Chapter 58 - Car journey into the past (2/2)

” Here speaks Commissioner Gérard Bichot. I'd like to ask you to come to the Commissariat de Police du 1er Arrondissement immediately.”

”What is the matter? Alexandre asked into the telephone, confused.

”We have to make conversation, but not on the phone.” That was the police officer's short answer. ”I hope for your cooperation.” He explained vaguely and then hung up.

Alexandre had struggled to get out of bed with a heavy head. Annoyed and slow.

Had he only known what was awaiting him. He would have hurried.

But he had not known it.

Unwillingly he had put on his slightly crumpled suit from yesterday and set off.

With deep circles under his eyes he entered the mentioned police station. His mood had been at its rock bottom. At least that's what he had thought before he turned to a policeman in boredom and told him the reason for his visit.

Through a long corridor he was led into a back room, where another of gendarmes greeted him.

Deep circles were also visible under his eyes. But his were darker, deeper. Even his gaze was dull, Alexandre was reminded of a lazy guard dog. The face was leathery and a dark shadow hung around the mouth. Dark blonde strands hung chaotic in his face. As if he had fuzzled the whole night with his hands through his hair. The white shirt was crumpled and hung with a corner out of its dark pants.

”Inspector Bichot, I was on the phone.” He stretched out his horny hand to Alexandre.

”Alexandre de Valois.”

”May I ask you to come in.” The police officer pointed to a room with a white table and two chairs on each side.

For the first time that morning he was struck by the first flood of anxiety. But still he followed into the interrogation room.