‘I fail to see how I can be of help to you.’
‘We’re keen to talk to anyone who knew Pierre.’
‘Inspector Girardot,’ he opened and closed his fists, ‘would have explained to you that Pierre Laurent studied at the college before I became the director.’
‘Yes, but you know all the staff here.’ Adam sat a little forward. ‘We were hoping you would direct us to anyone who might have information.’
‘Indeed.’ The professor paused as if he was trying to work out whether or not he should unleash the detective on his colleagues. ‘I have made some enquiries.’ He looked at Kate, then at Adam. ‘I’ve only two names for you, including Jacques Guéguen, the head of fine arts, which Inspector Girardot already mentioned to you. The other, Delphine Ager, is a former student. She studied here with Pierre, but moved to Provence late 2005.’
‘Was Delphine here during the original investigation?’ Kate asked.
‘I believe she was, but I’m not sure of the dates. Any questions you have, I’m sure Delphine can help you.’ Again that false smile.
‘After the investigation, did everything return to normal at the college?’ Adam locked eyes with the professor.
‘As far as I understand, although there was something … I doubt it has anything to do with your investigation.’
‘Tell us anyhow.’ Adam gave him one of his broad smiles.
Kate didn’t think Professor Chéry looked impressed. He said simply, ‘Jacques can fill you in on the exact details, but after Pierre’s death,’ he glanced at the door as if someone might walk in, ‘a number of students curtailed their studies. It wasn’t many, you understand. In fact, it wasn’t even noted as relevant at the time. But after Inspector Girardot contacted me, I looked into the academic year of 2005/6, examining the year’s statistics and analysis.’
‘And what did they tell you?’ Adam’s interest was aroused.
‘Within the fine art faculty, there was a fifty per cent increase in dropouts, seven to be exact, two males, five females. Normally we would have three or four, but not seven. As I said, it may be nothing.’
‘Did you discuss this with Jacques?’ Kate kept her tone low and unthreatening.
‘Yes,’ he replied, and for a moment she thought this was the only answer he was going to give. Then he sat forward, speaking as if he had prepared his words in advance. ‘Jacques and I are in agreement. There was a lot of distress at the time. Young people are very sensitive to events. It was – how do you say in English? – a spike, nothing more.’
With the professional formalities over with, Adam stood up. ‘I assume Jacques is expecting us?’
Julien Chéry looked at his watch. ‘He won’t finish with his students for another half-hour. I can take you to Delphine while you’re waiting. Her hours are not as intense. She is usually in Studio Nine. It isn’t far.’
‘Merci.’ Kate got to her feet. ‘That would be great.’
‘If we have any more questions after we’ve talked to Delphine and Jacques, will you still be here?’ Adam asked.
‘But of course. For the rest of the day.’
‘Good.’
‘Come with me, then.’
Adam and Kate stood back as the professor took enthusiastic strides towards the door, then they followed in his wake.
BEAUX-ARTS DE PARIS, RUE BONAPARTE, STUDIO NINE
DELPHINE AGER WAS slim and petite, with short black hair tucked behind her ears. She wore jeans and a loose-fitting white T-shirt with a brown satchel across her shoulders. She had a lean face, and eyes that bounced from Julien Chéry to Adam and Kate while he spoke to her in French. Waiting to be introduced, Kate listened to the fast, low, easy conversation between them: they sounded as if they shared a mutual understanding.
‘So,’ said Chéry, ‘I’ll leave you to talk. Delphine will escort you to Jacques’s room once you are done here.’ Before pulling the studio door closed, he waved, saying dismissively, ‘Au revoir, Adam et Kate. J’espère que vous avez un séjour agréable à Paris.’
‘What did he just say?’ Adam looked at Kate.
‘He says he hopes we have a pleasant stay in Paris.’
Delphine waited for her superior to leave, then removed her satchel and took out a packet of cigarettes. ‘You don’t mind, do you?’ She was looking at Adam.
‘Go right ahead,’ he replied.
The room was blank, apart from a large covered canvas. ‘Smoking in public buildings,’ she said, lighting her cigarette. ‘It is banned in Ireland, yes?’
‘It is.’ He coughed, caught off guard by the smoke.
‘It is banned here too, but some rooms are an exception, which is why I usually work in Studio Nine. I need my fix.’ She smiled, then took a deep drag, sitting against the studio wall, with her knees bent close to her chest. ‘Please,’ she said, ‘make yourselves comfortable. It may not be as nice as Julien’s office, but at least what you see is what you get.’