Chapter 45 - 1306
Oblivious to the cold, Nicholas waited in jittery anticipation outside the chapel of Santa Anna shortly after seven. Mass was over, and the evening was filled with the sound of metal hinges as the priests bolted and barred the heavy oak doors.
She was late. Had Poitou failed to pass on the message? It was a simple code. If they needed to meet, they should do so outside the chapel. The number of puppies signified the time.
What if she did not show up? He was weighing his options when he made out her silhouette in the distance. He breathed a sigh of relief. Moments later he was leading her behind the trunk of a century-old golden oak tree. She was shivering. Alerted by her pale, shocked face, he brought her frozen hands to his mouth and warmed them with his breath.
“Wha
