Chapter 13
For the Tanners, the welcome news meant Paul’s release was much closer at hand, but they were still frantically scrambling to raise the money.
Ben Baxter had expected at least one offer Monday morning and planned to show the house to another prospect early that afternoon.
When they were not staring at the phone, Fritz and Linzy scrambled around the house, cleaning, tossing the small stuff, making plans for fire-selling furniture and fixtures they didn’t want to move, and in general wading through the chaos of packing up.
They tried to ignore the emotions of losing the family home where their children grew up.
The money represented their life’s work, assets, and savings, and the fact that it would disappear into a dark world and enrich a bunch of criminals was sickening. But it was nothing compared to losing Paul.
Justine called early Monday evening to say hello and check on their progress. Linzy cried on the phone and said they were short by a few bucks, but still scrambling.
Justine asked point-blank, “What’s the gap?”
Linzy took a deep breath, looked at Fritz, who was watching closely, and said, “About two hundred and fifty thousand.”
Without hesitation, Justine said, “We’ll make the loan, Linzy. Happy to do so. We’ll do whatever it takes.”
“You can’t do that,” Linzy said as her voice cracked.
“Of course we will. We’ll figure it all out when the kids are back home, okay?”
“No.” Linzy looked at Fritz, who was wiping his eyes.
“Yes! Sam and I talked to Lowell, who’s with Chelsea. We all agree and we’re eager to help. We’ll meet with the banker first thing in the morning and get a check.”
When Linzy couldn’t respond, Fritz took the phone and said, “I don’t know what to say, Justine. You know we’ll pay back every dime.”
“I know that, Fritz. But at this point, don’t even think about it. Chelsea’s safe and we’ll celebrate when they both get home.”
“Thank you, Justine. I’ll call Lowell in the morning.”
—
The email came at 7:03 Monday evening. It read: Wire the money, two million, at 10 a.m. Wednesday morning. Instructions to follow. Chelsea will remain in Paris.
—
Lowell and his daughter took an early train from Chantilly to Paris, arriving at Gare du Nord at 8:35.
The taxi ride to the hotel took almost an hour in heavy traffic.
Nothing was clear at the hotel. The manager politely informed them that they owed almost 1,800 euros for the room, which had been booked for seven nights but had now been occupied, by their luggage and clothing, for ten.
He was curious about her unexplained disappearance, and asked more than once about her husband.
She said he had fallen ill and returned to the United States, a lame bit of fiction that was met with suspicion.
And it did nothing to explain the presence of her father.
At any rate, the manager was willing to settle up and offer the same room for three more nights at the same rate.
Chelsea wanted desperately to leave the hotel, but was afraid to.
What if Paul made a miraculous escape and came looking for her?
She was adamant that she would stay in the hotel, and the city, until they were together again.
Then they would fly home, hand in hand, and deal with the questions.
There was so much to worry about later. At the moment, she was thinking only of Paul.
In the room, with her father watching, she became emotional again when she saw Paul’s shirts and jackets hanging in the closet. And his toothbrush and toiletries in his shaving kit. And his shoes beside the bed.
She asked her father to sit by the window as she showered again and took her time with her hair. She changed into one of her dresses, then announced that she could not stay in the room any longer. They left the hotel and went for a walk.