“I must thank Darelle immediately.” They were halfway up the stairs yet Valmont felt it unkind to wait to call her. Philippe held him up on one side and Serge on the other.
Without a word, Serge pulled out his phone and pressed a button, apparently having her number on his speed dial. Valmont took the phone gratefully, aware that his friend kept a gentle, protective hold on him.
Someone picked up on the second ring. “Âllo? Serge?”
The familiar female voice sent a shiver through him. “Darelle, it’s me, Valmont.”
Pause. “Oh, Valmont? How are you? I’ve been so worried.”
“Exhausted, but otherwise fine.” He did not want to worry her more with his inner turmoil. She wasn’t at fault for any of it. “I’m going to rest now, but I couldn’t do so without thanking you profusely first. Your gift of
