“The woman in that photo looks exactly like Lara.” Ben began to pace slowly, circling Barrow and Gaston.

“Come to think of it, the woman did look familiar, but her hair was white,” said Gaston. “We’re no closer to finding her than we were an hour ago. That felt like a waste of time.”

“We’re retracing her steps,” said Barrow, who seemed lost in his thoughts since seeing the second canvas. He spun on his heels. “Did you see that painting? It was beautiful.”

“I’m less concerned about the painting right now than I am about Lara,” Ben said, annoyed.

“But who let her in?” Gaston put his hands on his hips and looked down the street as if the answer might suddenly appear before them. “As the guy so helpfully reminded us, they were closed.”

“I’d say it was whoever gave her the ticket.” Ben looked at Gaston gravely. “And I don’t have one missing man back home, Gaston—I now have three.” Ben ran his hands through his hair. “And they don’t come back. My fear is Lara may not come back, either.”

Gaston looked weary. “Do you think they’re related?”

“I sure hope not.” He shook his head. “The only one who really has ties to Lara is Todd.”

“It feels a little circumstantial,” said Barrow.

“Except that they disappeared into thin air.” Gaston’s tone was changing, softening almost like a father’s. He knew Lara. This wasn’t some name to him.

“Have you told Audrey?” asked Ben.

Gaston nodded. “I told her you were coming and to give you twenty-four hours. If not, she’s on a plane here.”

“Gaston, I hate to tell you, but my twenty-four hours is about up.”

“I am aware of the hour,” said Gaston quietly. On the taxi ride back to the hotel, Gaston was quiet for a long time. “If anything happens to Lara, I’ll never forgive myself for dragging her here on this caper. I honestly thought she’d be fine. That it would be a nice diversion for her.”

“We’ll find her,” said Ben. As the cab approached, Ben had an idea. “What do we know from the journal entries about the location of the circus?”

“Nothing,” said Barrow.

“Not true.” Gaston turned. “It usually needed a large vacant space—the space in front of Les Invalides… Bois de Boulogne.”

“Exactly,” said Ben. “So we’re looking for a large open space within walking distance of the hotel.”

“But it isn’t like this circus is on the street,” said Barrow. “Even if we find an open space—even if we find the correct space—it won’t help us.”

“But it’s all we’ve got,” said Ben. “If I can get near Lara, I’ll find her.”