As promised, Jean-Pierre phoned Chrissie at the cottage after he left Eamon. She almost became hysterical when he explained that it appeared Nick had been kidnapped but he insisted that she calm down and listen carefully to what he had to say.
“It’s important that you stay where you are and under no circumstances contact the police.”
“But you just said ...” she started.
“Just listen to me and do as I say. I’m going to contact the police myself. I know the Customs and Excise police well and they will take care of it. This man Bulmer must have contacts here at the detention centre or at least his counterpart here in Paris does. I do not want to alarm him. We have no idea what might happen.”
This frightened her even more.
“But what about us here?” she asked.
“I am confident they are not interested in Sally any longer but I think you should stay in the safety of the country for the time being. We could jeopardise both Nick’s and Eamon’s chances if we interfere.”
“I don’t know what is going on, Jean-Pierre. This is frightening. I’m scared,” she cried.
“Please, Chrissie, you must trust me. I know what I am doing,” he lied.
He said goodbye and promised to call her later that evening as it was still early. He replaced the receiver on the public phone booth outside the detention centre in case anyone heard him. He then drove the two blocks to the European Customs and Excise Police Headquarters close to l’Arc de Triomphe.
On arriving, he made his way straight up to the reception on the second floor.
“I must see Chief Inspector Bisson immediately,” he said to the very disinterested receptionist.
“Do you have an appointment?” she asked.
“No, I haven’t,” he replied and pulled out a card from his top pocket. “Here is my card. It’s important that I see Bisson now. It concerns the smuggling case he is working on.”
“Perhaps I can help you,” a voice said from behind.
Jean-Pierre turned around and Inspector Sablon from the Bois de Boulogne Gendarmerie was standing there.
“The chief inspector is not here at the moment but I am aware of the case you refer to and perhaps I can help,” he said.
“Damn,” said Jean-Pierre. “I need to see him urgently.”
“Please, come with me,” said Sablon and turned toward an office door a few feet away.
The inspector smiled at him.
“It’s okay, you can trust me,” said Sablon.
Jean-Pierre hesitated. Sablon was not a member of the customs force and it was odd to find him here at their headquarters. But then everything about this case was odd. He led Jean-Pierre to a small office and told him to take a seat.
“Would you like some coffee?” he asked.
“I have not come here for a coffee evening,” Jean-Pierre snapped. “My friends in London and here in Paris are in danger and I need the help of the police.”
Sablon sat opposite him. “Please continue.”
Jean-Pierre hesitated then quickly explained some of the basic details of the case without giving away too much. He knew Bisson well and was unsure if Sablon could be trusted. He explained that his client, Eamon, wanted to make a full confession but his partner had been kidnapped.
Sablon’s expression did not change but he listened carefully to all that Jean-Pierre had to say.
“Do you understand what I’m saying, Inspector? Somebody in the detention centre is involved. My client could be in danger either from other inmates or a guard and if we contact the British police, you would have no jurisdiction over them. That’s why I need to see Bisson. Eamon must have special protection.”
Sablon sighed and rested back in his chair.
Jean-Pierre became impatient and stood up.
“Inspector Sablon, have you understood any of this? You have detention cells here for witnesses and it’s important my client is moved here now, tonight.”
“Please, sit down,” Sablon said calmly. “I have understood all you have said. But more to the point, I am aware of most of it.”
“What do you mean?” Jean-Pierre asked. “How can you be? What involvement do you have?”
Jean-Pierre thought he may have made an error in being so open with Sablon, who could have played a part in passing the note to Eamon. The only thing he was sure of was that Bisson could be trusted.
“But how do you know all this?” he asked.
“Your client is a witness, but in a much larger and grander case than you may have imagined. His contacts in France are my concern and the man he was carrying the drugs for is the one I am anxious to protect him from. I was not aware of the note he received.”
Jean-Pierre was confused.
“What do you mean?” he asked.
Sablon stood and scratched his head.
“It was not the intention to involve you in this area. However, now you are and you had better come with me. I’ll explain it all on the way.”