“You’re too kind. Mr. Vaughn, if there is even a remote chance that this photograph is genuine—and, honestly, I think it is a hoax intended to inflict anguish, reopen old wounds, the work of a sadist—but if it is authentic and this person, in fact, knows something about what happened to my goddaughter, I will move heaven and earth to find him. The person responsible for all this . . .” She paused, choosing her words carefully. “He will suffer.”

The last word fell like a scythe. It reminded him of what George Abe had said about wanting to have a serious conversation with the man who took Suzanne.

“In any event, George thinks you could be of some benefit to the cause. I wanted to meet you and see for myself.”

“So this is an interview?”

“Hardly. No, I’m just a curious bystander. If George says you’re qualified, I’m certainly not qualified to dispute it.”

“So what, then?”

“Only this. Find this man, and I will be grateful. My family is not what it once was, not that our name has entirely lost its influence, but I believe it will be great again. Do you see the small cupola beyond the hedgerow?”

She gestured to a point beyond the lawn, and he saw the domed building at the edge of the property. The hedge had to be at least fifteen feet tall, so he didn’t know by what measure she thought it was small.

“It was built by my great-great-great-grandfather Alexandre Dauplaise when his wife passed away. He was buried alongside her twelve years later when he followed her. The entire family is interred there, apart from my uncle Daniel, who is buried under a white cross in Normandy. In time, I will join them, and on that date, my family’s connection to this city will span three centuries. But before I do join them, I intend to see my family begin to restore its traditions of greatness and service to this country.”

“No more condos in Florida?”

“Indeed. I say all this not to give you a history lesson but to assure you that my gratitude will not be inconsequential. You and your family will benefit. But should you have ideas,” she said, her tone darkening, “thoughts of exploiting the situation for your own ends, making this matter public in the media, as you tried to do in the past . . . Well, I will take it very personally indeed.”

“I understand.”

“Good. I’m sure this conversation was entirely unnecessary.”

“I’d wonder myself in your position.”

Calista nodded approvingly. “I appreciate that, Mr. Vaughn. I really do.”