Chapter 56

Pierre made it through another of Jacques and Henri’s wild farewell parties the following week on the eve of the next stage of their search. He had no surprise visit from Antoine this time, which was a disappointment, but he had a good time with his three friends nonetheless. They struggled with aching heads at breakfast the next day, taking their hangover cures and resting again until departure time that afternoon.

“We’re foolish to have drunk so much last night,” Yves said as they climbed into the coach to take them to the Gare de l’Est. 

“I couldn’t agree more,” Jacques said as he covered his nose with a handkerchief to minimize any street smells that might worsen his hangover. “But I love those parties. What could I have done but enjoy myself?” 

Henri was leaning against the carriage wall, clutching his stomach and not saying much at all. Pierre, who was the healthiest of them