Cognac Conspiracies by Jean-Pierre Alaux

Author:Jean-Pierre Alaux
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: amateur sleuth, cozy mystery, whodunit, wine novel, France, Cognac, food, gentleman detective, French culture, European fiction, European mysteries, Jarnac, gourmet, wine
Publisher: Le French Book
Published: 2015-01-19T16:00:00+00:00

8

Benjamin Cooker was late for his noon meeting on the patio of the Ritz at the Place Vendôme. He had driven all the way to Paris for the appointment, but he knew his punctual client, Shiyi Cheng, would be offended if he was even ten minutes late. Benjamin could see the businessman, alone, eyeing the nearby tables as he impatiently fiddled with his glass of Moët et Chandon. No doubt, he was envious of the lucrative deals being brokered all around him.

The winemaker didn’t trust his client’s unctuous smile. He knew this kind of man’s manners all too well and detected anger in Cheng’s pinched lips. Benjamin feigned the attitude of a busy man dispensing with formalities. He was tempted to refuse the glass of Champagne, but his good manners prevailed. In a tone both courteous and artful, he informed Cheng of his intention to cut his assignment short. He would not be completing the Lavoisier audit.

“At any rate, the French finance minister will use every means at his disposal to prevent a change of hands. I was approached by one of the prime minister’s advisors to inform you of the government’s position on this matter, which is considered sensitive for reasons I am not at liberty to explain.”

“This is not exactly what we were expecting from you, Mr. Cooker. We were hoping to have an expert’s opinion. You accepted the assignment, and we agreed on your fee. You will need to complete the task.”

Benjamin slid his right hand inside his jacket and pulled out his checkbook. He opened it.

“What are you doing, Mr. Cooker?”

“As you can see, I am reimbursing you for the entire amount I received. I believe we are even now. I thank you for your confidence, and I am truly sorry that I am unable to honor my commitment.”

The man put down his glass and angrily tore up the check.

“You are on Ms. Lavoisier’s payroll. You disappoint me, Mr. Cooker!”

“I am beholden to no one. I am simply disengaging myself.”

“That’s not the way it works,” Cheng said, pinching his thin lips even tighter. “You misunderstand our intentions. We are not attempting to impose our influence over anyone. Do, however, tell Ms. Lavoisier that the unfortunate death of her younger brother may just change the balance of power.”

“I certainly will,” Benjamin answered curtly. “And while we’re at it, here’s my own piece of information: the public prosecutor of Angoulême is ready to open an investigation of Pierre Lavoisier’s death. Indeed, there are many questions. I think you could be in the prosecutor’s crosshairs.”

“What are you suggesting?”

“I’ve simply passed along what I’ve learned,” Benjamin replied.

“My dear friend, you should put your mind to better use. For example, has your close associate, young Lanssien, told you anything about the true nature of the man who was fished out of the Charente River? They even say that…”

Cheng’s cell phone rang. “I beg you to excuse me. I am expecting an important call.”

The man stood up to take the call, walked into the lobby of the luxury hotel, and disappeared behind a pink marble column.

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