Kate's Parisian Escape

Chapter 29

August 6th, 2011

To: Katherine Perryman <dreamchaser89@gmail.com>

From: Henri De La Fontaine <dangerouslycharming26@gmail.com>

Re: Au Revoir

Ma Cherie,

I'll make this short. I realize now you were right. Our relationship was fini. I guess I got caught up in the moment and was feeling guilty about how we left things in Paris. But once I meant Bernadette it was clear to me where my affections lay. You are a wonderful woman and I hope we can still be friends. Thank you for the memories.

Au Revoir ma douce,

Henri

P.S. Watermelon is too sweet. What about peppermint?

Kate suddenly woke up in bed breathing heavily.

"What's wrong?" Jeremy asked, stirring beside her.

"It was Louie!" Kate exclaimed, throwing off the covers. "I was right!"

"What was Louie?" Jeremy inquired, still half asleep, "What are you talking about?"

"Follow me." Kate ordered.

Not bothering to change Kate left the room in her Juicy shorts and UOK track T-Shirt, courtesy of Ian Sherman.

Jeremy stumbled out of bed and hurried after her.

"Kate what's going on?"

Kate was now climbing the stairs to the third floor.

"Like I said. It was Louie! That's who the third set of footprints belonged to."

"But how do you know?" Jeremy asked, confused.

"You'll see. Just come on."

Kate stopped once they reached the music room and made a beeline for the piano bench.

"Let's see if I'm right."

Jeremy ran a hand through his disheveled hair and yawned. "What time is it? Around three do you think?"

"Who cares! You don't have to work in the morning."

Kate lifted the piano bench and smiled.

"Look!"

Jeremy leaned over. "What am I looking at?"

"It's the pistol Louie used to shoot Marc. He stashed it here before they escaped. I bet if we had it tested, we could link it back to Louie."

"But why would he leave it here? And how has it never been discovered before this?"

"I guess no one cared. Louie obviously didn't think anyone would think to look here."

"And you dreamed all this?"

Kate nodded. "Marc had a knife at Adaline's throat. That's why Louie shot him."

"But why did they all run away?" Jeremy asked. "With Marc dead Juliette had no reason to go."

"Juliette didn't actually love Marc. It was Louie she fancied. I'll need to do some more research. Maybe Juliette changed her name and is the woman Louie married."

Jeremy rubbed his head. "Okay, but can it wait. I still need about another five hours of sleep."

Kate stood up. "Sure. But in the morning, we'll need to contact the authorities about Louie's pistol."

"Right the authorities. I'll tell my dad to make the arrangements."

They returned to bed and Kate didn't hear any more voices.

In the morning Mr. Le Clair contacted the appropriate people. There was quite a hubbub as they carefully removed the pistol and further examined the music room. Mr. Le Clair kept instructing them to visit the gardens when they were done. Mrs. Le Clair wasn't the least bit interested and spent the day lounging at the pool.

The library didn't prove helpful in Kate's quest to learn further about Louie's wife, so she turned to Google instead. After a few dead ends she finally came across a picture of Louie and his wife Eloise with their children. Her hair was a bit different, darker, and she was a little heavier, no doubt from bearing three children, but it was clear to Kate. Eloise St. Martin was really Juliette Chevalier. According to the article the Tremblay's lived a fashionable lifestyle attending the theater and important balls Louie had been commissioned to play at. Despite his meager beginnings Louie rose to be one of the most renowned musicians of the eighteenth century and provided well for his family.

"I guess Juliette got her happily ever after, after all." Kate told Jeremy that evening as they sat in the gardens watching the sunset.

"Good for her. Good for them. And good for me that you're finally done with that mystery!"

Kate laughed. "It was quite annoying."

"I know. And if I may point out your role in this matter resembles the characteristics of a journalist."

Kate sighed. "Yes, I realized that."

"And?"

"I'm considering it. It does beat working at Applebee's."

Jeremy laughed. "Shall we turn in early?"

Based on the glint in Jeremy's eye she knew he didn't actually mean to sleep.

"Sounds lovely. But let's stop in the kitchen to get some wine and strawberries first."

"I was just thinking the same thing."

Jeremy gave her a quick kiss on the lips.

"Thank you for a wonderful summer."

"I should be thanking you! I still haven't made it up to you." Kate pointed out.

Jeremy grinned. "I can think of a few ways you can."

Kate smiled. So could she.

To: Henri De La Fontaine <dangerouslycharming26@gmail.com>

From: Katherine Perryman <dreamchaser89@gmail.com>

Re: Au Revoir

Henri,

Took you long enough! I'd ordinarily feel obligated to castrate you after you abandoned me a SECOND time for another woman. But I'm happy so I'll spare your balls. I don't think friendship is in the cards for us if we can't agree on the same flavor of gum. Peppermint? Really? Yuck! I wish you well but let's end our correspondence here. And just to ensure there is no confusion. DO NOT COME TO THE STATES TO SEE ME!

Your favorite girl from Kansas,

Kate

P.S. "Thanks for the memories?" You do realize that's a Fallout Boy song, right?

P.P.S. In that case, "Over You." That's a song by Chris Daughtry in case you didn't know. The real winner of American Idol Season 5!!