Chapter 51

It was Monday morning when the trio started back to Hautefort. They planned to stop at the Chateau and then visit Dr. Biot. The highways were clear of traffic and they'd be home by noon.

At the same time Karl Hellstrom chose a plain black Citroen and headed off to Brantome. His shop was always closed on Mondays so there was no need to call. He told his mechanic he'd be back by nightfall. He had dressed in a conservative dark suit and had loaded a large black portfolio filled with inexpensive paintings. He was concerned at the sudden need to travel to Brantome but he was not worried. All this would soon change.

In the hospital Biot received heavy sedation and blood thinners. He was in dangerous condition but there was a good chance he would live. Marie - Claude had sent some flowers to the hospital.

(Carlos and Marina get their wares together in Barcelona)

In Barcelona, Carlos and Marina were getting their wares together to be set up at a giant auction at Montserrat. They would have to start early as the opening was set for noon. Little did they know how much they were on the minds of so many people in France.

Near Perigueux Carlo di Palma slept after a night of heavy drinking.
At 7 a.m. Stefan di Palma left for his job at the glass repair shop. He hadn't eaten breakfast and the rain made him more surely than ever. The day would turn out differently for all of them.

End of part 2

(Click here for Part III End Game and Chapter 52)