Page 65 of Mountain Security

“What do you mean, Théo?” Yvette asked. “Think about what could have happened.”

“Iamthinking about it! I haven’t thought of anything else since—since this morning.”

Alex growled. He took hold of Théo’s shirt and lifted the man until he was standing on tiptoes. “You bastard. You could have killed her.”

“No! Alex!”

“Who gave you the package?”

“I don’t know his name. But I had to do it … Otherwise—“

“Otherwise what?”

For a moment, it looked like Théo was going to reply. Then two police cars rolled into the street, lights flashing.

Théo paled.

“I want to see my lawyer,” he whispered as two gendarmes stepped out of the first vehicle.

21

* * *

Alex

Tristan drove them to Yvette’s apartment.

“I’m sorry,” Yvette said, her hand on the car door. “I didn’t catch your name.”

His colleague stepped out of the vehicle and offered her his hand. “No need to apologize,MademoiselleLegrand. My name is Tristan. Tristan Devallé.”

Yvette perked up when she heard his accent. “You’re aChamonard.”

Tristan nodded. “Born and bred. My father was in the PGHM, and I always knew that’s what I wanted to do as well. Well, that, and fly helicopters.” His expression went serious. “I’m sorry for what you’re going through. I’ll call you, Alex.”

Alex nodded and waved goodbye. He didn’t want Yvette out in the open any longer than necessary. The conversation with Théo Lambert had left a sour taste in his mouth.

The key shook in Yvette’s hands. Alex took it from her gently and unlocked the door, pushing it open for her.

Yvette walked through and looked back at him uncertainly.

“I’m coming inside,” Alex said. He wasn’t in the mood for games. “I’m not leaving you alone, Yvette. Not until we know what’s going on.”

“Thank you, Alex.” He was glad to see relief in her face. “I need to … I need to call Pierre. And I should go—“

“No. You’re not going to thegendarmerie. Not tonight.”

“But Théo …”

“Tristan was on his way, and the rest of my team is there already. They’ll call me as soon as they know more.”

“Théo’s not a bad man,” Yvette insisted. “Is he going to be okay?”

So fucking loyal.

Alex shrugged, remembering how close Yvette had been to the package. If it’d been a real bomb, they wouldn’t be having this conversation. Théo’s well-being was low on his list of priorities.

What was high on his list of priorities was Yvette, who’d taken off her woolen coat and was standing there, shivering, even though the central heating was on high.

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