This, of course, is where the problem lies. You see, Vianne, I like it here. I never imagined I could get so much fun – so much profit – from a simple chocolaterie. But I like what this place has become, and I see its potential as you never did.

You saw it as a hiding-place. I see it as the eye of the storm. From here, we can be the Hurakan – we can wreak havoc; shape lives; wield power – which is really the name of the whole ballgame, when you come to think about it – as well as making money, of course, always a plus in today’s venal world . . .

When I say we—

I mean me, of course.

‘But why Anouk?’ Her voice was harsh. ‘Why bring my daughter into this?’

‘I like her,’ I said.

She looked scornful at that. ‘Like her? You used her. Corrupted her. You made her think you were her friend—’

‘At least I’ve always been honest with her.’

‘And I haven’t? I’m her mother—’ she said.

‘You choose your family.’ I smiled. ‘You’d better be careful she doesn’t choose me.’

She thought about that one for some time. She looked calm enough, but I could see the turbulence in her colours, the distress and confusion and something else – a kind of knowledge I didn’t quite like.

At last she said, ‘I could ask you to leave.’

I grinned. ‘Why not try? Or call the police – better still, call the Social Services. I’m sure they could offer you all kinds of support. They’ve probably still got your notes in Rennes – or was it Les Laveuses?’

She cut me off. ‘What exactly do you want?’

I told her as much as she needed to know. My time is short – but she can’t know that. Nor can she know about poor Françoise – soon to reappear as someone else. But she knows I am the enemy now; her eyes were bright and cold and aware, and she laughed scornfully (if a little hysterically) as I delivered my ultimatum.

‘You’re saying I should leave?’ she said.

‘Well,’ I pointed out reasonably, ‘is Montmartre really big enough to hold two witches?’

Her laughter was like broken glass. Outside, the voice of the wind keened its eerie harmonies. ‘Well, if you think I’m going to pack up and run away just because you did a few sneak workings behind my back, then you’re going to be disappointed,’ she said. ‘You’re not the first to try this, you know. There was this priest—’

‘I know,’ I said.

‘Then what?’