Chapter 45

Constantin was in the garden with Marcel when they arrived. They were surprised to see their car and even more surprised on learning the news.

They sat in the dining room and discussed the events along the Loire and the Biot situation. Marcel was invited to join them.
"So what do you suggest?" Constantin asked.

Bruce wasn't sure. "I am going back to Montignac to talk to the detective again. Then I have a few other people to see."

Bruce produced the list. "Do you know any of these people?"

Constantin Studies the List

Constantin studied the list. "I know France Francheville. She knows everyone in Art circles. I have obviously met the detective in Montignac and I have met both Joseph Vimont of Lascaux II at a number of functions. He's a charmer. I also know David Denis. We've done business before. He's a connoisseur of the Impressionists. Who prepared the list?"

When he heard the name Marina Alvarez, his color changed. He turned red. "She's not to be trusted. As far as I'm concerned she might give you a list just to throw you off. I do not trust that lady for obvious reasons."

Marie Claude agreed. "I wouldn't call her a lady."

Bruce was resigned. Things are starting to happen. We had what might or might not be an accident and one of the people we interviewed was violently attacked. I wonder if there's a connection.

Just then the phone rang. It was Emile Picard. He and Constantin talked for a while. When he returned to the table he sat down heavily. "It seems that Dr. Biot is in a weakened condition. They don't expect him be able to talk to anyone for a while."

"What happened, exactly?" from Bruce.

Things Get Out of Hand

"As I understand it, he owed someone some money. They sent someone to collect and things got out of hand. They destroyed some paintings and he was hit. He only passed out when he lost blood. He had time to call the police."

"He didn't strike me as the sort of man who would owe money to that sort of person."

Constantin sighed. "You never know."

Clo was worried. "Too many things are going wrong. I'm worried."

Bruce suggested they go to the hospital on their way south. Maybe we can get some informatiom."

"Where will you go? Who will you see first?"

Bruce thought. "We'll decide in the morning. Will you come with me?"

"I will join you when you go south but you go to Brantome yourself. Then come back."

As the group broke up, Marcel took Bruce's bag and walked with him to his room.

"Monsieur, Kellner," he started, "when you first arrived you asked me to think of all the workmen who had been here before the drawing was found to be missing. I have been thinking of it and I remembered something. I think it might be important."

Bruce sat down while Marcel explained.

Marcel Begins to Explain

"Some time last September a tree fell during a storm. Some windows were broken. One was in the room that held the drawing. We hired a glass company in Brantome to repair the glass. It was a company that was suggested by Dr. Raymond Biot. Apparently they had done some work for him and he recommended them as people who did excellent work. The actual replacing of the glass was done by one of their workmen who had full access to that room.

" The window and frame in question had been badly damaged.
It was removed completely and covered with boards for about a week before the repaired window was installed. We paid no heed to the amount of time the window was away. Nor were we aware of the possibility of a theft. But now, looking back, I think it's the kind of thing I should report to you.

" Perhaps it was at that time that people unknown to us had private access to the room. I must add, however that when they completed the job and left, the original drawing was still in its place. I saw it there myself."

Bruce thought for a moment. "Perhaps you thought it was the original and it had already been taken. Is that possible?"

"I don't think so, monsieur. The Original and the replacement in the frame were quite different. Even to me, it was obvious."

Bruce thanked Marcel, made some notes and prepared for bed.

(Click here for Chapter 46)