Chapter Thirty-Four
“A disturbing visit,” Ferrand said from behind his desk. Denis saw the director fiddle with his blotter. “Poor woman.”
He rummaged in his papers. Denis, thinking that their conversation about Madame Mangin’s claim was over, was about to stand up. Then he saw Ferrand inclining his upper body toward him. “I know I kept my distance, Michel.”
Denis didn’t know how to react and went for a silent nod.
“I felt paralyzed,” continued the director. “That woman has been through hell. I know. I’ve lost two sons in this awful war. But they haven’t disappeared like her son has. They are officially dead. I was able to bury their remains. I can visit their tombstones in the churchyard in Lyon. Madame Mangin’s son is floating in the realm between the dead and the living. So she’s po
