At the Chateau for Christmas

by Rebecca Winters

  His features sobered. “Sounds like you’re anxious to get back. To expedite things, I’ve retained an attorney for you,” he announced, “but he won’t be available until tomorrow. Unless you have other plans, I’ve arranged for a moving company to meet us at the summerhouse at noon with some boxes. We’ll get everything packed up and they’ll store them. When you’re ready to fly home, they’ll load them on the company jet.”

  “A man who can move mountains. That’s you.”

  He got to his feet and moved closer to her. A tightness around his eyes and mouth revealed his suffering. “Would that I could divine where to look for Dorine.”

  Laura would give anything to help him. He needed an ending. “Nic—after all this time, what do your instincts tell you?”

  She waited a good minute for his answer. “Unless I was married to a woman who was unbalanced or kept secrets and was operating with an unknown agenda—destructive or otherwise—my feeling is that she was kidnapped. That’s the detective’s hunch, too.”

  “I think you’re probably right.”

  “What happened to her after that I’ve tried not to think about.”

  Laura shuddered. “Was her purse missing?”

  “Yes, along with her cell phone. It has never been used, or a credit card. No emails, no bank account accessed. Nothing. Our combined families have offered an enormous reward for her safe return, but it never happened.”

  “Maybe she was at the wrong place at the wrong time. If she went out during her lunch hour, maybe food wasn’t on her mind and she decided to do a little shopping or run an errand.”

  “All the secretary said was that Dorine was leaving for her lunch break.”

  Laura sighed. “Yes, it’s not much to go on.”

  “No, but I remember her saying Dorine was working on a project that needed to get finished. I assumed that meant she’d intended to hurry.”

  “What kind of project was it? Would she have needed to buy something in order to complete it?”

  “They have technicians for that.”

  “Maybe she went out to get some information she needed.”

  He gave her a resigned smile. “Now you’re playing the maybe game. In the beginning I played it until I drove myself mad.”

  “I can understand that.” She’d been pacing the floor but came to a standstill. “The police would have combed that neighborhood where her car was found.”

  “Thoroughly. So did I on my own time. My hunch was that she must have gone in a store or building where she was abducted away from the street through a rear entrance. It could have been a business where she was a regular and knew them. Or they knew her and watched for her. The car showed no evidence of foul play or a struggle. No fingerprints were picked up except hers.”

  Laura hunched her shoulders. “Or there’s the possibility she was abducted in the technology park with all that heavy foliage. Someone who knew her and her habits could have stopped her on some pretext after she left the office.”

  He cocked his head. “You’re thinking she knew him?”

  “Yes. Maybe someone from the team who had an accomplice. While one dealt with her, the other could have driven her car into town and left it there to throw the police off the trail. Nic, did the authorities question the companies within the park?”

  “Yes. Every one of them,” he said in a grating tone.

  “What about the woods? Did they search them?”

  His black-fringed eyes darkened until she couldn’t see the gray. “Only near her office building.”

  “Why not the whole park?”

  “You’re talking six thousand acres.”

  “I had no idea it was so huge. But if the crime happened in the park, then the whole place should be scoured. If the police used dogs, they might turn up some evidence.”

  He studied her for a long time. The stretch of silence told her to stop talking because she’d taken this painful inquisition too far.

  “I’m sorry, Nic. Forgive me for getting into this with you when you’ve tried to put it behind you.”

  His hands reached out to grip her shoulders. He shook her gently. “There’s nothing to forgive. You’ve only put voice to my own thoughts. The park could be hiding many secrets. I marvel that you’ve given it this much consideration. It means more to me than you know.”

  You mean more to me than you know, Nic. “I want to help you the way you’ve helped me.”

  A groan escaped his throat before he put her away from him with a reluctance she sensed. It was a good thing he let go of her when he did—another second and she wouldn’t have been able to stop herself from kissing him, with or without his permission.

  “I told you last night, being able to talk to you about Dorine has been cathartic for me. I’m going to talk to the detective about doing a massive ground search of the entire park and vehicles.”

  Her spirits lifted. “I know it will take hundreds of men and man-hours and the cost will be prohibitive, but if they can turn up even one clue...”

  “Cost be damned! I’ll spend any amount to find out what happened to her,” he muttered fiercely.

  Yes, she mused to herself, because he was a man who loved deeply and was the most exceptional human being she’d ever known. Before she broke down and told him how she felt, she looked at her watch. “I think we’d better leave for the summerhouse or the movers will get there first.”

  “You’re right.” But he sounded far away.

  They gathered their things and went out to his car. On the drive, he darted her a speculative glance. “If it sounds good to you, we’re going to have dinner tonight at the Gros Marin. You can’t go back to the States without eating there. Nice’s finest restaurant hovers right over the sand and serves delicious Mediterranean seafood. You’ll enjoy the sight of the yachts all lit up.”

  The thought of returning to California was killing her. “It sounds lovely.”

  “Yves LeVaux, my best friend from childhood, will be joining us.”

  Though she’d give anything to spend the evening alone with him, the addition of another person would provide the necessary buffer. “Is your friend married?”

  “Divorced. He may bring someone with him. We haven’t seen each other in a while. Yves helped me during the initial search for Dorine.”

  “What a wonderful friend,” she murmured.

  “The best. I’m indebted to him.”

  Laura’s sorrow dragged her down. If Nic’s wife were never found, he’d suffer from this tragedy his whole life.

  Soon after they reached the summerhouse, the movers arrived and they spent the rest of the day packing. Once the cartons were put on the truck and the men left, Laura helped Nic take down the Christmas tree and decorations and put everything away. He carried the tree outside seemingly effortlessly while she cleaned and vacuumed.

  “Now Maurice can move back in,” she said when he walked into the room. “After I’ve been to see the attorney tomorrow, let’s bring your grandfather here and tell him what I’ve done. If he doesn’t want to live here again, maybe someone else in the Valfort family will want to take up residence. Possibly one of your cousins? Is anyone in the family planning to get married?”

  “Not yet, but it could happen before long. Since our work here is finished, I’ll drive us back to the villa to get changed for dinner.”

  On the way home Laura thought about what to wear. She hadn’t planned to be here long and had only brought one dress for evening. It was a black crepe kimono-sleeve wrap dress with a high neck. The hem fell to the knee. She’d been to several marketing dinners in it.

  When they reached the house, she disappeared into the bathroom to wash her hair and blow-dry it. Deciding to leave it long, she brushed it before applying lipstick and some blusher. Once she’d put on her dress and had slipped
into her sling-back black heels, she walked into the living room and discovered Nic had a guest. He stood by the French doors facing the garden below. It drew everyone’s attention.

  The good-looking dark blond man in the tan suit was probably six feet. When he heard her come in, he wheeled around and fastened warm hazel eyes on her. “So you’re the missing granddaughter, Laura Tate,” he said with a strong French accent, and walked over to her.

  “Guilty as charged.” And filled with guilt.

  His eyes filled with male appreciation. “Your resemblance to Irene is amazing. I’m Yves LeVaux.” They shook hands.

  “Nic told me what a great friend you are to him. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

  “I’ll return the compliment. He said to come in and make myself at home while he got ready. I’m glad I did. Since his wife disappeared, you have the distinction of being the only woman to capture his attention, let alone step inside this house. I for one am delighted to see it happen.”

  She’d known Nic was an honorable man. He couldn’t be anything else. Now his friend had just confirmed it. Unfortunately Yves had the wrong idea about them. “As I told his housekeeper, Nic and I are almost family.”

  He flashed her a curious smile. “But the point is, you’re not.”

  Laura took a quick breath. “The more important point is, he’s married.”

  Yves’s smile faded. “So was the man my wife had an affair with. No doubt Nic told you I’m divorced.”

  She felt his pain. “I’m so sorry, Yves. They were both fools.”

  His brows lifted. “I think so, too. Anyway, where have you been all day, let alone my life?”

  Despite his grief, he could still be charming. It was a trait shared by the three Frenchmen she knew. “We just came back from the summerhouse. My grandmother left me a lot of gifts. I was getting them packed to take home.”

  “But let’s hope that won’t be for a while. I’d like to get to know you better. How soon do you plan to leave?”

  “That’s a good question,” Nic answered in his deep voice before she could say anything.

  With thudding heart, she turned in time to see him approach with a small Christmas present in his hand. The light gray suit with the charcoal shirt fit Nic’s well-honed body to perfection. Laura’s mouth went dry just looking at him.

  After his slow appraisal that brought heat to her face, his gaze slid from her to his friend. “I see you two have already met.” Nic handed Yves the present. “No date tonight?”

  Yves shook his head. With a half smile he said, “I decided I wanted to have a good time for a change.”

  Laura couldn’t help but chuckle. “That was honest.”

  He trained his eyes on her again. “I see honesty is something we have in common. Did Nic tell you I haven’t had much luck meeting the right woman?”

  She decided she liked him very much. “Finding the right man is a tall order for a woman, too. You’re still young and there’s plenty of time.”

  “Your grandmother told me the same thing the last time I saw her.”

  A lump lodged in her throat. “I’m jealous of you and Nic. Both of you spent time with her. It’s my fault I didn’t get to know her, so anything you can tell me about her, I’ll relish.”

  “Have you got a month or two?” Yves teased with a twinkle in his eyes.

  “I wish.” If I could have a lifetime here... “But I have to get back to my job.” She needed to get away from Nic before she changed her mind and took up residence in the summerhouse.

  “Nic tells me you’re the marketing manager for Holden Hotels. That speaks highly of your business acumen. Your grandfather was never one for nepotism.” Before she could say anything, he exchanged glances with Nic. “Mind if I open my present before we go?”

  “Be my guest, mon ami.”

  Yves undid the wrapping and opened the box. “Épatant!” He held up a three-inch gold lure.

  “It’s the latest Shimano waxwing,” Nic explained. “In the fall I caught some amazing fish with one just like it. Next time we go out together, you should try it.”

  “I plan to. Merci, mon vieux.”

  “De rien. Do you want to drive with us to the Gros Marin?”

  “No. I’ll follow you in my car. My folks are expecting me to drop by their house later.”

  “Then let’s go.”

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  TWO HOURS LATER the three of them left the restaurant and walked over to Yves’s car. He hadn’t taken his eyes off Laura throughout their dinner. “This was the best time I’ve had in ages,” he said, smiling at Nic.

  “My sentiments exactly. We’ll get together soon and do some fishing.”

  Yves nodded before his hazel gaze swerved to Nic’s houseguest once more. “You’ll really be gone after New Year’s?”

  “Afraid so. Business calls. Until then I hope to spend as much time as possible with Maurice.”

  “Lucky man.” He winked at her before getting in his car. “À bientôt, Nic.” His parting comment was an afterthought. Nic could tell Yves had been blown away by Laura.

  After his friend drove off, Nic escorted her to his car. “If you stayed in Nice any longer, Adam would be in for serious competition.”

  She smoothed some hair behind her ear. “Yves is hurting. I hope he can find someone who appreciates what a terrific man he really is.”

  He helped her in the car, then went around to get behind the wheel. “That’s been my hope for quite some time.”

  “I’m sure it will happen. When it does, she’ll be the lucky one.”

  Nic put his key in the ignition, but he didn’t turn the car on. He flashed her a glance, eager to spend the rest of the evening with her doing something that had nothing to do with other people. It was impossible not to feel possessive of her tonight. “The evening’s still young. How would you like to see a sight you’ll never forget?”

  Her smile captivated him. “That’s a trick question. After arousing my curiosity, even if I told you I’m too tired, I couldn’t possibly say no.”

  Laura...

  “I promise you won’t be sorry. It’s only twelve kilometers away.” He joined one of the arterials headed east. “It’s been my experience that America has some of the great road movies, but it’s my country that has the great roads. Do you remember that scene in To Catch a Thief with Cary Grant and Grace Kelly, when she was driving the sports car?”

  “I must have watched that cliff-hanger scene half a dozen times.”

  “It was filmed on the Grande Corniche, the stunning coastal highway we’re traveling on right now. The engineering feat was built to facilitate Napoleon’s Italian campaign. We’ll drive to the little medieval village at the top called Eze. At fourteen hundred feet above sea level, it perches like an eagle’s nest. You can see everything from that vantage point.”

  They rode in silence, but the tension between them was building by degrees. Once they reached the summit, Laura let out an exclamation. The ancient little town set on a narrow rocky peak overlooked the Mediterranean.

  He pointed to a ruin in the distance. “Those are the remains of a twelfth-century castle. Inside the grounds is the well-known Jardin Exotique. In my opinion this is the best view of the coast on the Côte d’Azur.” Nic parked the car. “We walk from here.”

  She climbed out of the car and they started making their way around the stone village in the night air. It formed a circular pattern at the base of the castle. The old buildings had high stone walls while the narrow roadways were made of redbrick-centered stone. “Everything is so well restored, Nic!”

  “It keeps the tourists coming.”

  “Well, this tourist is grateful.”

  “I love it here,” he murmured. “No cars here. Only donkeys have the right of passage. This is
the best time to be here, when there aren’t so many tourists.”

  “I’m crazy about it, Nic. All of it!” She peeked in every nook and cranny, where small art galleries and tiny gift shops were hidden, infecting him with her unique brand of enthusiasm for everything. Climbing a set of steps, they came upon a shop displaying jewelry and women’s scarves. The soft gray chiffon with circles of white caught his eye. He could see it on Laura and bought it.

  “Here.” He looped it around her neck. “This looks like you.”

  She felt the material with her hands before lifting her eyes to him. The urge to kiss her was killing him.

  “You shouldn’t have done this.”

  He shrugged his shoulders. “Why not? You bought me a bottle of wine. This is my Christmas gift to you, a small thing I hoped would bring you pleasure.”

  Her features looked pained before she averted her eyes. “You’ve given me more pleasure than you can imagine, Nic. Thank you,” she whispered before moving ahead of him.

  Laura was wrong about that. He could imagine pleasure with her beyond belief, but he had to tamp down his desire for her. The wife he’d loved could still be alive. Even if she wasn’t, she needed to be found and laid to rest before he could think about anything else.

  They followed the village trail that eventually led to a vista point with the whole Mediterranean coast sprawled at their feet. He waited to hear what she’d say.

  Laura was quiet for a long while. Finally she spoke. “You were right. It’s a sight I’ll never forget. I can’t think of another spot on earth more beautiful than this.”

  Nic could not think of a woman more breathtaking than the one standing in front of him.

  “Nana would have come here with Maurice. Maybe their trip is on one of the DVDs I haven’t looked at yet.”

  “It’s possible.” But he didn’t want to talk about their grandparents. This night was for him and Laura, no one else.

  “If you want to know the truth,” she said in a tremulous voice, “this whole trip has changed my life. When I go home, I’ll be leaving a part of my heart here.”