Chapter 43

They stopped for coffee and discussed the pros and cons of where to go and where to stay. They decided that they could be in Perigeux during the late afternoon and still stay in Brantome at night. Then, if they could see Dr. Biot in the morning, they could easily return to Hautefort for dinner. Anything after that could be decided after they returned.

In Chateauroux, they stopped at the post office and Marie Claude called her brother. As luck would have it, he was home. They told him of their plans and what had transpired on the road. Constantin was disturbed by the near accident and reported that Dr Biot had called and wanted to speak to Bruce.

"We'll be in Brantome this evening. Try to call him. We'll be at the Vieux Logis. Tell him to join us for dinner at 8 PM. Otherwise, we'll be at his work shop in the morning. We'll be back in Hautefort during the afternoon."

"I'll be here, waiting," said Constantin," so don't rush."

A Change of Plans

"Change of plans," Marie Claude said. "Dr Biot wants to see you and I suggested dinner tonight. We can still go to Perigeux on the way home. It's not far."

Bruce took out a sheet of paper. "these are the names of people I was given by Marina Alvarez. She said all of them might know something about stolen paintings. We already met with Karl Hellstrom but look at this list."

Marie-Claude leaned forward and scanned the sheet. She looked up wide eyed. "Why didn't you show me this list before?"

"I was doing my job. I had to meet with people in a certain order. Here, let's go over the list." He read:

Sarlat : France Francheville…Art Historian
Amboise: Karl Hellstrom…dealer, re finisher (Done)
Brantome: Maitre Emile Picard Lawyer-agent (Done)
Brantome: Dr. Raymond Biot, Restorer (Done)

Dromme: David Denis Collector
Lascaux: Joseph Vimont Director, Lascaux

Bruce had added Detective Gilles Drolet in Montignac to the list.

Marie-Claude was stunned. They had already hit on Picard, Biot, Hellstrom and the detective in Montignac. "Could it be possible that they are all involved?"

Knowing Who the Culprits Are

"Not necessarily. Rina Alvarez must know who the culprits are and who else was involved. If she was in on the robbery she must have had a falling out with the others. If she was just following the case, she would know who was involved or who could help us. She appeared to be a lady with a grudge."

"She was no lady," Marie Claude half whispered.

"Well, "said Bruce, We'll have to interview them all before we know, unless Rina is just guessing. She may have the culprit listed somewhere in the group or there may be more than one person."

Marie-Claude sat back. "Or, she may be sending us on a wild goose chase. She would never act on my behalf."

"But," said Bruce, "she may be acting to save Carlos's hide. Maybe; just maybe, he is involved too. I think we should see everyone on the list and work it out for ourselves. Someone on this list knows more than he's saying."

"Or maybe a number of them do. Let's get started. Dr Biot called us. Let's see what he can lend to the mystery. On to Brantome."

They were back on the main highway but there was more optimism in the air.

(Click here for Chapter 44)