Nicole came over to him and stroked his hair. "We'll be beside you every moment, Auguste."
The menace of rope or bullet or knife seemed driven off a bit, as Guichard put another log on the fire and they began to talk about going to Vandalia, finding a lawyer—perhaps Thomas Ford again—and filing suit against Raoul. There was still the possibility—the likelihood—of failure. But at least he might come through alive.
The clock struck two.
A sharp banging on the door startled Auguste. Everyone fell silent, dreading what might be out there.
Guichard went to the door, opened it a crack, then pulled it wide.
Auguste saw a flash of blond hair under a bonnet and eyes of deepest blue. The sudden leap of his heart lifted him out of his chair. He barely heard the little serving table beside him topple over, spilling his brandy.
He ran to Nancy, holding out his arms.
The lenses on the desk stared accusingly up at Raoul.