“Oui?”
Carole Gilbert answered the door and looked at the snow-covered zombie. But the older woman showed absolutely no fright, not even surprise. Gracious as ever she took two steps back and let the alien into the inn, run by her son and daughter-in-law.
“May I help you?”
Beauvoir unwrapped himself, now feeling like The Mummy. He was an entire B-grade film festival. Finally he removed his hat and Carole Gilbert smiled warmly.
“It’s Inspector Beauvoir, non?”
“Oui, madame, comment allez-vous?”
“I’m well, thank you. Have you come to stay? I didn’t see your name on the register.”
She looked behind her into the large, open entrance hall, with its black and white tile floor, gleaming wood desk and fresh flowers, even in the middle of winter. It was inviting and for a moment Beauvoir wished he had booked in. But then he remembered the prices, and remembered why he was there.
Not for massages and gourmet meals, but to find out whether Olivier had actually killed the Hermit.
Why did Olivier move the body?
And the very spot he was standing was where Olivier had dumped the Hermit. Olivier had admitted as much. He’d hauled the dead man through the woods that Labor Day weekend, in the middle of the night. Finding the door unlocked he simply dropped the sad bundle here. Right here.
Beauvoir looked down. He was melting, like the Wicked Witch of the West, his snow-covered boots puddling on the tile floor. But Carole Gilbert didn’t seem to care. She was more concerned for his comfort.
“No, I’m staying at the B and B,” he said.
“Of course.” He searched her face for any sign of professional jealousy, but saw none. And why would he? It seemed inconceivable the owners of this magnificent inn and spa would be jealous of any establishment, especially Gabri’s somewhat weary B and B.
“And what brings you back to us?” she asked, her voice light, conversational. “Is the Chief Inspector with you?”
“No, I’m on vacation. Leave, actually.”
“Of course, I’m sorry.” And she looked it, her face suddenly concerned. “How stupid of me. How are you?”
“I’m well. Better.”
“And Monsieur Gamache?”
“Better also.” He was, it must be admitted, a little tired of answering these kind questions.
“I’m so glad to hear it.” She motioned him into the inn but he held his ground. He was in a hurry and it was his temperament to show it. He consciously tried to slow himself down. He was supposed to be there for a vacation, after all.
“How can I help you?” she asked. “I don’t suppose you’ve come for the hot mud treatment? The Tai Chi class perhaps?”
He noticed her bemused look. Laughing at him? He thought not. More likely poking gentle fun at herself and the services of the spa. Her son Marc and his wife Dominique had bought the run-down place a year or so ago and turned it into this magnificent inn and spa. And had invited his mother, Carole Gilbert, to move from Quebec City to Three Pines, to help them run it.
“I can see how you might think so, since I’ve worn my Tai Chi outfit.” He opened his arms so she could see the full splendor of his ski suit. She laughed. “I’ve actually come to ask a favor. May I borrow one of your snowmobiles? I understand you have some for your guests.”
“That’s true, we do. I’ll get Roar Parra to help you.”
“Merci. I thought I’d go into the woods, to the cabin.”
He watched her as he spoke, hoping for a reaction, and got one. The gracious woman became glacial. Interesting how a moment before she’d seemed calm, content, relaxed. And now, while hardly anything had physically changed she suddenly seemed to be made of ice. A chill radiated from her.
“Is that so? Why?”
“Just to see it again. Something to do.”
She examined him closely, her eyes reptilian. Then the mask descended and she once again became the gentille grande dame of the manor house.
“In this weather?” She glanced outside to the falling snow.
“If snow kept me from doing things I’d get nothing done in winter,” he said.
“That’s true,” she admitted. Reluctantly? he wondered. “I don’t suppose you’ve heard, but my husband is living there now.”
“Is that so?” He hadn’t heard. But he did hear her say “husband,” not “former husband.” They’d been separated for years, until Vincent Gilbert had suddenly shown up, uninvited, at the inn and spa at almost exactly the same time the Hermit’s body had appeared.