Chapter 13
Steam distillation of the starlight white blossoms of the Seville bitter orange tree produces a brilliant green material—neroli. (Solvent extraction yields the subtly spicy orange blossom.) Named after a duchess of Nerola, neroli was favored by Grasse glove makers to scent fine gloves, masking the stench of animal urine in which the leather was cured. Oh, that neroli could cure the stench that blows across our country today. –DB
22 May, 1940 - Paris, France
Jean-Claude eased himself under LeBlanc’s pristine Bentley automobile and removed the cap and glasses he’d worn as a disguise. He slipped out the package concealed in his shirt. Gritting his teeth, he began to attach the explosive device to the underside of the Bentley.
Done. He checked his wristwatch. Right on schedule.
