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?288Please respect copyright.PENANAVzFYgz4V9h
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. 288Please respect copyright.PENANA8x2elcoIhk
He jumped as his phone rang. But not his cell. His landline. His home phone was ringing?288Please respect copyright.PENANAFuRdOnYtB5
He picked up the phone in the bedroom. "Hello?" he cautiously answered in French. He looked at his reflection n the dresser mirror.288Please respect copyright.PENANAXsqQGdC485
"Sir, this is Isabelle, the AC on duty right now."288Please respect copyright.PENANAttD0jfutin
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.288Please respect copyright.PENANAafobpEL4ry
"Yes, Isabelle."288Please respect copyright.PENANAUqj7wU2Ykd
"Sir, I have some bad news."288Please respect copyright.PENANAJq6QmJr6b8
And Delannoy would be sure to treat it as such. Shock, indignation, the works. 288Please respect copyright.PENANAz1FYabyewU
"It's Mischa Barton, sir."288Please respect copyright.PENANAHYnSqRPkuA
"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.....288Please respect copyright.PENANAiDDh78A6mb
As he listened to Isabelle, his blood went cold.288Please respect copyright.PENANAOjJ4E9sLL3
He closed his eyes and felt a catch in his throat, tension immediately forming above his eyes.288Please respect copyright.PENANA2dfYmZ6aMk
"Tell me----you're joking," he said to his hand.288Please respect copyright.PENANA6bmVa5xEiw
It was a moment before he realized that he'd dropped the phone. 288Please respect copyright.PENANApUWS9PoykY