PARIS PREFECT Clement Moreau smiled at Dino across the table of the elegant five-star café where they were having brunch. “This is purely a social call?”
“Yes and no.”
“Tell me about the ‘no.’”
“I am here on vacation. My doctor actually advised me to take a break. He said the office of police commissioner is not conducive to my health.”
“I get the same thing from my wife. She says the job is taking years off my life.”
“Do you agree with her?”
“Absolutely. She’s one hundred percent right, which makes her hard to argue with. She is hard enough to argue with when she is one hundred percent wrong.”
Dino grinned. “I share your pain.”
“You were telling me why you are here.”
“I’m here to see you. I was telling you the part of my visit that is not entirely social.”
“Always the diplomat.”
“So?”
“What is that part?”
The waiter came and set their quiches in front of them.
“I’ll have another Parisienne,” Dino said.
“Two.”
Dino dug in with his fork.
The prefect held up his hand. “Remember the last time you had Quiche Alsacienne?”
The last time Dino took a large bite of the Gruyère and onion quiche he wound up chugging his Parisienne in a vain attempt to cool his scalded throat. Reminded, he carved out a small bite of quiche, and let it sit on the fork to cool.
“So, what can I do for you?” Moreau said.
Dino grimaced. “Like I said, I’m here on vacation. My wife practically forced me to go. She would be very upset if I were to become involved in any police action while I am here.”
“I understand.”
“A crime is about to be committed. Ordinarily, I would like to work with you to stop it, but I don’t want a divorce. I want to go home to my wife and give her a chance to show me how pleased she is with me for keeping out of trouble.”
He smiled. “I can see how you would.”
“That’s why I’m asking you for this favor. I need you to keep my name out of this entirely. As far as the media is concerned, the case was uncovered by you and your department.”
“You expect media involvement?”
“I’m afraid it’s unavoidable. The arrest is going to make news. You will be pestered for interviews.”
“Hmm.” The prefect considered the prospect. It did not displease him. “Well, if I must, I must. Why is this such a high-visibility case?”
“Because of the man you will be arresting.”
“And who is that?”
“Rene Darjon.”