“I am aware of that, sir, as are other members of the council. I’ve brought documentation with me.”

“Of course.” Alexander allowed him to pass neatly typed sheets, facts and figures, across the desk.

“Taking into account these documents plus the statements from several village doctors, it is my belief that the clinics will only remain in force if they are taken over and run by the state.”

Though he knew what he would find, Alexander gave him the courtesy of looking over the papers. “When the state takes over, it also takes the pride and the independence of the individuals involved.”

“And greatly increases the efficiency, Your Highness.”

“People run the state, as well, monsieur,” Alexander said mildly. “The state is not always efficient. But your point is well taken. Which is why I believe that with a subsidy, an allotment only, the clinics—medical personnel and patients—can retain both pride and efficiency.”

Trouchet closed his case but didn’t latch it. His capable hands folded on the lid. “Surely you can see that a compromise of this nature is fraught with pitfalls.”

“Oh, indeed.” Alexander smiled and blew out smoke. “Which is why I come to you, monsieur, to ask your help in filling those holes.”

Trouchet sat back, knowing he was being offered a challenge, a position of importance and a request for surrender all at once. He ran a finger down his nose as he chuckled. “I have no doubt you could fill the holes yourself, Your Highness.”

“But together, monsieur, we work for greater efficiency, and ultimately for the same end. N’est ce pas?” Alexander drew out a file of his own. “If we could go over these—”

He broke off, looking up in annoyance as Bennett burst in.

“Alex.” He didn’t so much as nod at Trouchet as the other man rose. “Reeve just phoned. There’s been an explosion.”

Alexander was up from his chair, his muscles rigid. “Father?”

Bennett shook his head. “Alex, it’s the theater.”

His face went white, so white that Bennett stepped forward, afraid he would crumple. But Alexander held up a hand. When he spoke it was only one word. At that moment his world was only one word. “Eve?”

“He didn’t know.” Bennett turned to Trouchet. “Please excuse us, monsieur, we must leave immediately.” He went to his brother’s side. “Together.”

The council member gathered up his papers and case, but before he could shut the lid, he was alone in the room.

“How? How did it happen?” Alexander demanded as they rushed to the car. When Bennett claimed the driver’s seat he started to object, then subsided. Bennett was right to do so. He would probably kill them both on the way to the theater.