Twenty minutes later the train eased into Gare du Nord, the Paris railroad terminal. Ziegler and Bayer waited in the first car while the train came to rest. They rose before the others, moving toward the door, edging soldiers out of their way.
“I want to take another look at the female passengers as they exit the train,” Ziegler said. “She still could be on board. We may have only missed her.”
“It is the best way for her to get to Paris,” Bayer replied. “But where did she hide the diamonds?”
Ziegler sighed, considering what he might have done. “They must be somewhere on the train—in a bathroom or under seats. A panel that the thief found and opened. We’ll observe each of the women when they leave to ensure none carry more than they had when we interrogated them.”
They stood at the main
