The Cardinal's Blades

3

The comte de Rochefort was waiting in one of the confessionals in the Saint-Eustache church when, at the appointed hour, someone sat down on the other side of the opening occluded by tiny wooden crossbars.

“His Eminence,” Rochefort said, “reproaches you for not having warned him about La Fargue’s plans.”

“What plans?”

“The ones that permitted Malencontre to escape from Le Chatelet.”

“I didn’t know about them.”

“Really?”

“Yes.”

“That’s difficult to believe. So where is Malencontre hiding?” the comte demanded.

“La Fargue gave him his liberty in exchange for the information that allowed them to rescue Agnes. And, in the process, to strike a blow at the Black Claw. If he has an ounce of good sense, Malencontre has already left the kingdom.”

“That’s regrettable.”

“I had rather imagined that defeating the Black Claw would be cause for rejoicing…”

“Don’t be clever with me. That’s not what we’re paying you for… Did you know that this so-called Cecile was in fact La Fargue’s daughter?”

There was an eloquent silence.

“No,” the man said finally.

“Well, now you do. His Eminence wishes to know where she is.”

“In a safe place.”

“That’s not what I asked you.”

“Cecile, or whatever her name may be, is simply a victim in this whole affair. She deserves to be left in peace.”

“No doubt. But you haven’t answered my question.”

“And I won’t answer it.” The man’s tone led Rochefort to understand that it would be futile to insist.

“As you will,” the comte said resignedly. “But I have to tell you, Marciac, you’re hardly earning your wages.”