Sandman Read Free Page B

of consequence. For us to …’ The sous-préfet in charge of Neuilly gave a helpless shrug. ‘For us to keep them from the body of their little niece is just not right and can only lead to trouble.’
    An understanding nod would be best. ‘All the same, Sous-préfet, we have to stick to protocol and to orders. The Kommandant von Gross-Paris has specifically stated the relatives are not to see her yet.’ This was not true, but what the hell. ‘Who told them it was her?’
    The lead-grey rheumy eyes that had sought him out ducked away to the lantern. ‘I did. Please, I have kept the news from them for as long as I could. Madame Vernet, she … she has torn her cheeks with her fingernails and is … is blaming herself.’
    Kohler swept his eyes over the dodgy little pseudo-Führer with the tiny grey moustache. ‘Self-immolation, eh? Hey, that means remorse, my fine one Who reported the killing to you?’
    â€˜Remorse …? Ah, Foumier, one of my best men. He … he was discreet. Please believe me, we held off for as long as possible.’
    â€˜Who invited the press?’
    â€˜No one. All will soon be charged with breaking the curfew and will spend the rest of the night in the cells. If we smash a few cameras that is just too bad, since it is all but impossible to replace them.’
    Curfew was at midnight now unless otherwise reduced as a citywide punishment and reprisal in addition to the taking of hostages for some act of terrorism or disobedience. Kohler glanced beyond the sous-préfet to the darkened shapes of the members of the news media. Paris-Soir, Le Matin , et cetera, et cetera. All collaborationist and controlled, as were Radio-Paris and Radio-Vichy. ‘Did your man tear her coat pocket when he took a look at her identity papers?’
    Indignantly the sous-préfet leapt to the defence. ‘Her pocket …? Ah, but … but I myself have asked him this and he has denied it. Please, we are not so careless.’
    â€˜Then why the subservience, Sous-préfet? Why the hangdog look? I’m not about to eat you.’
    â€˜Nor I you, particularly as there are others who are hungry for the hearts and livers of a certain two detectives.’
    â€˜Where’s Talbotte?’ asked Kohler suspiciously.
    It would be best to fry the goose in axle grease and not to smile as the flames consumed it, even though, when seen in the lantern light, the Bavarian, he was especially formidable. ‘The préfet of Paris and the Île-de-France is keeping his distance, since the Kommandant von Gross-Paris is completely in charge of the investigation.’
    â€˜And your boss hates my partner with a passion. Hey, I think I’ve got the message.’ Insidiously jealous of his turf, Préfet Talbotte had been flattened by Louis on a recent case. Unfortunately, the Sûreté’s gumshoe had told the préfet in no uncertain terms that he had been gathering evidence against him. Evidence of corruption outright collaboration and worse. Ah nom de Dieu, de Dieu , things were never easy and could only get more difficult. ‘Let me talk to the one who found her. Tell the relatives we don’t want to see them anywhere near here and will call on them shortly. Oh, by the way, where are her mother and father?’
    The préset had warned him of these two detectives. He was to ‘cooperate’ but to do so while keeping one hand behind his back, fingers crossed. ‘Dead also, but some time ago.’
    â€˜Dead?’
    â€˜Yes. The aunt and uncle are raising her as their own. Monsieur Vernet makes things for the submarines of Herr Dönitz. Other little items also. Tank parts, gun parts, munitions and explosives. Classified things. He is very important, very well connected and not inclined to take no for an answer, but I, ah! I am sure he will find the will to understand your request, though he will most certainly bring the