily ceasing his musings to rivet his eyes and his mental focus on the auburn haired man before him. “I understand that there has been an assault here tonight.” He continued, while mentally shoving aside his suppositions in his quest for the facts. “Would you please tell me what happened?”

“Bonsoir Constable Laurent.” Michael replied politely as he graciously extended his right hand to the officer before him while reading the name tag Claude wore. After shaking the man’s hand firmly, he turned slightly and gestured eloquently to where Madeleine still sat at the table. “This is my attorney Mademoiselle Madeleine Robillard.”

“Mademoiselle.” Claude murmured quietly, promptly taking off his cap and nodding his head slightly in polite acknowledgment of their introduction. Then he extended his right hand to the attractive brunette seated next to the man he was going to interview.

“Constable.” Madeleine murmured in reply as she rose to shake Constable Laurent’s hand, silently appraising the handsome man before her.

‘The force is recruiting some attractive men lately.’ She thought with a smirk. ‘I hope this one is as capable as he is handsome.’

“Before you begin, Michel” Madeleine said, speedily deciding that she wasn’t needed for the impending conversation, “I’m going to join Sarah over there. I think you can handle this by yourself.”

‘This isn’t a legal matter… not really.’ she decided. ‘Michel’s pride has been bruised enough tonight… I’m not going to sit here and coddle him through this. He’s quite capable of handling a simple interview on his own.’

“Merci Madeleine.” Michel replied in relief; silently appreciating her tactful consideration in allowing him to conduct this interview in private. ‘She knows I can’t handle going over this again while she’s watching me!’ “I appreciate that.”

“Not at all.” His attorney replied softly; with a Mona Lisa smile. “Gentlemen… if you’ll both excuse me please.”

With that, Madeleine took her coffee cup and wandered over to where Sarah was seated. Michael smiled slightly in appreciation of her discretion and took a deep breath, ceasing his musings and directing his attention to the officer standing before him.

“Before we begin Constable, please pull up a chair and sit down.” Michael said politely as he reseated himself. “I hate looking up at the person I’m talking to.”

The request surprised Claude, because he’d generally found that people in Monsieur Samuelle’s social strata tended to let ‘the help’ and civil servants continue to stand out of some snobbish notion of superiority, but he nodded, then dragged a chair from a neighbouring table and obediently sat.

‘Interesting… either he’s not a pretentious snob.. or this is a physiological ploy to put me at ease and get me on his side.’ Claude thought as he mentally prepared his approach.

“Merci Monsieur Samuelle.” He replied politely. “Now… would you please tell me what happened here this evening?”

“Oui, I want you to arrest a woman named Claire Boulanger.” Michael stated bluntly. “That’s her over there… the redhead in the blue dress. She assaulted my wife and I want her charged.”

Claude turned in his chair, casually surveying the crowd behind him and swiftly pinpointing the woman Monsieur Samuelle was indicating.

‘Ah… oui… that one has an elegant façade.. no doubt of that. I wonder what that lovely exterior is hiding.’ Claude thought as his cynical gaze zeroed in on Claire.

“Before I do that, I need to ask you some questions.” Claude said soothingly; swiveling in his seat to face Michael once more.

‘This man’s wound tighter than the proverbial top!’ a concerned Claude realized as he noted Michael’s clenched jaw. ‘It’s going to take a bit of pacifying to get at the truth here without him getting upset again!’

“Of course.” Michael ground out through gritted teeth.

Claude’s brow rose slightly at the terse undercurrent he could hear in Michael’s tone, but he tactfully refrained from commenting.

‘Whatever occurred here tonight has obviously disturbed him a great deal! It’s my job to get to the bottom of this and alleviate the situation!’

Michael shut his eyes briefly, then with a ragged sigh he reopened them to focus on the officer seated in front of him. His nerves were on edge and he wanted to demand that something be done…. now!

‘Patience Samuelle!’ Michael chided himself. ‘Constable Laurent wasn’t here earlier…but he is now and he wants to help. If you want Claire arrested, you need to give him your full co-operation and tell him what that she did to Nikita!’

‘This man’s tenser than anyone I’ve seen in a long time.’ Claude thought astutely as he watched the tension in Michael’s face. ‘I wonder what happened here…. and why?’

“Is tonight a special occasion, Monsieur Samuelle?” Claude asked politely, as he glanced around at the large, well-dressed assemblage. Suppositions aside, he wanted to understand the reason for this gathering and perhaps what led up to the assault.

“It is. This party was supposed to be a wedding reception for my wife and I, Constable.” Michael explained.

‘A wedding *reception*?’ Claude thought. ‘I *was* right! The man has remarried!’

“You’re recently married Monsieur?” Claude asked politely.

“Yes,” Michael replied softly. “We’ve only been married for a short time.”

‘‘Not a bride then… a wife. A second marriage. So this is a reception? No matter… I was correct.’ He thought smugly. Then he looked around the room and noted several young women glaring at the man he was seated with and comprehension dawned. ‘Ah… oui… and the women here don’t approve… there’s some jealously in this room! This should be interesting!’

“I see. Congratulations Monsieur.” Claude replied soothingly as he took out his notebook and clicked his pen in preparation for it’s use. “Now, if you will, tell me what led up to tonight’s assault, s’il vous plait.”

‘Now it makes sense! This *Claire* attacked his wife because she covets the position!’ Claude thought astutely. ‘She was probably angry that he has a new *wife*… and she was determined to cause a problem! Les Femmes! They’re so emotional! What did she hope to gain though? No matter… the situation is predictable. He walks in here with a *wife* in front of an old girlfriend… Wonderful! I hope I can resolve this matter satisfactorily.’

“Of course.” Michael replied quietly, sighing tiredly. “I’ll be happy to.”

He didn’t really want to review the ignominy that had just taken place, but he knew the officer seated before him needed the facts in order to do his duty.

Claude nodded, and then noting his obvious reluctance prepared to ask more questions.

“And why would Mademoiselle Boulanger attack your wife?” Claude inquired politely.

‘Jealousy is a stupid reason to risk a physical attack especially around all these witnesses. The man’s already married… it’s not as if there was a wedding to halt! What did the woman hope to gain? Claude wondered.

“We dated at one time and the ‘lady’ was under the mistaken impression that I would marry her. I never had any intention of doing that. Instead, I left Montreal and I’ve been away for two years.” Michael explained.

“I see. And why was Mademoiselle Boulanger here tonight?” Claude inquired.

‘I can’t imagine why he would invite an old girlfriend to a gathering where he was presenting his new wife! That sounds like a recipe for disaster to me!’ Claude thought incredulously. ‘Stop it… you’re not being professional! That’s your opinion. Be logical! Hear the man out before you decide. He probably had what he thought was a sound reason.’

“Her parents are investors in one of my companies, and therefore I invited all of them out of courtesy.” Michael explained. “I had no idea she’d be so hostile towards my wife. After all, it’s been two years… surely, I thought… she’d be over any attachments she felt towards me.”

“ ‘All of them’ Monsieur?” a frowning Claude repeated, pausing in his scribbling and focusing sharply on that phrase and the man before him.

“She’s not the only ‘old girlfriend’ present Constable.” Michael elaborated patiently. “There were six in total.”

“Six?” a wide-eyed Claude echoed disbelievingly as he stared at the tuxedo clad man seated across from him at the elegantly appointed table.

‘He invited *six* old girlfriends here tonight to meet his new wife? Is he brave or stupid?’

“Oui.” Michael confirmed firmly. “Four of them managed to behave themselves. Claire and Veronique Dansereau were the only two to act inappropriately.”

“I see.” Claude replied concisely in what he hoped was a non-judgmental sounding tone, while scribbling furiously and keeping his eyes firmly fixed on his notepad. ‘Wow! I can’t imagine what sort of response *I’d* get if all of my old girlfriends got together in the same room! *Especially* if they were there to meet someone I’d just married! I doubt I’d risk that!’ “And is this Veronique Dansereau also the daughter of a business associate?”

“Oui.” Michael replied wearily. “She is. She’s the brunette over there in the gold dress. When the invitations went out, I felt I had to include all of them. I wish I hadn’t now.”

‘Ah, I see… he invited the “old girlfriends” out of business obligations… smoothing things over with the parents.’ Claude realized as he finally nodded his understanding of the situation. ‘That would be tricky to say the least. It would be difficult to be diplomatic with them and not upset his bride. I’m glad I’ll never have to do that!’

“And did Mademoiselle Dansereau assault your wife too?” Claude inquired, finally comprehending the reasoning behind Michael’s decision.

“Physically… non. However, she was verbally abusive.” Michael replied.

“Oh?” Claude inquired, looking up curiously at the man in front of him.

‘I certainly can’t arrest someone for being rude.’ He thought, as he silently contemplated the tuxedo clad socialite before him. ‘I’m sure he knows that… but I’ll bet that added even more upset to an obviously stressful situation.’

“Yes.” Michael replied. “Fortunately, my wife doesn’t understand French and therefore she wasn’t able to comprehend her attack; but that doesn’t matter. I heard it… and everyone else here heard the insults she directed towards Nikita too.”

“I see.” Claude replied. “And what are you going to do about her?”

‘He *has* to know I can’t do anything about this Veronique Dansereau.’ Claude thought. ‘Why is he telling me this?’

“I’m giving her twenty minutes to consider apologizing Constable,” Michael explained, “and if she doesn’t, then security is going to escort her to her car. I think that’s fair, especially since I warned her well before the party.”

“I see.” Claude replied, nodding in agreement. ‘From what he’s said so far, I think the man’s been more than fair in his dealings with these women.’ “And you met your wife when you were….?”

“Is that relevant?” a surprised Michael asked curiously as he watched the officer make notes on their conversation.

“If I could ask your indulgence Monsieur Samuelle… what I’m trying to discern is the basis for these women’s attitudes… aside from the obvious ones of jealousy.” Claude explained patiently. “Is your wife from Montreal?”

“No. Nikita’s from Ontario.” Michael said quietly.

“I’m sorry… how is Madame Samuelle’s first name spelt?” a confused Claude inquired politely.

“N-I-K-I-T-A” Michael replied.

‘Nikita. Hardly a typical Anglais name, if I miss my guess.’ Claude thought as he dutifully wrote down that piece of intel.

“And how long were you in Ontario?” Claude inquired.

“I’ve been living there for the last two years.” Michael replied.

“I see.” Claude murmured again. “So you’ve only just returned to Montreal?”

“That is correct. I met my wife while I was away and obviously when Mademoiselle Boulanger received the invitation for this party she thought if she came here tonight and caused a scene, it would benefit her somehow. I can’t even begin to understand her thought processes Constable.”

“I see.” Claude said quietly, grasping the situation immediately.

‘He married an Anglophone who’s not even from la belle province. I *get* this… why doesn’t he?’ Claude thought incredulously. ‘La Femmes! They’re jealous… and insulted as well! I mean… in their minds… the fact that he even *looked* at a woman from *outside*… never mind an *Anglais*… would be a double insult!’

“And did your wife do or say anything to provoke Mademoiselle Boulanger’s attack?” Claude inquired politely.

‘No doubt just the fact she exists was enough to provoke the red head’s attack.’ Claude thought grimly.

The fact that the women in the room considered themselves to be high class didn’t fool Claude. He’d witnessed many clashes between the ‘fair’ sex at all levels of society in the course of his duties.

‘When men clash… we’re blunt… and brutal. Women can be brutal… but like an enraged and feral feline they can be deadly. If that’s what his wife encountered, then there’s no doubt in my mind why the man is so shook up. He must have feared that they’d cause her physical harm.’

“No.” Michael said bluntly. “As I said earlier, the entire conversation that led up to the assault was in French and Nikita only understands English.”

‘She doesn’t speak any French?’ Claude thought in amazement as he finally registered that comment. ‘Everything that happened tonight must have confused and upset her. I’m sure she wasn’t expecting that sort of hostility! Poor woman! And yet despite that, she came to live here knowing no one but her husband? She’s very brave!’

“And what did the lady do?” Claude inquired, frowning as he continued his notations.

“Claire?” Michael inquired.

“Oui.” Claude replied, clarifying which woman he meant.

“The ‘lady’ assaulted my wife on the assumption that she had convinced me to toss her and her friend out of here. In retaliation, she threw red wine all over my wife’s dress.” Michael said, sneering slightly on the word ‘lady’.

“Her wine?” Claude repeated numbly. ‘*This* is the *assault*? Wine being tossed on someone?’

“Oui. Dark red wine.” Michael replied. “It was probably Chateau Margeaux. That’s all Claire likes.”

“I see.” Claude replied, not quite knowing how to continue with the conversation he’d been having up until this point.

“I know it doesn’t sound like an assault.” Michael replied, seeing the stunned look on the officer’s face. “However, my wife’s dress… and her dignity were damaged, and she was very upset by the situation. It wasn’t a physical attack… merci le bon Dieu…. ”

Claude nodded, not quite knowing how to reply to that remark.

‘He’s right.’ Claude thought… ‘it wasn’t something that hurt her, but it *was* an assault. She *was* attacked without provocation!’

“Women place a great deal of emphasis on their appearance… have you not found that to be true Constable?” Michael inquired. “Especially when they’re meeting someone new?”

Claude nodded. ‘*Someone* new? Don’t you mean *hundreds* of people? There’s at *least* that many people in this room… and he’s right. This definitely sounds like an unprovoked attack!’

“Before you dismiss what happened here tonight” Michael continued, “consider if you’d want something like that to happen to your lady.”

Claude nodded, picturing Maria being in the situation he’d just heard described, and finding that he didn’t like the idea when it applied to someone he cared for. If he shut his eyes for a second, he could see the scene Michael had just described as if he’d actually witnessed it. ‘Dark red wine… oh man… that would be nasty!’

“And how did your wife react?” Claude inquired gently.

He could tell by the way the man recounted this experience that the fact that the *lady* he was married to had been treated this ignorantly was the real cause of his upset.

“Her dress was ruined Constable Laurent. I was shocked at their barbarism and their total lack of manners, but I shouldn’t have been. After all, I know both women. Aside from the rudeness she encountered here tonight being inexcusable, I’m sure Nikita is thinking that all Quebecois will treat her this way. After all, these two women are supposed to be la crème de la crème of society. In reality they showed themselves to be immature children.” Michael said as he sighed in disgust.

Claude nodded his head. ‘He’s made some valid points. No, one would reasonably expect a so called high class person to have class. Apparently the redhead behind me has none.’

“I understand. If you would… please go over this again. How did this scene begin?” Claude inquired quietly.

“Certainly. My wife and I arrived in the room after our guests. My friend Chuck… the man who brought you over here… had just given a short speech to introduce my wife to the crowd in general. Then people began lining up to meet her personally.” Michael patiently explained.

“I see.” Claude replied. ‘Sounds like a normal reception thus far…’

“Nikita was standing quietly by my side as we greeted our guests. When I sent out the invitations, I specifically requested that everyone speak English tonight as a courtesy to her. When Claire and Veronique arrived before us, they refused to speak in anything but French, regardless of my previous request. I’ve known both women for several years, and I *know* they’re both bi-lingual. Given that, you can well imagine how frustrated I was with their rudeness!”

Claude nodded, and then continued to add to his growing list of notes.

‘Rudeness doesn’t even to cover that!’ he thought in disgust. ‘His wife doesn’t know any French… and they *knew* that when they got their invitations… and yet that’s how they acted? I’d be frustrated too in a situation like that!’

“Veronique kept calling me chérie.. and generally being annoying and when I told her to behave, she began cursing at Nikita in French. Then Claire took her ‘turn’ and things escalated from there. However, now that I’ve calmed down somewhat, I’m glad that their tirades *were* in French. Tu comprends?” Michael said.

Claude nodded sympathetically. “Oui… if your wife didn’t understand what they were saying….”

“Then she couldn’t be insulted. Precisely. I tried to stop both of them, but I’m afraid I wasn’t very successful. I was embarrassed, but thankfully Nikita was spared the indignity of their verbal tirade. However, everyone else *did* understand what they said… and it infuriated me!” Michael replied.

Claude nodded once again. He could plainly see that just the memory of what had occurred earlier tonight still had the power to infuriate the man before him.

‘And who would blame him? A man can only be expected to take so much. It must have been difficult for him to have to stand there passively while two former girlfriends insulted his wife in front of him and several witnesses. I can’t even begin to understand how angry and mortified he must have been!’

“And what did they say?” Claude inquired.

“They called my wife a whore… a prostitute …and other equally vile names! I won’t repeat them! All I will say is that the things they called her really applied to them!” Michael replied heatedly.

“I’m sorry to hear you experienced that Monsieur.” Claude replied soothingly. “That must have been very upsetting. However….”

“I know what you’re going to say Constable.” Michael interrupted. “No… I’m not making slanderous allegations here. I’m not being rude either! I know these things to be true through long and painful association with both of them! Any man here who’s dated either of them can confirm that!”

‘I shall have to *see* about that.’ Claude thought with a determined jutting of his chin as he considered Michael’s words. ‘I can’t go on the assumption that *he’s* telling me the truth about these women’s characters right now. It probably would be a good idea to confirm that intel on my own!’

“And did they say anything else?” Claude inquired softly.

“They did. They said things about my wife that no decent woman should ever have said about her.” Michael continued heatedly. “They don’t *know* her! It was intolerable!”

“I see.” Claude inquired. ‘Wow… what man wouldn’t be upset if his wife was being called names like that… especially right in front of him… and witnesses! No wonder he’s furious! I’d be livid too!’

“I even pointedly demanded that they shut up” Michael replied. “… but still their insults continued!”

“And why do you suppose they thought they could get away with that?” Claude inquired softly as he continued to take notes. ‘I can’t *believe* the man had to endure such ignorance! And these are supposed to be *cultured ladies*! Incredible!’ “Surely they could tell you were furious?”

“I’m sure they could. I can only guess they thought they were *safe*… that I wouldn’t *do* anything in front of everyone… and because my wife couldn’t understand what they were saying that nothing would happen to them.” Michael replied. “Of course, they’ve been raised to believe that they can do and say whatever they want, and to my knowledge, they’ve rarely have been held accountable for either their words or their actions. I’ll be honest… when I dated them, I let them get away with their outrageous behaviours too, but no more! After the way they treated Nikita tonight, I refuse to let that continue! It made no difference at all to either one of them that everyone here could understand their insults…… and that infuriates me even more!”

“And you, of course, demanded they apologize.” Claude inquired, continuing with his note-taking as his sympathies for the man before him grew stronger with each passing minute.

“I did. I was infuriated and I didn’t bother to hide the fact. Still they refused!” Michael revealed. “It was all I could do not to retaliate on my wife’s behalf.”

“So you were angry… but you didn’t assault either woman?” Claude inquired.

“No.” Michael replied. “I’m not saying I didn’t want to Constable Laurent… but I made no move against either of them. The closest I came to doing anything was wanting to toss Claire out of here myself. However, my attorney stepped in at that point to advise me not to.”

‘I admire his restraint!’ Claude thought, pausing in his note-taking to shudder at the thought of the scene being described for him. He could fully understand the temptation to toss someone out who’d been so rude, but that would have left the man open to counter-charges of assault. His attorney had been wise to intervene.

“So,” Claude prompted returning to a previous point in their conversation, “the conversation was entirely in French…”

“Oui. Nikita knew both women didn’t like her just by their tone of voice. I had just told them that if they refused to apologize, I was having security throw them out for their rudeness, when my wife asked to speak to me privately.”

“And what did your wife say to you?” Claude inquired respectfully; pausing in his scribbling to look quizzically at the well-dressed man in front of him.

“After she asked me what was going on, she asked me to let both women stay.” Michael said simply.

“Why?” Claude asked, looking up from his notes to gaze at the billionaire in surprise. ‘What would this Nikita hope to gain by doing that? I can understand his reaction… if someone treated Maria that way, I’d kick them out too… but what was her motivation?’

“My wife is an extremely forgiving person Constable. Knowing her, she probably hoped to reason with them and overcome the problem that way.” Michael replied. “I know if she *could* have understood what they’d been saying, she would have forgiven them both… for everything. How she could, I don’t know. I just know that she would. She’s a stronger person than I am.”

At Claude’s surprised look, Michael just nodded his head.

‘I want a woman like that… Mon Dieu! I *had* a woman like that! Oh Maria… you loved me… do you still?’ Claude realized in agony. With a start, he realized that he wanted what the man in front of him had… marriage. ‘I love you Maria! I’m such a fool. I didn’t know how lucky I was!’

It was an ironic realization because it was something he’d been avoiding for three years. He knew Maria had hoped he’d ask her, but he’d been content with their relationship as it had been.

‘Maria… Mon Dieu… Maria! You’ve always been there… loving me… I was so stupid! I didn’t know what I had! Now because of some tramp who enticed me… you’re furious with me and I can’t blame you. What have I done?’ he thought as he shuddered and shut his eyes briefly, suddenly in pain. ‘Oh… I hope you’ll forgive me … maybe even take me back!’ he thought in desperate agony. ‘I should have asked you to marry me a long time ago! I’ve been such a fool! Stop it Laurent! This is neither the time nor place for this! Focus on the job… you need to finish getting Monsieur Samuelle’s statement!’

“My wife is a very shy lady Constable Laurent,” Michael was explaining patiently as Claude forced himself to refocus on the billionaire before him once more. “And I mean ‘a lady’, in the truest and most old-fashioned sense of the word. After dealing with tramps like these two… you have *no* idea how refreshing it is to be with someone like her.”

Claude nodded, but silently disagreed. ‘Oh… but I *do*!’

“I doubt she’s ever had a cross word with anyone.” Michael continued. “The only time I’ve ever seen her upset with someone was in a bar we were in on our honeymoon.”

“Oh?” Claude inquired, mildly amused now that the man was being so candid with him.

“Oui. I was waiting for her and another woman tried to pick me up. It was amusing because as soon as I told the woman this was my wife she was attempting to dismiss, she left. I wish tonight had been as entertaining, but unfortunately with unreasonable and ignorant people like Claire and Veronique, that isn’t always possible.”

Claude nodded and patiently waited for the man in front of him to continue.

‘You mean unreasonable *bitches*, don’t you Monsieur?’ Claude realized astutely. ‘You’re right! Your poor wife… what an awful experience this must have been for her!’

“And what was your reaction to your wife’s request?” Claude gently inquired.

“I wanted to do what she wanted.” Michael replied briefly.

“But you didn’t.” Claude summarized.

“No.” Michael said simply. “I did not.”

“Why is that?” Claude inquired.

“I did nothing because her plea was ill timed.” Michael replied briefly.

“Meaning?” Claude queried.

“I’d already told Claire and Veronique that they were being ejected if they refused to apologize. I wanted to give into Nikita’s request,” Michael explained sadly, “but I told her I’d already stated my position on the subject and I couldn’t back down on my words.”

Claude nodded again. ‘I understand perfectly. You’d already stated your position and if you changed your mind just because your wife asked you… people would think your wife was the one in control in your relationship. You’d lose everyone’s respect because they’d see any consideration you might show her as a weakness! Mon Dieu! It would be difficult to turn down a request like that from the woman you love, but I’d do the same in an instant… no question about it!’

“And what did your wife say to that?” Claude inquired, as he wrote down every word.

“When she understood the situation, she quietly said she understood that I had to keep my word, and that she’d back me up completely.” Michael replied.

“With no arguments?” Claude inquired, not quite believing that a woman like this existed.

“My wife doesn’t argue Constable.” Michael said seriously as he looked levelly into Claude’s grey-green eyes. “We talk to each other. Our relationship is based on mutual trust and respect.”

‘Impressive.’ Claude thought, as he examined the serious face of the man before him. ‘This lady sounds unbelievable! Patient… loving… supportive… self-effacing…. No there’s very few women out there like that in my experience! You *are* a lucky man!’

“And your wife didn’t say anything… or try to retaliate?” Claude probed further.

“She didn’t say a word to anyone except me.” Michael replied truthfully.

“And what did she say before she left the room?” Claude asked curiously, while writing down all this information in exacting detail.

“She apologized to me.” Michael replied.

“She apologized to you?” a totally incredulous Claude echoed as he stared at Michael in amazement. “Why?’

“Oui.” Michael affirmed. “She knows this party means a lot to me, and now that her dress is ruined she probably thinks that the party is ruined now too.”

‘She apologized to her husband for something someone else did to her? Why? She didn’t do a thing! Most women would either be whining or they’d be demanding that their man avenge them!’ Claude thought in wonder. ‘He’s right… she *does* sound like a real lady. She’s very clever too… she realized that demanding either revenge or her own way in front of witnesses would undermine his position and his self-worth. She refused to do that to him publicly even at the expense of her own feelings! In fact… she put his feelings above hers… even after being assaulted! Amazing! She’s totally unusual! She wouldn’t have had time to plot her response either… so it must have been real! She must love him a great deal! It’s not often you encounter a love like that!’

“I don’t understand.” Claude said quietly; determined to understand this phenomenal person the man before him was describing. It *did* sound as if this party ruined after the scene that had happened here earlier. “Why wouldn’t she think that?”

“She doesn’t know it yet, but I left another dress for her to change into in her friend’s room.” Michael replied.

“You did?” Claude said.

“Yes. As I said, we got married very quietly. The wedding was very casual… so much so that she didn’t even have a proper dress to wear.” Michael admitted.

Claude smiled slightly. “But now she will have that, is that what you’re telling me?”

“Yes. I wanted this party. I wanted to renew our vows in front of all my friends.” Michael explained patiently. “She probably thinks because her dress is ruined that won’t happen now.”

“And will it?” Claude inquired.

“Oui… if she comes back to the party it will.” Michael said with a sad smile. “I can’t blame her if she doesn’t, however. She was hesitant to even come here tonight to begin with.”

“Why?” a puzzled Claude queried. “You’re an important man.. she must know that. Surely she expected to have to meet these people?”

“No.. I don’t think she does know that. Not really.” Michael replied with a slight smile.

“I don’t understand.” A puzzled Claude replied as he paused in his note taking.

“It’s really very simple Constable Laurent. When we met, my wife didn’t have had any indication of who I really am… or my social status.” Michael replied patiently. “She thought I was nothing more than a poor trapper… and she accepted me for who I was as a person…not for any other reason. I will forever be thankful that was the case too.”

“Pardonne moi?” an incredulous Claude questioned.

“We met in the woods around my hunting cabin Constable Laurent.” Michael replied with a wry grin. “Everyone there thought I was nothing more than a poor trapper, who lived off the land. It’s a very rustic and remote setting in northern Ontario. Our courtship was based solely on who we are and not on what either of us might have owned.”

“In other words” Claude said with an answering grin, as he immediately grasped the subtext of Michael’s previous statements, “you had finally met a woman who loved you as a person, not as a financial statement.”

“Precisely.” Michael said. “Have you any idea how wonderful that was?”

“I do.” Claude replied, nodding his head in perfect understanding.

‘How could I not understand after that … that *tramp*!’ Claude thought, comprehending *exactly* what the man in front of him meant. ‘Giselle… oh … what I fool I was to be taken in by you! You never cared for me… it was always … ‘Buy me this… get me that… take me here’…. It was endless! Nothing satisfied you! Maria was never like that… I never had to buy her affections….she loved me for me! How much worse would it be for this man?’

Michael nodded, pleased that this man understood. “My wife trained as a teacher in southern Ontario Constable Laurent. For personal reasons she decided to move up north to live with her uncle. On her way to his house, she had an accident that I rescued her from. We came to know each other while she recovered.”

“From?” a curious Claude inquired.

“A broken leg.” Michael said briefly. “I may be well known here in Quebec… but thank God I’m not known in Ontario. My wife had never heard of me before we met and I’ll be grateful for that fact for the rest of my life! She still has no grasp of my net worth and I’m content to leave it that way. She’s a beautiful lady who loves *me*… not what I can buy her. To me, that fact is priceless.”

‘I can well imagine that it is!’ Claude thought, remembering Giselle once more and immediately understanding how Michael must have felt.

“And now?” Claude inquired, as he nodded his comprehension.

“And now *this* happens!” Michael replied, ruefully shaking his head as a frown creased his handsome brow. “I had hoped this party would help me introduce Nikita to my friends in order to help her settle into her new life. As I said earlier, she’s very shy, and she doesn’t know anyone here aside from two of her friends who came here from Toronto. She’s met my best friend and my attorney but no one else.”

‘Four people? That’s the extent of the people she knows here? What was he thinking to ask her to meet so many new people all at once?’ Claude thought, wiser now for having learned a little of how women think from Maria.

‘There has to be at least three hundred people in this room! And they were all speaking a language she doesn’t understand! Not only *that*… but the hostility those two woman showed her must have upset her a great deal!’ Claude thought as he cringed, realizing just how overwhelmed and frightened Madame Samuelle must have been.

“But she did agree.” Claude said, prodding for more information.

“Oui. To make me happy.” Michael maintained firmly. “That’s just the way she is Constable. She was more than content with the simple ceremony we had when we married, and she didn’t really see the need for this party. I insisted.”

“Why?” Claude inquired.

Michael smiled a small sardonic smile. “Call it male pride, if you will. She’s beautiful.. and she makes me very happy. I wanted my friends to meet her.”

‘She’s beautiful too? I get it… you mean you wanted to show her off.’ Claude thought as he tried to suppress a smirk of pure male comprehension of that natural reaction. ‘Laurent… stop it! You’re getting emotionally involved here…. You can’t do that! You’re supposed to remain detached and logical while on duty! Focus!’

Claude didn’t reply, but instead continued to write, hiding his outraged emotions behind silence in an attempt to quell the fury he felt.

‘‘What is wrong with me?’ he wondered, unable to comprehend why a simple assault against a woman he didn’t even know would have the power to upset him this way. ‘It’s clear that this was a simple assault… and this lady was *not* treated right! But why am I upset? I’ve seen worse things while on duty! What cop hasn’t? That’s just part of the job!’

“However,” Michael continued firmly. “I refuse to have it continue with that woman here. Will you arrest Claire now?”

“I will.” Claude said simply.

‘You fool! Now I get it! What happened here tonight was just as wrong as the way you treated Maria! It’s taken how Giselle treated me and how Madame Samuelle was treated for me to see that!’ Claude realized. ‘I hope I’ll get another chance to tell Maria that I do love her and that I’m sorry that I hurt her feelings!’ “However, I need to speak to the others present tonight who witnessed this event as well.”

“Of course.” Michael said with a sigh. “I’m sorry Constable Laurent. I don’t mean to sound as if I’m ordering you around. I’m not. You understand, don’t you, that all this has been upsetting to me? I love my wife very much and it hurts me to see her hurt… in any way.”

“I do, sir.” Claude said simply. “I wouldn’t want my lady treated like that either. You have every right to be upset.”

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