A worried expression flickered across Serge’s face but quickly disappeared. “There are worse places to be detained than Paris, no? You must make the most of this time and enjoy our beautiful city.”

“It is beautiful, but I would enjoy my visit more if I knew for sure that I’d be able to return home on schedule. I have other children, other responsibilities,” Lucy said. “Is there anything you could tell me about Larry that would help?”

Serge seemed to withdraw, physically distancing himself the slightest bit. “What do you mean?”

“Was he in trouble in the past? I know he used to work here. Were there problems? Was he fired, or did he quit?”

“I don’t know. I think he left because he wanted to start his own business. He told me he didn’t like being told what to do.”

“Were you close friends?” asked Lucy. “Have you known him long?”

“No.” Serge shook his head. “Colleagues, I think that is the word. We worked together for a brief period, that is all.”

“You didn’t hang around together after work? Go for a beer?”

“Nothing like that,” said Serge, taking a step backward.

Lucy knew that time was running out. She couldn’t think of any way around it, so she just had to come out and ask. “I’ve heard rumors that Chef Larry was involved in the black market. . . .”

“Mom!” protested Elizabeth, embarrassed by her mother’s questioning.

Lucy ignored her. “And a lot of employees here seem to be from the Middle East, where there’s so much terrorist activity. It’s no secret that these groups traffic in the black market. Do you think there could be some connection and that’s why Larry was attacked?”

“I don’t know where you got these ideas, but you are mistaken,” said Serge, a note of warning in his voice. “I think perhaps you Americans are a bit paranoid about Muslims, but not every Muslim is a terrorist. The Cavendish Hotels have a strict policy of nondiscrimination, for both guests and employees. We do have a lot of immigrant workers. It’s the nature of the business. If they do their jobs well, they are not a problem. However, if their work is not satisfactory, we let them go.” He paused. “And now, I’m afraid I must go and attend to my duties. It was lovely to make your acquaintance, Mrs. Stone. And, Elizabeth, I think a guest wants your attention.”

Glancing at her daughter’s empty desk, Lucy saw a well-preserved woman of a certain age wearing a gorgeous fur jacket, tapping one red-soled Louboutin shoe. Lucy wouldn’t have recognized the brand, but Sue had bought herself a pair and had proudly showed them off after one of her shopping trips.

“Gotta go, Mom,” said Elizabeth, already on the move.