“Well,” she said, as they continued to stare at her, “should we begin there, keeping in mind that pyramid of lemons and possibly one-time offer? I am sure you’d agree that any sane person would be opting for a pint at the Crown and Scepter.” Bridgette emphasized sane, looking at Victoria, who sat beside her. Besides Lodestar, she was in the greatest danger of them all. A single dropped American inflection into the acute ear of one of the most dangerous Nazis in the SS, and it would be all over for her.

Everyone murmured their approval.

“In that case, let’s not hesitate to play the devil’s advocate as we discuss,” Bridgette said with another quick glance at Victoria. “Somebody might point out something we can’t see that could affect our decisions. Liverwort, we should start with you, since you and Lodestar are in the most threatening situations.”

Victoria shot a look across the table at Lodestar, who returned a wink and small smile. Obviously, he had not reported their chance meeting to the major, either, and for the same reason. It must have been Madame Dupree who had reported them. Who could blame her? “Like Lapwing and Limpet,” she said, “I don’t believe that I am in as much danger of exposure as it appears. The mentioned Nazi and I don’t converse much. He comes for a couple of hours weekly where I work, and that’s all I see of him. I speak impeccable French that I doubt even his ear can detect for a trace of English. If it’s so infallible, why hasn’t he had me arrested already? A far greater reason for me to go is the possible danger I present to Lodestar.” She addressed Bucky. “Lodestar, if you want me to leave, I will.”

Bucky shook his head. “Don’t leave the party on my account. You’re no more a threat to me than anybody else in this room. That turncoat Texan is a greater problem.”

Bridgette leaned in close to Victoria and in a lowered voice said, “You’ll never find him. Like I said, you’d have a better chance of finding a needle in a field of haystacks.”

“I found the needle,” Victoria said quietly.

Bridgette pulled away, comprehension flooding her face. “Oh, Liverwort, I am so sorry.”

“So you see that I have to stay to do what I can to make sure that needle wasn’t buried in vain. Don’t worry about me, chère amie. Now that I’ve been warned about the man, I’ll take extra care to watch my step.” Victoria squeezed Bridgette’s hand and turned back to Bucky, her voice rising to include the rest of the group. “It’s Lodestar that we should be worried about.”

“I agree,” Brad said, turning to Bucky. “You’re boarding with an American traitor. It must be like sleeping with a live grenade under your bed.”