Chapter ThreeHours after curfew, Rolande crept along the west bank of the Seine. Darkness enveloped the city, but she knew the magnificent Eiffel Tower stood tall and proud ahead of her. Breathless, her heart pounded. If she was caught, the penalty would be harsh.
A scuffle sounded next to her, and she froze. A large rat kicked up leaves, then scurried into the bushes. Enraged chatter split the air. She shuddered. There was more than one of the filthy rodents, probably several. Many of the disgusting creatures had taken up residence in Paris’s parks. Rolande shivered and continued to walk beside the brooding river, silent and motionless as if it too didn’t wish to be seen.
She patted her head to ensure the forbidden beret still remained on her hair. A violation of one of the many mandate
