When Strangers Marry (Vallerands #1)(91)

“Even with the knowledge of Sagesse’s relationship with your first wife?” the captain asked.

“Hatred is a draining emotion,” Vallerand replied. “It leaves room for little else.” He glanced at his wife with a slight smile. “I finally began to relinquish it when I realized how much richer life could be without it.” His attention swerved back to the captain. “Not that I forgave Sagesse, you understand. His betrayal struck deep, and I have as much pride as any man. But I became tired of nursing the old bitterness, and I wished to put the past behind me.”

“But Sagesse made that impossible?”

“I wouldn’t say that. There was virtually no communication between us after the duel.”

Captain Gervais asked several more questions about the affair between Corinne and Etienne, and then he changed tack. “Monsieur Vallerand, you were seen by two witnesses in the Vieux Carré last night. Your purpose there?”

Vallerand’s expression became guarded, and he hesitated before replying.

“I was visiting my former placée.“

———

Both Lysette and Captain Gervais flushed. Mariame? Lysette thought wildly. What in God’s name had he been doing with Mariame? She blinked as she realized Captain Gervais was speaking to her. “Madame Vallerand, if you wish to leave the room—”

“No, I’ll stay,” she said tonelessly.

Clearly dismayed, Gervais resumed the questioning. “Your mistress?” he asked Max.

“Yes, for several years.”

Lysette only half listened to the rest of the interview. Her mind buzzed with distasteful possibilities. Either Max had lied to her and was still keeping Mariame as a mistress, or he was lying to Captain Gervais in order to cover up the true reason he had been in the Vieux Carré.

Finally Captain Gervais stood up to indicate the questioning was over. “Monsieur Vallerand,” he said solemnly, “I feel obligated to bring certain facts to your attention— unofficially, of course.”

Max inclined his head, his gaze fastened alertly on the captain’s face.

“It is important for the people of New Orleans to feel the law is being executed as competently now as it was before the American possession,” Gervais said. “The public has little faith in any of the institutions of government— including, I regret to say, my own force. Etienne Sagesse was of an old and recognized family, and his death is considered a great loss. People demand quick retribution for such a crime. Moreover, a fair trial cannot be guaranteed to anyone. The court system is in turmoil. One would be a fool to hang his life on the hopes of fairness and justice.”

Max nodded slowly.

“Especially,” Gervais added, “when several prominent men in the community have come forth to denounce you. One of these men is the judge of the County Court. They are calling for your arrest. It is more than simple saber-rattling, monsieur.”

“Do any of these men, by chance, belong to the Mexican Association?” Max asked.

“Most of them, I believe,” Gervais replied, a bit surprised by the question.

Burr’s friends, Lysette realized in outrage. The associates of Aaron Burr were calling for his arrest, most likely having promised Burr they would do what they could to take revenge on Max for his disdain of their cause. There could be no better opportunity than this.

“I am giving you time to make plans, monsieur.” Gervais looked at Max squarely. “Because I shall be forced to arrest you quite soon.” He paused. “Have you any questions for me, monsieur?”

“Just one,” Max said tersely. “How was Monsieur Sagesse murdered?”

“He was strangled,” Gervais replied. “It takes great strength, monsieur, to kill a man of Sagesse’s size in such a manner.” He looked pointedly at Max’s deeply muscled chest and shoulders. “Not many men could have accomplished that.”

Lysette could not make a sound as Max guided the captain to the front door. She pressed her fists against her stomach. She felt as if she were in a nightmare, and she longed to wake up from it.

A minute that seemed like a year went by, and then Max returned to her. He dropped to one knee beside the chair, taking both her cold fists in his warm hand. “Sweet,” he murmured. “Look at me.”

She gave him a fixed, frantic stare.

“I did see Mariame last night,” Max said. “I had to make arrangements for her son— by another man— to flee the territory. He’s of mixed blood, and last week he was discovered having an affair with a white woman. His life is in jeopardy. You may have heard what they do to… well, we won’t go into that. A few days ago Mariame sent me a message asking for help. Knowing what the boy means to her, I could not refuse.”

Lysette had barely listened to the explanation. “What Captain Gervais said about allowing time to make plans… he has given us time to get away. He meant escape, didn’t he?”

“Yes.” Max sighed. “That is what he meant.”

“We must be gone by tonight, then. It won’t take long for me to pack. Mexico? No, France—”

“We’re not going anywhere,” he said gently.

Lysette gripped his coat lapels. “Yes, we are! I don’t care where we live, as long as I can be with you. If you stay, they’ll—” Her voice cracked. “I believe what Captain Gervais said, Max.”