Nina and asking whether they were all right. Detective Petit arrived too and asked whether all had gone to plan. Lyra told him that Francois Vilian had taken her purse. Detective Petit was pleased and told Lyra not to worry about him getting away as he had Police officers at each of the exits waiting to follow Francois to the money.
Detective Petit, wearing gloves carefully picked up the gun from the floor and placed it into a plastic bag. He asked Lyra what had happened to make Francois drop the gun. Lyra replied that she did not know. The detective bid them a hasty farewell and said that he would contact them later in the day or in the morning when they had more news. Detective Petit was happy that now he had the gun and that it would have finger prints from Francois.
As Lyra and Nina trailed behind their parents Nina whispered to Lyra “What did you do to him Lyra?” “I don’t know Nina,” Lyra replied “I just wished that the gun would get hot so he would have to drop it and then he did drop it.” “I saw his hands Lyra, they looked burnt” said Nina. “How did you do that?” “I don’t even know if I did that Nina. I have no idea what happened. I was just scared and angry at him.”
At least with Francois Vilain gone, they could all relax. They enjoyed a long lunch in a cute French restaurant and then walked along the banks of the Seine in the afternoon sun. They all felt very relieved to know that their adventure with the thief was at an end. However they also were curious to know whether he would be captured and whether the money would be recovered.
As a treat Mum and Dad bought them some lovely clothes and of course, a new silver purse for Lyra to replace the stolen one. They had loads of shopping bags to carry. They stopped for a late afternoon crepe before heading back to the hotel again. It had been a very adventurous day.
Day 8 - A reward
The telephone rang at exactly nine the next morning as they were finishing breakfast. It was Detective Petit. He asked for them all to visit him at the police station at ten that morning.
When they arrived there was a crowd of people surrounding the station and many television reporters and cameramen. Something exciting sure was happening. They squeezed their way through the crowd to the front of the station. A police officer stopped them and asked who they were. Dad explained that they were there to see Detective Petit.
As they entered the building Detective Petit came to greet them. He had a big smile on his face. He led them all into a meeting room and offered them a drink. They sat down at a large table and then Detective Petit started to explain. “After we left you at Galeries Lafayette, we were able to follow Francois Vilain. We followed him all day without him noticing us. Finally at about nine o’clock last night he went into Gare du Nord train station. At the very back of the station there are many lockers for luggage storage. Francois Vilain walked to one of these lockers, put in the key that you had in your purse Lyra, and opened the locker. It was then that my whole team of police officers surrounded him. Thanks to you Lyra, he did not have a gun and so there was nothing he could do but wait for us to put on handcuffs and take him away. Inside the locker was a black sports bag with the ten Million Euros. The operation was a great success!”
Detective Petit was very excited and pleased with himself. He continued. “Our plan worked. We now have Francois Vilain locked in a cell in the police station and we have all the money stolen from the Banque de Paris. Without your help we could never have solved this crime. Now I have someone who would like to meet you all.”
The door opened and in walked a very tall police officer. He looked very important. Detective Petit introduced him. “Police Chief Martin please let me introduce you to Lyra, Nina and Mr and Mrs Taner.” Police Chief Martin shook each of their hands with a big smile. “It is a pleasure to meet you all. I would like to thank you all very much for helping in solving one of the biggest bank robberies we have ever had in France.” He turned to Lyra and Nina. “You young ladies were very brave to help Detective Petit. Many adults would not have done what you did. Now if you could all please follow me to the front of the police station.”
They walked out of the front door of the police station where the reporters and cameraman were waiting. Everyone grew silent as the Police Chief put up his hand to signal that he wanted to speak. He began. “Good morning everyone. As you have heard late yesterday we have arrested Francois Vilain in relation to the bank robbery at the Banque de Paris. We were able to recover all of the stolen money.” There was loud applause from the crowd.
“I would like to recognise Detective Petit for solving this crime and commend him on the operation. Detective Petit is one of the top detectives in Paris. However the Paris Police had some valuable information and help that enabled us to solve this crime. I would like to introduce you to Lyra and Nina Taner from Melbourne, Australia. “
Chief Martin signalled for Lyra and Nina to come and stand beside him. “On behalf of the Paris Police, I would like to provide you, Lyra and Nina, each with a certificate and a small reward for your assistance and bravery.” He handed each of the girls a certificate and an oversized cheque. Lyra and Nina looked at the cheque. It was for five hundred Euros. Their eyes nearly popped out of their heads.
Lyra and Nina looked up at Police Chief Martin and said in unison “Thank you very much!”. The crowd laughed and applauded. The cameramen were all trying to take their picture. However Police Chief Martin was not yet finished. “Lyra and Nina, we are sorry that your holiday and first visit to Paris was ruined by this terrible criminal. We would like to make sure that you leave our city with very good memories and not bad ones. I would like to ask you about what you have most enjoyed here in Paris or would like most to see in the time you have left here?” Lyra and Nina looked at each other, and immediately answered together with “Euro Disney!” The crowd laughed again.
“Then Lyra and Nina, we will arrange for you both to visit Euro Disney again but as a private night time visit” said Chief Martin. “That is the least we can do to give you our thanks and ensure that you visit Paris again one day.” Lyra and Nina could not believe it. Their own tour of Euro Disney! Wow! Five hundred Euros each! Wow! It was fantastic. They both couldn’t resist jumping up and down in excitement and then hugging Chief Martin. All the reporters laughed loudly and photographers shot photo after photo. This was the best day ever.
After standing for a few more pictures, Chief Martin led them back inside the station again. Everyone was smiling. He turned to them all and said “Again I thank you all for your assistance. Detective Petit will take care of you now and organise all the details for your visit to Euro Disney. If you ever visit Paris again please do let us know. We will always remember you for your good deeds.” Police Chief Martin shook hands with Mum and Dad and then left to return to his office.
Detective Petit took them back into the meeting room and they all sat down again. Someone had put big plates of baguettes on the table for lunch for them all. “So are you as happy as I am?” he asked. “We thank you Detective Petit for catching that criminal and for the reward money” said Dad. “It is very generous of you.” Detective Petit shook his head “No, it was you coming to us that led us to arresting the robber and we are truly grateful. I am also now famous!” said Detective Petit with a big smile. “Now, I will have someone arrange a private evening visit to Euro Disney for you tomorrow. I will pick you up myself in my police car in the afternoon and drive you there. It will be good for me to have some time off too as a reward! Will that suit you all?” he asked. “Yes,” they all answered. “Then have some lunch now and I will see you all tomorrow afternoon at four o’clock.”
As they later left the Police Station, reporters tried to take their picture and ask them questions. Lyra and Nina smiled and walked through the crowd back to their hotel. They felt like they were famous stars!
What an ama
zing day. Lyra and Nina talked excitedly together about the money they had received and their very own private visit to Euro Disney. It was a dream come true. They would never forget this day.
Day 9 - Euro Disney again
The next day, Lyra and Nina woke up to see the sun shining. It was a beautiful day and perfect for a visit to Euro Disney. Unfortunately they would have to wait until the afternoon when Euro Disney was closed to the public, before they could go though.
Lyra and Nina spent time in their room playing games and writing in their journals about their trip. Nina turned to Lyra suddenly and said excitedly “Lyra, maybe you have a special power!” “Don’t be silly Nina” said Lyra “I have no such thing. That only happens in stories. I can’t do anything special.” “But think about it a bit Lyra” said Nina. “What happened to the man in the Louvre park when he tried to take your bag” she persisted. “He tripped over Nina - anyone can do that!” said Lyra. “Then what happened at Euro Disney?” asked Nina. “He was knocked over by Mickey Mouse Nina. I didn’t do that!” snapped Lyra. “Did you wish for them to happen though Lyra?” asked Nina