The Empress Holds The Key Jack Rogan Mysteries Book 2 Gabriel Farago

mention Rogan’s injuries and hospitalisation.
‘Up to a point. You know what really puzzles me?’
‘What?’
‘Why you’re telling me all this now? I know you Horst, this is not like you. Why tell
me at all?’
‘Why? Because of this,’ Horst replied, reaching into his pocket. He pulled out an
envelope. ‘Cramer found this in the journalist’s study next to the photo the policewoman
showed us here yesterday.’ Horst opened the envelope and handed a badly damaged
black and white photograph to his father.
Newman put down his glass and held the photo under the light of the desk lamp. He
examined it for a long time without saying anything, turned it over and read what was left
of the singed inscription on the back, ‘Montse ...’
‘And this was apparently pinned to the photo,’ Horst explained, handing his father a
piece of paper. Three names were written on it – Berenger Diderot, Marie Colbert and
Francine Bijoux – and a notation underlined in red: Newman in Montsegur?
Newman paled.
‘Obviously the journalist thinks this is you,’ said Horst, pointing to the officer in the
photograph. ‘I thought you should know ...’
‘Can I keep this?’
‘Certainly.’
Looking at the photo on his desk with his back to his son, Newman said, ‘Now, listen
carefully. This whole woeful episode must go no further, is that clear? You will not
discuss this with anyone, and you will promise me not to do anything without consulting
me first, understood?’
‘Absolutely. Whatever you say. I was only trying to help,’ Horst said lamely, relieved
to be getting off so lightly. ‘There’s something else you should know.’
‘You have more?’
‘Cramer saw that policewoman and the journalist – together – at his home last night.
Apparently they were rather intimate ... you know ... on the kitchen table ... Cramer took
some photos. I haven’t seen them yet, but ...’
‘For heaven’s sake Horst, this is not a divorce case,’ Newman interrupted impatiently.