Page 59 of Atlas: The Story of Pa Salt
I clenched my fists in frustration. ‘No! I said that I couldneverhave killed a woman!’
Elle put a comforting hand on my back. ‘I sincerely doubt that’s what Toussaint will say. And remember, Bo, you did stab him with a chisel.’ I saw Brouilly’s eyes widen.
‘Only in self-defence,’ I replied honestly.
‘I know that. But you have no paperwork, and therefore Toussaint will have the advantage.’
I could feel tears stinging my eyes. ‘I will have to run again. As you all know, I am well practised in it. After all, I need to finish the search for my father. If he is anywhere, it will be in Switzerland. I will make for the border. Elle, I—’
‘Will be accompanied by me,’ she interrupted me.
I shook my head vigorously. ‘No, you don’t understand. You have witnessed what an attachment to me entails. I cannot allow you to come with me.’
Elle took my hand. ‘Bo, until I met you, my existence was sad and monotonous. You changed everything. If you are leaving, then I am too.’ She hugged me. Evelyn clasped her hand to her chest, and I saw Brouilly throw his head back in an attempt to assuage any tears.
‘Please,’ I begged. ‘I need you safe.’
Laurent snapped. ‘For God’s sake, Bo, will you listen to her?’ He threw his hands up in frustration. ‘Do you not realise that love is all there is? Take it from one who knows. This young woman worships the ground you walk on, and clearly you reciprocate. Do not make the same mistakes that I have, Bo. Life is short. Live for love, and nothing else.’
I looked into Elle’s eyes, and knew that the matter required no further contemplation. ‘Very well. We will make our way to the border when night falls this evening.’
‘Borders this and borders that!’ Evelyn exclaimed. ‘For goodness’ sake, Bo, do you really think that your Evelyn would allow you to be resigned to such a fate?’
I looked at her, confused. ‘I do not understand.’
She sighed. ‘Ever since the day you arrived in Paris, Monsieur Landowski has known that you were running from something, and that you chose not to speak because you were scared. As a consequence, he was shrewd enough to know that at some stage, you might need to leave Paris. He resolved to help you, and has made plans accordingly.’ Evelyn presentedme with a cream envelope. ‘I am pleased to tell you that as of this morning, Bo, you are the winner of the esteemed Prix Blumenthal.’
My jaw dropped.
‘What’s that, Evelyn?’ Elle asked.
‘Do you remember, Bo?’ She looked at me, and I took my cue.
‘It is a prize awarded by the American philanthropist Florence Blumenthal to a young artist or musician. Monsieur Landowski is a judge. But Evelyn, I don’t understand... How is it that I have come to win the prize?’
‘Monsieur Landowski made arrangements with Florence in 1930, shortly before her death. Apparently, Miss Florence was very moved by your story, and it was agreed that if you were to face jeopardy here in Paris, you would be awarded the prize, and the subsequent funds used to ensure your safety.’
I was in a state of disbelief.
‘Congratulations, Bo,’ Elle said warmly.
‘Apologies,’ Evelyn smiled. ‘I should have mentioned that the prize will be shared.’
‘I’m sorry?’ Elle queried.
‘You are also a recipient of the Prix Blumenthal. Monsieur Landowski ensured that both of you would be looked after in the event of a disaster.’
‘Oh my goodness,’ Elle said, in a state of shock. I took her hand, a grin creeping onto my face despite everything.
‘Of course, you’ll both be glad to know that a condition of the prize is that you must continue your instrumental studies. You have been awarded it for your musicianship after all.’
‘How will that work, Evelyn?’ I asked.
‘Arrangements will be made for you to transfer from the Conservatoire de Paris to another European conservatory. Luckily Monsieur Landowski is not short of contacts, and Iam waiting to hear back from him regarding instructions for your onward journey.’
‘That man with the ridiculous moustache is quite brilliant,’ stammered Brouilly.
‘He is, Laurent. I telegrammed him this morning. He is working out a plan and will inform me of his decision later.’
