“Stop,” Claire grabbed her arm. “Are you crazy? Don’t go running out there. You have to follow me, and you have to be quiet. Do you want to come across the Madame or Nikolai? Only I know their habits. You don’t. You have to do what I say.”
“Of course; you’re right,” Jocelyn acquiesced, motioning for the little woman to proceed ahead of her. “Please. And, Claire, thank you.”
It seemed that the gratitude embarrassed her, because she averted her brown eyes and muttered, “Don’t mention it. Just stay close to me and I’ll get you to the front door.”
Jocelyn suddenly recalled, “Don’t you want to put the key on the table, like I could reach it?”
Claire startled. “You’re right.” She did so, and then returned to the door. “I’m not thinking well.” She hesitated, and then admitted, “
