“Did this cop give you a card or anything? Do you know his name?”

“Lapointe,” said Lucy, proud of herself for remembering. “Commissaire Lapointe.”

“No card? No phone or email?” asked Carrington.

“An unfortunate omission,” admitted Bob. “I should have thought of that.”

“You were taken by surprise,” said Bill.

“We were all in shock,” said Lucy.

“Without more information, there isn’t much I can do,” said Carrington.

“Well, they’re going to be calling us for statements. We can get more information then,” said Bob.

“Good,” said Carrington. “You must cooperate, of course. You must cooperate with the French authorities.”

“Does that mean we can’t leave on schedule?” asked Lucy.

“Out of the question,” said Carrington. “The French authorities are within their rights to detain you until they are satisfied with the case.”

“That’s outrageous,” said Bob. “We had nothing to do with this attack. We didn’t even know Chef Larry until yesterday.”

“It’s unfortunate, but that’s how it is. When you travel outside of the States, you leave your rights as an American citizen behind and you’re subject to the laws of the land you’re visiting, which happens to be France. Believe me, it could be much worse. Take Italy, for example. Or Saudi Arabia.” He shuddered at the thought. “Of course, the less you appear to know, the sooner you will get your passports back. Once they are satisfied you are not involved, they will return them and you will be free to go.”

“How long do you think that will take?” asked Bob. “I mean, as a general rule.”

Carrington considered the question. “I don’t like to say. It could be wrapped up in a day or two, or it could go on for some time. We had a case, an American woman who married a French citizen and then killed him. She claimed self-defense, said he was abusive. It was a very sad thing. I think they finally did release her, but she was in prison for more than a year.”

Lucy felt her chest tighten, picturing herself in a dark, dank prison cell. “That couldn’t happen to us, could it?”

“I doubt it, but I’m not really in a position to say.” He clapped his hands together and rose, signaling the interview was over. “Do feel free to contact me if you need assistance.”

“But that’s what we’re doing. We’re asking for assistance,” said Lucy.

“Perhaps you should consult a lawyer. There are a number of American firms with offices in Paris. I have a list.” Carrington opened a drawer and produced a sheet of paper, which he gave to Bob. “And take my card, one for each of you.”

“Well, thanks for seeing us,” said Bill.

“No problem, anytime,” said Carrington, eyeing the clock. “And remember what I said. The more you cooperate, the better.”

“Right,” said Bob, extending his hand.