Rachel was quick to mention Norah’s name when she called the law firm of Mayall & Poulin, and she did get to speak to a junior partner. The junior partner explained that the firm really didn’t get involved in criminal matters but specialized in visas, real estate transactions, that sort of thing. When asked if they could provide a reference to a criminal law practice, the junior partner seemed shocked. “I suppose I can look into it,” he said in a doubtful tone.

“I would appreciate that,” said Rachel, giving him her cell phone number before ending the call. “When pigs fly,” she said, expressing her disappointment.

“Why don’t we have an early lunch, while we wait?” suggested Pam.

Bill was the only one with any appetite; the rest just picked at their sandwiches and salads. Rachel tried to keep up a brave front, but she revealed her anxiety when she ordered a second cup of tea. Finally, when the dishes had been cleared away and the bill paid, Lucy offered to accompany Rachel back to the police headquarters to inquire about Bob.

This time, the officer at the reception desk did not send them upstairs, and he simply shook his head when they asked about Bob. Lucy produced the card she had taken from Lapointe’s desk, and tried calling him on her cell phone, but her call went straight to voice mail.

“What do you want to do?” she asked Rachel.

“I’m going to sit here and wait for him,” said Rachel, indicating a wooden bench that was situated against the lobby wall.

“You’re sure you don’t want to go back to the apartment? You’d be a lot more comfortable there.”

“No. I’m going to wait right here.”

Lucy sighed. “Then I’ll wait with you.”

Rachel looked at her with her big doe eyes. “You don’t have to. I’ll be fine.”

“Don’t be silly,” said Lucy. “I’m not leaving you all alone. I’m staying right here.”

Rachel squeezed Lucy’s hand. “Thanks.”

Lucy found that sitting in the lobby at 36 quai des Orfèvres was quite interesting, and watched as suspects in handcuffs were brought in and hustled upstairs by the flics. The cops were easily identifiable, even the ones in plain clothes. There was something about their confident attitude and their aggressive physicality. Lucy found most of them quite good-looking and wondered if being handsome was a requirement, like minimum height. There was also a steady stream of citizens, either presenting themselves for questioning on some matter or reporting a crime. From time to time she and Rachel used their cell phones, attempting to call Bob or Lapointe, but never succeeded in making contact.

But even though she found these mini-dramas quite absorbing, time dragged in the intervals when nothing was happening and the wooden bench was hard and uncomfortable. It was almost six o’clock when Bob finally appeared, looking drained and tired.