Page 18 of All the Devils Are Here

What she also knew was that Jean-Guy Beauvoir wasn’t some replacement for their son. His relationship to Armand was far different. Far older. It seemed almost ancient, as though the two had known each other for lifetimes.

They belonged together.

“Daniel loves you, Armand.” She squeezed his hand. “I know he does. Give him time.”

Armand had dropped his head, then raised it. “I’m sorry I was short with you. I just …”

“Oui.”

As the years went by, and the grandchildren were born, he and Daniel had grown closer. Armand wondered if becoming a father himself had softened Daniel toward his own father. Made him forgive whatever trespass had happened.

There was still, he could sense, a small distance. It was as though there was a thin strand of barbed wire between them, so that he could only get so close before feeling the jabs.

But Armand kept trying, and the distance had diminished. Until, finally, it was imperceptible. No larger than a slight crack in a teacup.

Reine-Marie watched the two in the bistro. Leaning toward each other. And she dared hope.

Down the table, Jean-Guy and Annie were still talking with Stephen.

“What do you know, sir, about Luxembourg?”

“Luxembourg?” asked Stephen, leaning forward and checking his phone.

“You expecting a call?” asked Annie.

“No.”

Just then their dinners arrived.

Merlu Breton for Stephen. The tender whitefish was surrounded by baby potatoes, grilled beets, and a delicate sauce.

“That’s very light,” said Annie as her massive steak frites arrived, with its sauce béarnaise.

“I’m saving myself for the rice pudding,” explained Stephen.

“There’s a project in Luxembourg,” said Jean-Guy as his own steak frites arrived. “A funicular. But I’m having trouble understanding the engineering reports.”

Stephen nodded. “So do I. I don’t even try anymore. When I invest in an engineering company or project, I just read the emails between the project managers and home office. They’re much more illuminating.”

He put down his knife and fork and looked at the young man. “Has something in this Luxembourg project caught your interest?”

Jean-Guy frowned as he thought. “Non.”

“You’re sure?”

“Yes.”

The steely blue eyes glared at Jean-Guy, and his mind went blank. It was like looking down the barrel of a shotgun.

“Then why are we talking about it?” demanded Stephen. “You must’ve learned the dark art of banality from your former boss.”

Annie laughed, and even Jean-Guy gave a snort of amusement as all three looked down the table.

Armand was focused on Daniel and apparently hadn’t heard.

But Daniel had. Not the words, but the laughter. He shot a glance their way. And realized they were looking, and laughing, at him.

“So,” said Daniel, breaking off his conversation with his father to speak to Stephen at the other end of the table. “We know Mom and Dad came to see Annie and Jean-Guy. But what brings you to Paris?”