Chapter Thirty-five
Christine knew she had nothing to gain by lying to her husband.
Raoul was well aware of the circumstances that threw them together in Marseille and he had accepted them.
"Yes. When I spoke with Inspector Giry last evening, he mentioned that this club's owner was a man named Erik. Raoul, I had to know…"
"Of course, dearest. I understand. It was natural for you to be curious."
Curious…oh, Raoul…it was more than curiosity…it was as if I had found my soul again.
"Christine, Monsieur Philippe told me that those letters of transit may be in Erik's possession. Monsieur Andre was apparently a friend…or at least an acquaintance of him…and he went to see him just before his arrest."
"And he thinks that Andre gave them to Erik?"
"Yes. Inspector Giry's men never found the letters on Andre or in his apartment. Christine, Erik may be our best hope of getting safely out of Casablanca."
It was then that Philippe appeared at their table. He took Christine's hand and, with a look of gratitude and admiration in his eyes, kissed it before drawing the shabby jeweler's box from his pocket.
"Madame de Chagny, I would be very honored if you would accept this ring…if your husband will not mind."
He took her hand and laid the heavy amethyst ring on her palm.
"It's last owner was Captain Gaetano Orselli who was assassinated for opposing Mussolini. I was told that he had inherited from his uncle, a well-known cardinal in Fierenza. He was a brave man, as well as a connoisseur of beauty and good music. I think he would be pleased if you would take it."
"Merci, Monsieur Philippe," Christine said, closing her fingers over the precious ring, "my husband has spoken highly this Captain Orselli and I am honored to take this ring."
"Monsieur, the meeting we spoke of," Philippe said with a discreet glance towards the German party, "it has been postponed until tomorrow night. The safe house we had arranged to use…well, it seems the house is not so safe."
As Philippe left them, Inspector Giry stepped up onto the low stage.
"Ladies, gentleman, may I please have your immediate attention," he was saying, "it has come to our…to my attention that there is illegal gambling taking place in this establishment. La Belle Reve is ordered closed until further notice. Please leave the club at once."
As he stepped from the stage, Erik caught him by the arm.
"How long are you closing me down for?"
"It's nothing personal, Erik. Just until Major Hetzner and his men finish their business here in Casablanca. That little performance you and Madame de Chagny gave certainly irritated the Major."
"So you're the Major's pupper now," Erik said with a disgusted smirk. He was very well aware of the fact that Inspector Giry was a regular at the club's roulette and card tables.
He released the Inspector's arm and watched for a moment as the patrons left the table. He looked for Christine and saw her…only for a moment…at the door.
Sam Reyer was busy closing the piano when Erik crossed the stage area.
"Sam, tell the rest of the staff they'll get paid as long as we're closed."