“There was a change of plans. I apologize for the length of time required to make arrangements for your departure from my country, but—” a sigh and roll of eyes “—I had to consult my superior, who had to take the matter to General Leclerc, who had to consult with the American authorities before I was given permission to carry out the duke’s request. I am now authorized to see you to an airfield where a military aircraft waits to fly you to America.”

“But I still don’t understand. I assumed Colonel Albrecht had contacted the American military for my extraction. How did the French national police become involved?”

“Colonel Albrecht is now in the custody of the Prefecture of the Police. I was the arresting officer.”

Victoria thought she had misheard him—she wanted to have misheard him. Derrick in the custody of the French police, not the liberating or American military authorities, and arrested by this man? That could mean only one thing. Oh God. She felt faint suddenly. “Colonel Albrecht arrested by the French police? Whatever for? On what charge?”

“For the murder of a French citizen, Monsieur Beaumont Fournier.”

Before Victoria could ask any more questions, he said, “I am sorry, mademoiselle, but we must leave now for your plane.”

On the drive in an official car of the Prefecture of Police, she asked in despair, “Why did he do it? What was his motive?”

“To protect you, Mademoiselle Colbert. Monsieur Fournier meant to turn you over to the Gestapo—an abomination, the colonel said, that he could not allow. I must say that I quite understand his motivation, even if I do not approve of his solution to the problem.”

Dumbly, feeling sick, Victoria asked, “What will happen to him?”

“He will be tried for homicide.”

“And if found guilty?”

“French courts are not disposed to be merciful in the case of willful murder of one of their own, especially if the accused is a member of the German Schutzstaffel. However, the duke comes from an important noble family in Germany with many powerful connections among the French elite, so their influence may carry some sway in his punishment.”

“I must see him,” Victoria declared.

“I am afraid that is impossible.”

“Why? You are in charge.”

“Because Colonel Albrecht does not wish to see you. Your appearance in Paris…It would put you in grave danger. He was quite adamant about it, and in any case, time does not permit a visit to the prefecture. I am sorry, mademoiselle, but we must make haste. I was made to understand the plane is on a tight flight plan.”