Autumn in Paris always seems to be wet and windy, but at least I am here working and not sightseeing like a tourist. This trip will be quick. My umbrella nearly blows inside out when I leave the Gare du Nord, and I step into a puddle soaking my suede boots. Thank goodness for Eurostar, none of that mind numbing hanging around in airports. I’ve time to drop off my bag at the hotel, and collect a parcel with meeting details sent by my operations team.
I’m supposed to meet this guy in a bar just off the Champs Elysee. I was going to walk from the hotel but a taxi might be a better option, so I don’t turn up looking like a drowned rat. Fingers crossed he follows instructions and wears a flower in his lapel otherwise recognising him could be a problem. I know he is 42, with dark brown hair greying at the sides.
Here’s the bar, looks busy but it’s not that big, so I should be ok. I see him almost straight away – thank goodness for the flower. Wow, not what I was expecting despite the description. My usual contacts are ordinary, dull and overweight middle-aged men. This guy was nothing like that. He doesn’t look like an antique dealer.
I walked up to him and hoped I had identified the right person otherwise I would be very disappointed.
“Gerard”?
“Oui. Louise?”
“Yes, that’s me”. Obviously not my real name.
I’m not one for being impressed or overwhelmed in my line of work – business is business. But this guy has a certain charm and a real hunk.
He stood up “Please have a seat. Is it still raining? Would you like a drink?”
“I’ll have an Americano – thank you. Yes, pouring down” she said putting her dripping umbrella down beside her.
After a few minutes of polite small talk, I decided to get down to business.
“So, Gerard, I hear you have some ancient Chinese artefacts for sale”.
“Yes and as you know the market in China is very strong at the moment, and in my search for a specialist dealer, I was pointed in your direction.”
“We’re always looking for some interesting pieces at the right price”.
I looked into his eyes and goodness what a smile – I’m in danger of melting.
“You’re right the Chinese market is very hot and my items are in high demand. I think you’ll be interested. I have some photos here to give you an example of what I have on offer.”
His offer seemed to be accompanied by a twinkle in his eye.
I couldn’t help myself I had to smile. This is going to be one of the toughest jobs I had ever been given and carried off.
“Photos can lie. I need to see some of the goods”
Gerard carried on “A few of the items are in my hotel about 10 minutes walk from here. Would you like to see them – it will give you a better impression of the whole collection”
Now, I don’t usually, actually never, go with a man to his hotel, but his charm was disarming, and also I thought I could complete the job faster and easier at the hotel.
We walked under my umbrella arm in arm to his hotel, a super posh place, which surprised me as most of my meetings take place in somewhere a lot more downmarket.
“Come up to my room” he said “It’s OK I won’t attack you”. That twinkly smile again.
“OK I trust you”
Once in his room, he offered me a glass of champagne. How could I refuse.
He brought out six jade items for me to see.
“What do you think?”
He moved closer and leant across and kissed me. Here goes, there has to be some fun in my work. Deep breath. Later Gerard slipped out of bed and went to the bathroom. I emptied the last of the champagne into his glass. On his return he drained the glass. I watched him sit on the bed and then drop back and pass out. The sedative I had added to his drink had done the trick. I got out of bed and readied myself to leave. I need to finish my business and do what I came to do.
I reached into my bag and pulled out the gun, attached the silencer and shot him in the head. The room cleaner would find him later but by that time I would be far away. Perhaps I should take a piece of jade – but I’m not interested – it would be a liability and traceable if I sold it.
I strode out of the lift and walked through the lobby. The doorman was talking to another visitor, so I moved swiftly without contact. Nobody would remember a classy looking lady in a Dior suit with a Chanel bag leaving, her face hidden by a large hat and dark glasses – normal for here. The raised umbrella added to the disguise.
As always, going home, this time on the train, I debrief myself. I can’t share with anybody else apart from a pot plant at home, so I ask myself what on earth did the guy do that was so awful that someone wanted him dead? Or because it was so easy to find someone else to do the deed, they made the decision in anger rather than thought it through. It may be that to get revenge was going to take too long and they wanted instant gratification.
We are coming into the tunnel. I’m looking forward to getting home. Mission accomplished, money in the bank. Let’s hope it’s dry when I get back to London, I’ve had enough of getting wet.
Anne Simpson
April 2025