Page 85 of The Devil Wears Orange
“Legally,” Jack says, “the Swiss police were called in because a robbery was taking place.”
“Yes, that’s very true,” remarks Favreau.
I look from Jack to Favreau and consider them both liars. I wonder how long Favreau has actually known about our plan. Of course, they wanted to catch us in the act to retrieve the goods.
“Yes, yes,” says Frick, staring at the paperwork on his desk with a look of contemplation. “However, I must say no one suspected that such a respected businessman would hold these works. Well,” Fricke says and stands, “you must be exhausted. I suggest you remain in town for a few days while we continue to uncover the cache of stolen art. Come back tomorrow, and we will continue our conversation. We have booked you rooms at the Hotel St. Moritz, courtesy of the Swiss government. It is our way of thanking you.”
“You mean it’s all over?” I say in dismay.
“In a few days, it will be. We will make a joint announcement, both the Swiss and French police, about the recovery. This is the result when several agencies work in tandem. And you, Ms. Milton, will be fully exonerated at that press conference,” Favreau says, then, turning to Jack, he adds, “as promised.”
Jack didn’t abandon me after all. I offer him a feeble smile, little compensation given that I left him back on the mountain when the shooting started.
Favreau says, “It will take a while, but many of these works have reward money attached. It should be a significant amount.”
“Whatever is coming my way should be given to Ms. Milton,” Rashid says. “After all, between the three, she’s the one who had her reputation wrongfully damaged by all this.”
Jack fidgets in his chair, and his eyes flick to Rashid. “And mine too. She can have it all,” Jack says, straightening himself in his chair.
I feel as though I’m sitting between two peacocks. I turn to Jack again. Then the Prince. I feel a headache coming on.
***
“Well,” I say once I’m alone with Jack and Rashid in the corridor outside Inspector Fricke’s office, “you have some explaining to do, Professor.”
“Yes,” he whispers and looks behind us. “I’m afraid I had no time to notify you of what was going to happen. I had to think fast and make a deal with Favreau, bring him into the fold. I had no idea it would go as far as it did with all the shooting. But it’s over now, and your reputation is intact.” Jack looks past me. “Favreau is calling me back. I’ll see what he wants,” he says, departing.
“Which means we can get back to the business of our magazine,” says Rashid.
I hadn’t thought about the magazine since we started working on the heist. In fact, even now that my name will be cleared, I’m not interested in asking Pierre for my old job back, either. Saving my career and reputation were the impetus behind this entire scheme, and yet the last few weeks have shown me an alternate to that life. “Let’s put a pin in that. I’m exhausted and could really use a vacation.”
Rashid says, “Let me take you away on a journey through Africa while we put the magazine on hold. You’ll love it there. Think of it as a sabbatical…for the both of us,” Rashid says, cocking an eyebrow playfully. “We can run with the elephants, live with the gorillas...”
I picture myself trampled by the elephants and eaten by the gorillas. “Do you ever stop with the adventures?”
Rashid looks at me hard and, in a quiet tone, says, “If I stopped, I’d die. I’m a few months away from my thirty-eighth birthday then…I…I…”
“You join your father.”
Shoulders lowered, his voice softer, he says, “I join my father and behave like the Crown Prince I’m supposed to be.”
He’s surrendering to the life his father set out for him, giving up who he is to become the man he’s expected to be, yet I know the reason Rashid’s sacrificing himself is for his people. He told me once that he had no power, and I thought him wrong, that he was strong enough to fight against that belief. But it was me who was wrong. I didn’t fully understand the pressure he was under to conform, and a lifetime of being told he had one path.
I chose my path. But, for years I hadn’t noticed when, bit by bit, my job took over every facet of my life. I watched from the sidelines as old friends from university married, had children, and drifted away. I’d love to drop everything and not think about the future for a while, disregard schedules and deadlines. But I’m a grownup with a mortgage to pay, and if I don’t settle down soon, I may miss out on the family life I’ve always wanted. And really, what’s Rashid offering me anyway? What Rashid hasn’t said and what I know is that he’ll also choose a wife approved by his father. Spoiler alert. It won’t be me.
I bite down on my lower lip. “I’m afraid your adventures may just kill me. In fact, I think I’ve had just about enough adventure to last a lifetime or two. I need space to get away from everything and…” I look from Rashid to Jack speaking with Favreau down the corridor. “Everyone.” It’s not until the words tumble out from my mouth that I realize I’ve made my decision.
I choose me.
“Well,” Rashid says, a look of dismay on his face, “not being with you is an immeasurable loss but there’s no blame in this. My responsibilities, my birthright…”
“Will keep us apart,” I finish. “Like star-crossed lovers.”
“Have I missed something?” says Jack, returning.
Neither Rashid or I respond to Jack’s question.
“I’ll see you both tomorrow.” Rashid gently brushes up against my cheek and kisses it. He steps toward Jack and extends hishand. “It’s been a pleasure. I much prefer you as a partner than a challenger.”
