“Sure. Why not?”

“I’m not going to be able to take you tonight. I have my aikido qualification.” Jérôme glances at his watch. “I’ve got to be at Moulin-à-Vent by seven. Will you be taking them, Flo?”

“I’m taking them,” says Florian. “It’s okay. We got plenty of time. We’ll drop you off on the way.”

Rat catches Pauline’s gaze and suddenly her throat dries up and she doesn’t want to leave. Pauline glances away, then looks back at Rat again with her bright blue eyes that are always smiling, even when she’s not. Frowns, embarrassed.

Jérôme’s staring at Rat’s bare feet. “You did bring a pair of shoes?”

It’s been ages since she’s had to think about shoes. “I’m sure I have that pair of flip-flops somewhere. Will they do?”

“Barely.”

Rat clears her throat. “You willing to try it, Morgan? You ready to go to London this evening?”

Morgan shrugs. Morgan’s ready.

Chapter 5

The ticket lady is a plump young North African woman with acned cheeks.

When they get to the head of the line, Florian does the talking. He sounds pretty businesslike, although he does stink of dope. He’s already got his credit card out of his wallet, their passports laid on the counter.

“I’d like to buy two tickets for the eight p.m. flight to London.”

“Who are the passengers traveling?” she asks, smoothly.

Florian indicates Rat and Morgan.

“How old is the little boy?”

“Nine years old.”

“And the young lady?”

“I’m fifteen,” says Rat.

“Is anybody traveling with them?”

“No, it’s just them.”

Rat’s heart starts beating faster.

“I’m sorry, Ryanair doesn’t allow unaccompanied minors on its flights.”

“That’s bullshit,” says Florian, his voice shooting high. “This girl’s fifteen. That’s hardly a minor. I mean, girls get married and have babies at fifteen, but they’re not allowed to get on a plane?”

The woman is unmoved. “Children have to be accompanied by a passenger who is sixteen or over.”

“What, so we have to, like, camp out in your offices till this girl turns sixteen?”

“I don’t make the rules.”

“And what about if I go along with them?”

Rat, startled, stares at Florian.

“What’s your date of birth, sir?”

“I’m nineteen. Born February 24, 1986.”

“Are you these children’s legal guardian?”

He hesitates. “No, I’m not.”

“In that case, they’ll still need authorization from their parents to travel.”

“Are those the same stupid rules for every airline, or is this just a Ryanair special? If we go to Air France, will they take us?”

“I don’t know, sir.”

“Well, could you please find out? Let me speak to your supervisor.”

Rat tugs at Florian’s sleeve, says softly, “Let’s go.”