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Date Posted: 23:50:18 10/17/08 Fri
Author: Hannah
Author Host/IP: port177.dialup.bfree.on.ca / 66.207.116.177
Subject: Northern Woods, Chapter 160
In reply to: Hannah 's message, "Northern Woods" on 09:32:57 08/07/08 Thu

Chapter 160

Claude focused on his conversation with the billionaire before him, steeling himself to squelch the brutal reality that unless Maria took him back, he no longer *had* a lady in his life.

He deeply regretted his affair with Giselle, who had initially seemed to be everything Maria had not. She had been outgoing; a real party girl, while Maria had been quiet and content to stay at home snuggled up to him on the couch while he watched the hockey game. Maria had never asked him for anything either but rather had delighted in spoiling him and buying him presents for no reason at all.

Rather than making him content, Maria’s attentions had made him nervous, especially when he knew she wanted their relationship to be permanent. That was something Claude had repeatedly run from with several women. It was one thing to live with a woman, but he never had any intention in getting married. Until now… and now it might be too late.

‘The tramp’ as he now labeled her in his mind had quickly proven to be looking to use him as an avenue towards improving her status in society and that had sickened him. He’d dropped her and now he was bunking with one of his friends from work. He wished he’d had the chance to tell Maria that when they’d spoken at the gas station the other day, but she’d cut him off and he hadn’t had a chance since then to speak to her.

“Thank you Constable.” Michael replied with a sigh. “I appreciate your understanding.”

‘I understand alright! How could I not! I just wish I could do more than arrest that witch!’ Claude thought as he mentally reviewed the way this man’s wife had been treated. ‘Monsieur Samuelle's right! His wife must think all Quebecois are like that woman! Poor lady!’

Michael caught both Chuck and Madeleine’s attention and waved them over once more. Then, turning to Chuck first, Michael started giving orders. “Chuck, please give Constable Laurent every assistance he requires.”

“Of course, Michel.” Chuck replied. “Anything else?”

“Oui.” Michael continued firmly. “Did you get that intel I requested?”

“I did.” Chuck replied, handing Michael a Blackberry.

“Thanks Chuck. Excuse me a minute Constable Laurent.” Michael said in apology. “I need to study this information for a minute.”

“I understand sir.” Claude replied as he continued to observe the tuxedo clad man in front of him. ‘Forewarned is forearmed… he’s got something there that will help him ‘fight’ the next stage in this ‘battle’ he’s in to avenge his wife. Good…. Whatever it is, I hope it’s useful!’

Michael took the electronic gadget and studied the information on it for a few minutes.

“Thanks Chuck.” Michael said again with a slight smile as he looked up once more at his friend. “It’s not much, but hopefully there’s enough here to be of use when I talk to that reporter.”

“Is there anything else?” Chuck inquired.

“Oui.” Michael said soberly as he mentally prepared his assault. “Have security escort Veronique to her car. I’m sorry if this upsets her parents, but she’s had more than enough time to apologize for the way she treated Kita. I’ve put up with enough from her tonight and I can only assume from her silence that she has no intention of doing so. Anyone else who objects to that decision can leave too.”

“Consider it done Michel.” Chuck said with a smirk. “It will be my pleasure to have security escort her off the premises.”

“Thank you. Constable Laurent assures me that he’s going to arrest Claire.” Michael continued. “By the time he’s finished, and I finish speaking to Mademoiselle Langlois, I hope the atmosphere in this room improves.”

“So do I.” Chuck replied, glad to see the return of his confident friend. “Perhaps if your guests have a few drinks before you return… and some music might help….”

“It might. Do what you can Chuck. I’m not expecting any miracles after the rough start this party has had, but do your best.” Michael said with a sigh. “I’m going to go and sit in the sound booth where I won’t have to hear any more of their protests. That’s where I’d like to speak to Mademoiselle Langlois… d’accord?”

“Sounds like a good plan to me, Michel.” Chuck said with a grin. “Madeleine… if you’d like to accompany Constable Laurent while he’s doing his duty, I’ll let security know what they need to do… okay?”

“Of course.” Madeleine replied as she glanced at the handsome man in blue and then quickly focused back on Michael. “And Michel? Thank you for listening to me instead of doing what I know you’d like to have done. It would have been momentarily satisfying… but sinking to Claire’s level would have been a big mistake. You know that, don’t you?”

“I do.” A calmer Michael replied, smiling slightly at his attorney as he stood; ready now to meet the society reporter who he’d just researched. “And thank you for making me see reason Madeleine.”

Claude stood as well, taking his cue from Michael’s action and patiently waited to conclude their talk.

“You can thank Sarah.” Madeleine replied softly as she looked at her client with serious brown eyes.

“Sarah?” Michael said in surprise as he shot a puzzled look in the direction of his office manager. ‘She’s been sitting there during all this mess.’ “What did she do?”

“She’s the one who saw that you were upset and she also assisted Lakeisha in being able to help Nikita.” Madeleine replied seriously.

“You’ll have to debrief me on that later Madeleine.” Michael replied. “If Sarah was helpful in all this…”

“She was… and I will.” Madeleine replied succinctly. “We’ll talk later.”

“Very well.” Michael replied, as he shot another puzzled look towards where Sarah still quietly sat. Turning then, he extended his right hand to the police officer he’d just spoken to. “Constable Laurent? It was a pleasure to meet you sir.”

“And you sir.” Claude said politely shaking Michael’s outstretched right hand once more.

‘This is a good man.’ Claude thought. ‘I’d be proud to know him under other circumstances.’

Then turning to Chuck once more, Michael continued, “Let me leave the room first before you begin, will you? I’ve had enough nonsense from both of them for one night.”
~~~~~~~~~~

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