Chapter 25
717 Words
Jacques Dufort leaned back on the park bench. It was a secluded location, twisting off the main path, used by birdwatchers and those who sought solitude. No one was nearby. He checked his watch, waiting for his contact.
A few minutes later, a slight figure approached, glancing over his shoulder as he came down the lane. Guy Barbier was more mystery than man, more fiction than fact. He was older, late fifties, with a harsh face and hawkish nose. Even with his diminutive stature, he instilled fear in whoever he chose—usually those who crossed him, but not always. Some claimed he was an integral part of the vast French intelligence apparatus. Others swore he was a swindler. But most were somewhere in between, suspecting he bought and sold secrets to those who were willing to pay. No one really knew for sure. And that’s how Guy Barbier wanted it.
“Another day passes,” Barbier said as he sat down.
Jacques cringed. He had failed—at least temporarily. “I know you expected delivery.”
“We all did,” Barbier said. “The diamonds are important. What happened?”
“We had a problem. But I’ll get it fixed.”
Barbier took a pack of cigarettes from his pocket, lit one, and blew the smoke away from Jacques. “This is our most critical task, Jacques. I gave it to you because you’re the best.”
“I’ll get them, Guy, I promise.”
Barbier eyed a bird for a moment, watching it on a tree branch. He took another drag of his cigarette. “Tell me what’s going on.”
Jacques hesitated, not sure how to explain. “Camille did get the diamonds.”
“Then why aren’t they in London?”
Jacques hated to make excuses, but he had no choice. “The Germans took Antwerp the day she got there.”
“I know that, Jacques,” Barbier said. “And so does the rest of the world.”
“But it became more than a robbery after they arrived,” Jacques said, trying not to whine. “They had to steal the diamonds and fight off the Germans.”
andBarbier sighed but seemed to agree. “Do you need help?”
Jacques hesitated. “No, not yet. I have Sophie.”
“She’ll think of something. She has contacts everywhere.”
“We’re working on a few different plans, some alternatives we can give to Camille the next time she contacts us.”
“Do you know where she is now?”
“We think she’s trapped in Belgium. She sent a message—said she has the diamonds but couldn’t deliver them.”
Barbier frowned. “The port must have already been captured. Is Roger with her?”
Jacques shrugged. “I don’t know. The message was only a few short phrases, as if she was rushed.”
“She probably was. But why not mention Roger?”
“I don’t know,” Jacques said. “I think it was just a quick update to tell us she has the diamonds but got no farther.”
Barbier frowned. “We need to find out. Roger is a valuable asset.”
“I will,” Jacques replied. “As soon as Camille contacts us again.”
“Maybe someone in Sophie’s network can help.”
“Sophie does have a contact in Antwerp, but she hasn’t transmitted, either.”
“Probably surrounded by Germans,” Barbier muttered. “She hasn’t had the chance.”
“Camille’s contingency plan was to bring the diamonds to Paris,” Jacques said. “If we assume the port was captured, and the Germans already occupied northern France when she got there, she’s likely hiding somewhere in Belgium, maybe Tournai.”
“She probably is,” Barbier agreed. “That was her last assignment.”
“Once she contacts us again, and we get more details, we can help her.”
“How much time do you need?”
Jacques shrugged. “I know it’s important, Guy. But we can’t do much until we hear from Camille.”
Barbier nodded, as if he understood, and rose to go. “A few more days, Jacques. But no more. The diamonds are too valuable.”
- Writer
