Colette let out a breath. “If this is how all your friends act, I may have a difficult time not giving them a kick or two.”
“They are not all like Marchal, I promise. We should be safe from any interruptions until intermission.”
Her gaze wandered, taking in all the sights and sounds. Louis watched her peer down at the audience on the ground level, then lean over to get a better view of the orchestra.
“Is this your first time attending the opera?” Louis asked.
His words brought her attention to him. A sparkle of amusement shone in her eyes. “In all my years, this is my first time seeing an actual performance.”
It warmed Louis’s heart to know he was the first to share the experience with her. It made him wonder about other things he would like to share with her.
“Well, enjoy yourself. We will have time during intermission and after the performance to look for the people on the list.”
**********
Colette had never seen a place so grand in her life. It was all a bit overwhelming. To have Louis as an escort was almost too much. He had seemed pleased when she had told him she had never attended an opera. In the last few days, she had done many things for the first time, thanks to Louis. He was the first person she had trusted with the children, and the first person, other than Jacques, to whom she had given her true name.
Colette did a quick perusal of the growing crowd with the opera glasses Louis had brought for her. Just as she was about to speak, the orchestra began to play. The opening strains filled the theater. The melody mesmerized Colette as she eagerly waited for the curtain to rise. Instantly she was swept away by the grandeur of the scenery and the music. The performers made her feel each note as they poured their hearts into the opera. After the first song, Colette took a few moments to look at the boxes near them. She recognized a gentleman two boxes over. He turned and caught her staring. Colette jerked her attention back to the stage. Her knuckles turned white as she clutched her fan.
Louis leaned toward her. “Is everything all right?”
“That man to the right two boxes over, with the spectacles and thinning hair. I know him.” Her heart raced. “Years ago I was a maid at his house. I may have stolen a few things during my time there.”
“My dear, I very much doubt he remembers you. If he is like most of the wealthy class, he does not remember the faces of former staff. Besides, if he does, he will assume you have moved on to better things—me.”
Bless Louis, he was trying to make her feel better, and it worked. Her heartbeat slowed. She could not stop herself from smiling back at him. A small dimple formed on Louis’s right cheek as his grin widened. He kissed her hand. “Do not worry. As I said before, no harm will come to you.”
From no one else perhaps, but the danger lay in how she was softening toward Louis. She would have to be careful. Colette drew her attention back to the opera and watched until intermission, when the lights came on, and the crowd rose to stretch and socialize.
They went to the lobby to find some refreshment. Once again, several people greeted Louis, a few she knew by name from previous events she had attended. No one questioned her association with him. More than likely they just assumed she was his mistress. Thank goodness for small favors.
The intermission was ending when Colette caught sight of a man going up the stairs. His attire was shabby, not what one would expect in such a fine establishment. He struck Colette as out of place. Who was he? His face looked familiar. Suddenly she remembered: Victor. He was a small-time crook and did occasional jobs for Jacques. They had worked together a few times, many years ago. Was he there to meet someone, or had Jacques sent him to check on her? Her mind raced, and curiosity got the better of her. She had to find out.
Colette excused herself from the group and hastily took the stairs. Victor had gone to the right after his ascent. She hurried after him and observed her quarry halfway down the hall. Not wanting to lose him, Colette rushed down the corridor, and saw him enter one of the opera boxes.
She got as close as possible and heard two voices. One voice she recognized as Victor’s, but the other was unknown. They spoke in hushed tones. Colette could barely make out what they said. She knew it was risky to be in the hall eavesdropping, but she had to discover what they were saying. The gas lights flashed, warning patrons that the second act would resume shortly. There was not much time. As she turned to leave, a hand covered her mouth.
CHAPTER 11
When Colette had excused herself, Louis had kept a sharp eye on which direction she headed. She had gone up the stairs, her attention clearly focused on something. When she had reached the top of the stairs, she had made a right down the corridor to the boxes. His gut told him something was amiss. Without a word, he had gone after her.
Once he ascended and followed Colette’s path, he saw her standing in the hallway. She stood still. What was she doing? Senses on alert, he cautiously made his way toward her. He did not want to startle her, afraid she would make a noise. As he drew closer, he could see she was listening, but to what? He came up to her just as the lights flashed for people to take their seats.
He placed a hand over her mouth. Colette’s eyes grew large in alarm, but when she saw it was him, she let out a sigh against his hand. He put a finger to his lips for her to be silent. She nodded, and Louis removed his hand. Without a word, he slid next to her.
Two men conversed in the box, but he could only hear one. The other fellow was either talking low or was too far away. Most of their conversation was unintelligible, just bits and pieces he could not make sense of. The louder man said he had to leave before the crowd returned. That was their cue to move.
Louis pulled Colette away. They had to hide, or risk being discovered. Without thinking, Louis shielded them within the folds of the open curtain belonging to the adjacent box. The material hid them from view as the men’s footsteps sounded near them.
It took a moment for Louis to realize he still held on to Colette’s arm. In the tight confines, Colette was pressed against him almost head to toe. One of her hands rested on his chest, as if she needed space between them. Her warm breath caressed his neck; she was so close. Peering down at her, he had a perfect view of the rise and fall of her breasts. Suddenly the air felt stifling. The only thing safe to focus on were her eyes and the look she gave him. Was it fear of discovery he saw in their depths, or of being alone with him?
His attention was drawn away from Colette when he heard voices again. This time it sounded like the audience was making their way back to their seats. If they did not hurry, they would be found in a most compromising position. Funny—Louis did not mind. For the moment he was content to be close to his charming partner. Over the last few days, he had found himself drawn to her, which both worried and intrigued him.
The voices faded as people entered their boxes and settled in their seats. They should leave while they could, but neither of them moved. Again, Louis gazed at the beauty in his arms. The hand that still held her glided up to her shoulder and cradled her neck. His other hand settled around her waist and pulled her closer. Now they were body to body, not an inch of breath between them.
Heat radiated between them. Louis’s cock throbbed as it had not in a long time, like a beast roused from a long slumber. Colette’s skin was warm and inviting beneath his fingers. She had not pulled away when he had drawn her closer. On the contrary, she had held onto his jacket lapels. Could she feel his heart racing? Her lips were so close, and he needed just a taste. As he bent his head, the first chords of the orchestra sounded. The music startled Colette, and she pulled away to peek out and check if anyone had lingered in the hallway. The next second, she tore herself from Louis’s hold. He followed her out and saw they were alone. After straightening his jacket, he escorted Colette back to their box.
For the remainder of the performance they sat in silence. At some point, Louis could not be sure when, he found Colette’s hand and held it. It was a simple gesture, b
ut it was enough for now. Louis knew he was attracted to Colette, but he could not act on his feelings.
Once the opera was over, they went to the lobby for champagne and took the opportunity to socialize. Louis introduced Colette to other patrons, some of whom she recognized from Jacques’s list. There were promises of dinner parties and teas before they were finally able to leave.
As soon as the carriage door closed, Colette spoke. “I know one of those men.”
“Which one?”
“The man I followed tonight—his name is Victor. He is not part of Jacques's regular gang, but he has worked on jobs with us in the past.”
“He did not see you following him, did he?”
“No.”
Louis sighed. “Did you recognize the other man’s voice?”
“No, but I was able to make out a few pieces of the conversation. I heard some names: Moreau, Courbet, and Gauguin. At least, I think they are names. Who knows? It could be a code.”
His pulse quickened. “Does Jacques use codes?”
Colette shook her head. “Not that I have ever known, and I have been with him for years.”
“From what I have discovered about the Fox, he does not either. So, I think we can assume those names refer to specific people, but who?” Louis did not recall any people in society with those names. He would have to investigate it further. “Did you hear anything else?”
Her lips puckered together as she tried to recall. “I heard the words ‘south side’ and then ‘three o’clock.’”
“South side of what? That could mean anything. I think I heard something about carts.”
“It must be a delivery or pickup. What else could it be?”
“I think you are correct.”
Louis banged his head on the carriage wall. The only problem was there was not enough information to go on. A few random names and pieces of conversation was not enough.
“I will have Henri look into the names and see if there is a common link.” He met Colette’s stare. “You did well tonight, with Marchal and with catching sight of that fellow. I just hope we can make something of it all.”
“For a moment, I feared Victor had been sent by Jacques to watch me, but apparently I was wrong.”
“Then we should be thankful for small favors. But I did discover one thing tonight.”
“What is that?”
“You have good instincts, and you know how to conduct yourself discreetly. We might make a good team after all.”
Colette crossed her arms in front of her chest. “I’m not sure if I should be happy about that statement.”
“You should be happy. I am.”
She was the first to look away. For once, she did not have a quick retort. Perhaps he had hit a nerve. Neither mentioned their interlude in the curtains.
The scene played through Louis’s head in bed later that night. What if he had kissed Colette? Would he have been able to stop there? His mind and his shaft were frustrated, and at last he fell into a fitful sleep.
The following morning, he rose early. Louis left the house before Colette awoke. She was stirring up emotions he had long thought dormant, ever since Michelle had died. It unnerved him, and he was not ready to face Colette in the light of day. Tonight, they were to attend a ball at the home of the Duc of Fronsac. Louis planned on being away for most of the day but would return in time to change for the engagement.
His first stop was the Ministry headquarters. There were further alterations to be made to the shipping plans. More freight had to be sacrificed for Louis’s plan. So far, it appeared to be working, but it would require more before the Fox would trust him.
The plans were finalized, and Louis had the next set of documents for Colette to deliver to Jacques. Louis was headed down the street when he caught sight of Galle. The traitor was free, but under surveillance. He was speaking to someone, but Louis could not see his companion’s face. The two men shook hands, then the mystery man pivoted to leave. Louis could not believe his eyes—it was Henri. What the devil was Henri doing speaking to Galle?
Louis had planned on having Henri investigate the names Colette had overheard last night. Perhaps he would give the assignment to one of his private investigators instead. Henri had never given Louis a reason to question his loyalty, so he would wait and see if anything further developed before jumping to any conclusions.
The sun was shining bright that morning. Louis was glad for the nice weather. He had a few more stops, and he felt like walking today. It would help clear his mind. Louis was about to cross the street when he heard his name shouted.
“Monsieur de Coligny,” a young boy yelled. He was one of the couriers at the Ministry. The boy rushed up to him, huffing, out of breath. “This came for you, sir.” He handed Louis a piece of paper.
Louis opened the paper and scanned the contents. “Come with me, boy.” They walked back to the Ministry. “I need at least six men to come with me, right now.” Louis shouted as he entered the building.
“What is going on?” General Lochte asked.
“I have just received a tip that a munitions warehouse in Saint-Gervais is going to be burglarized. We need to move now.”
“Take all the men you need.”
Louis thanked the general then gathered the officers before leaving through the back alley. The group of seven raced to the warehouse. They spread out in a perimeter around the building. Louis positioned himself near the rear entrance.
After an hour Louis grew suspicious. There had been no movement inside the warehouse, and no one had tried to enter. Something was not right. Louis took half of the men and went inside the building. Nothing was disturbed. He found a warehouse worker who stated all was well. There had been no unusual disturbances all day.
What hell was going on? Louis’s anger threatened to explode. He had to get back to the Ministry. He ordered three officers to watch the warehouse for another two hours then report back. Louis returned and told General Lochte that the information had been false. After making sure all was in order, Louis left the Ministry offices, again.
He continued to have a nagging sense that something was not right. Who had written that message to him? Had the writer made a mistake about the burglary or had he purposefully been distracted, and if so, from what? He would store the odd encounter away in his mind for later.
His last stop before going home was André’s. He arrived at his godfather’s home and was shown into the study.
“Ah, Louis. What brings you here today?”
“I recalled you saying there were some papers to sign for the club.”
“Yes.” André went over to his desk. As he sifted through the pile of papers, Louis poured himself a large drink. “Anything troubling you?”
Louis could not divulge what had occurred earlier today so instead decided to talk about the other topic on his mind. “My new mistress.”
“Are you bored with her already?”
“No, on the contrary.” He took a large gulp. “I feel as if this may be more than just a temporary arrangement.” It was the first time he had admitted the fact that he may want more from Colette.
André stopped riffling through his desk. “You care for her?”
“I’m not sure. I’m probably just starved for female companionship.” He had to be careful, lest he lose his heart.
“Well, my boy, all I can say is enjoy her, but remember, a mistress does not make a suitable wife. I would think you would have learned your lesson with Michelle.”
Louis had told André of Michelle’s complicated past. Yes, she had been a thief and had been with other men before they had met, but Louis had not loved her any less. She had been too delicate for the harsh hand fate had dealt her. The first time Michelle had confided to him about her life, he had wanted to whisk her away to safety. It was the way he felt about Colette at times. The difference was, where Michelle had been delicate and timid, Colette was self-sufficient and resilient. The women were opposites, but each attracted him in
her own way.
When Louis had told André his suspicion that Michelle had been murdered, he’d had to admit it made sense. Her sordid past was bound to catch up with her sooner or later, the older man had said. Although André could be blunt, his uncle had been there during his time of grief. Without André, who knows what would have happened to Louis.
“Ah, here they are,” André said as he found the papers.
They were partners in several clubs, so any major decisions were made together. André was not aware that Louis also paid some of the prostitutes at the clubs to be informants. Anything of interest they learned from their clients was relayed to him. It was amazing what men would say to bolster themselves in the eyes of a pretty lady. Some information proved helpful to ongoing investigations. He had his friend, Hugh Fitzsimmons, to thank for the idea. His friend had come up with the idea a few years back.
As he reviewed the proposal, Pierre entered and bowed to both men. “Pardon me, sir, but the items have arrived.”
“What did you buy now?” Louis shook his head in disbelief.
“Pierre was able to procure some artwork for me at a very reasonable price. Isn’t that right, Pierre?”
“Yes sir. There are some fine pieces if I do say so.”
“Anything of interest?” Louis inquired.
“There is a Monet painting, illustrations by an Italian, and pieces by Gauguin and Carpeaux.”
“Wait, Pierre. Did you say Gauguin?”
“Yes, the sculptor.”
It was one of the names Colette had heard last night. There had to be hundreds of people with the same last name.
“Is something wrong, Louis?” André asked.
“No, Uncle.” He smiled. “I heard that name recently and could not recall where I had heard it before. Pierre just reminded me, that is all.”
“Would you like to see the pieces?” André handed Louis the papers he had originally come to sign.
The Secret to a Spy’s Heart: A Steamy Victorian Historical Spy Series (Romancing Intrigue Book 4) Page 9
