BY 2:20 A.M., DELANNOY was at his wits' end. He had very clearly told Coralie that he wanted a call to his private cell phone when the task had been completed. What part of that had she not understood?385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOvfPpwQJST
He nursed his Scotch, his cell phone in his other hand. He sat in his love seat and pondered his future. It'd be bright, after this. He'd had all kinds of aspirations of climbing the ladder at the Ministry of Justice and Liberty, but he'd never dreamed of the good fortune that would befall him when Mischa Barton walked into his life.
But dammit, she'd been difficult. If only she'd confessed, she could have lived. This was, ultimately, her own doing. 385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5fnKz3SU3l
He jumped as his phone rang. But not his cell. His landline. His home phone was ringing?385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYD2BeMrCux
He picked up the phone in the bedroom. "Hello?" he cautiously answered in French. He looked at his reflection n the dresser mirror.385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBQ5ZZSK4s3
"Sir, this is Isabelle, the AC on duty right now."385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIAaPpaYIUk
The administrative commander who went by the nickname Liz. Sure. Coralie must have forgotten to call. But no matter now. They'd found Mischa, obliviously. Someone had turned on the security camera and found her swinging from the ceiling by a bed strap. And now they were dutifully calling the warden.385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1yNrAGohl8
"Yes, Isabelle."385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa4e9z8mlSw
"Sir, I have some bad news."385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡca0zOUsKmH
And Delannoy would be sure to treat it as such. Shock, indignation, the works. 385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKB8e5ptHmL
"It's Mischa Barton, sir."385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMgokhZnU5R
"I see," he said. "Tell me what's happened." How calm and commanding he sounded. A leader in control during a time of crisis. No doubt for this prisoner there would be inquiries tomorrow morning, and he'd accommodate the media by making himself available for them. He'd already picked out the suit and tie he'd wear, a new orange Hermes tie.....385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcxWaft1oyD
As he listened to Isabelle, his blood went cold.385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB5VOMQZz8H
He closed his eyes and felt a catch in his throat, tension immediately forming above his eyes.385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6J3gs9XJlw
"Tell me----you're joking," he said to his hand.385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvHdUYJh1f1
It was a moment before he realized that he'd dropped the phone. 385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBsSQmQGLRm
