Chapter Nine

Chapter Nine

It was a bit of a hike to the Cavendish, and Lucy stopped at the Vélib’ station outside the hospital, which was stocked with gray bicycles available for rental. She wasn’t sure how the system worked and was leery of inserting her credit card without understanding the charges, and she thought the bicycles themselves looked heavy and cumbersome.

“Go ahead,” said a voice, and she turned to see Richard standing beside her and wearing a big grin.

“I don’t think so,” said Lucy, smiling back. “It’s been a while since I rode a bike, and Paris traffic is really crazy.”

“It’s a great system. I use them all the time,” said Richard. “I’ll show you how it works.”

Lucy shook her head. “I think I’ll stick to shank’s mare, my own two feet.” She paused. “I suppose you’re here covering the general strike.”

“No.” He shrugged. “Believe it or not, I’m doing an investigative piece on the French health system. I’ve got a meeting with some big-shot doctor who says it’s on the verge of collapse.” He shrugged again. “I suspect he believes he’s not getting paid enough.”

“Your suspicions are probably right.” Lucy laughed.

“So, do you want to get a bike? All you need is a credit card.”

“No, but thanks. I’m getting used to walking.”

“Paris is a great city for walking,” he agreed. “There’s always something to see. You should stay clear of the Champs-Élysées, though. These strikes can get violent.” He paused. “Where’s the rest of the gang?”

“Back at the apartment,” said Lucy. Noticing his questioning expression, she added, “I got restless. They’re great friends, but sometimes I need to be by myself.”

He nodded. “Well, take care.”

“I will,” said Lucy, giving him a little wave and starting off in the direction of the boulevard Haussmann. Richard was such a nice guy, and he’d certainly scored a great job, working for the Times. If only Elizabeth had a small portion of his enthusiasm for life in Paris.

Fortunately, her route was some distance from the demonstration on the Champs-Élysées, but she was aware that there were more flics about on the street and fewer pedestrians. Not even the general strike, however, seemed to discourage the motorists, who swarmed through the streets at breakneck speed, driving with little regard for the rules of the road.

At the Cavendish, Lucy found Elizabeth alone at the concierge desk, looking both terribly professional in the green Cavendish blazer and rather uneasy. “I’m always nervous when Jean-Claude goes on break,” she confessed.

“So your boss is now Jean-Claude? You must be getting on pretty well,” said Lucy.