Dragons in the Forest by Peter Yeldham

Author:Peter Yeldham [Yeldham, Peter]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780994448507
Publisher: For Pity Sake Publishing
Published: 2015-11-01T04:00:00+00:00

There was a strange atmosphere in the bank prior to the start of business the next morning. Alex came downstairs and he could feel immediately that there was something different. There was no sign of the Count or Laroche. The ritual morning greetings had been dispensed with since the departure of Ribot and the Sardine, but people still welcomed each other on arrival, although in a less formal manner. Today, hardly anything was said. The Japanese staff knew something was amiss, Alex felt certain, but they merely bowed to him and then to each other, and began their work. When he went to his desk one of the clerks hurried to him and murmured that Monsieur Le Comte was waiting in his office, and wished to see him at once.

Not only was the Count there behind his desk that was covered with documents, the chief accountant was also present. Neither replied when Alex wished them good morning.

“I’m afraid we have some bad news,” the Count said. “I’ll let Monsieur Laroche inform you of what’s happened.” He abruptly rose and walked to the window, turning his back on them both as he stood looking out at the grey winter morning. It was a strange thing for him to do, Alex thought, and felt a foreboding of disaster.

“What bad news?” The premonition was stronger as he gazed from the count’s silent figure, to what seemed like a triumphant Laroche.

“You may be surprised, or perhaps not,” the accountant said, “to hear that we have a thief in the bank.”

“Who?”

“Mademoiselle Patou. She’s been stealing money, regular amounts of it over a considerable time.”

“No!” Alex said forcefully in a state of shock. “That’s impossible.”

“I assure you it is not only possible, but I’ve gathered the evidence. Which is on His Excellency’s desk.” Laroche could not conceal his satisfaction. “But before we call the police we must establish if she acted alone, or did she have help?”

“Help? Whose help?” Bewilderment blunted Alex’s wits for a moment.

“It could only be yours,” the chief accountant replied.

In the silence that followed, Alex was aware the figure by the window had turned to watch him. He delayed his reply, trying to control his emotions. The pause lengthened, became uncomfortable.

“Do you think Cecile is a thief?” He directed his question to the Count, completely excluding Laroche.

“I’m sorry. I wish it wasn’t so, but the proof is there. Monsieur Laroche has been his usual thorough self.” The venom in his voice, the dislike for the man was unmistakable. “Extremely meticulous.”

“I merely did my duty,” Laroche said.

Once again Alex disregarded him.

“Do you believe I helped her?” he asked the Count.

“It seems unlikely. I would certainly like to hear you deny it.”

“If the police are to be called, then why don’t I wait and tell them?”

“Tell them what?”

“That this is utter nonsense. I find it hard to believe she did it, let alone put up with the absurd accusation that I might have helped her.”

“There are reasonable grounds to ask the question,” Laroche said heatedly.

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