“There must be a better way of dealing with this mess,” Delphine says. “We just need to think harder.”

She called me for a chat an hour ago, and I ended up telling her everything. Well, almost. My sharp-witted friend knew I’d been pregnant when I left Paris a year ago. She’d also figured out Lily’s dad worked at DCA. When I refused to give her his name, she said, “As you wish. I’ll work it out on my own soon enough.”

Considering her street smarts and tenacity, she just might.

The blackmail part had come as a total surprise to her, though. I gave her the whole story—the gang bang, the video, Gaspard’s cryptic notes a year ago, my brief meeting with him in the diner, and his latest email.

While Delphine mulled over my mess, I went to Lily, who needed a change of diaper. Then I called her back, and we brainstormed my options. But, unfortunately, none of the courses of action Delphine came up with bettered mine.

In three days, Lily and I are boarding a plane that will take us back to Martinique.

“Come visit when it’s winter here,” I say to her, trying to sound light.

“You don’t have to go away, you know. That moronic Gaspard, didn’t he say he’d post the video if you didn’t show up?”

“He did.”

“You think he’s bluffing like last time?” she asks.

“I’m afraid not. I think he means it this time around.”

“But then why run? The damage will be done anyway.”

I rub my forehead. “I just can’t… I’m not strong enough to face the music in Paris. It will be easier in Martinique. Everything is easier in Martinique. Like in that song by Aznavour, Emmenez-moi.”

“Misery is less gruesome in the sun,” Delphine quotes.

“Exactly.”

“And your parents? What if they open Gaspard’s email and watch the video?”

“I’m going to Alsace tomorrow morning to come clean and warn them about the video.”

“Oh dear. I wouldn’t want to be in your shoes right now.”

I smirk. “Nor would I, if I had a choice.”

“What about your academic career?” she asks. “You’re so close, you can’t quit now!”

“Yes I can, even if it breaks my heart to disappoint my supervisor like this. He’s been a fantastic mentor to me.”

“Then don’t!”

I let out a heavy sigh. “Can I ask you a favor?”

“Sure! Anything I can do to help.”

“I need you to write down a note and hand it to Gaspard on Saturday. I know it’s a lot to ask—”

“Are you kidding? I’ll be happy to do it! Hang on.” I hear a noise that sounds like a drawer being pulled. “OK, I have a pen and paper. Talk.”

“Write in block letters, please,” I say and dictate the short note.

Delphine writes it down. “Shall I read it to you to be sure?”

“Yes, please.”

She clears her throat. “I know you’re a scumbag. I have proof you’re a creep. If you post that video, I’ll report you to the police. Burn in hell.”

“Thank you,” I say. “I owe you one.”

“No, I owe you for the opportunity to see the look on his face when he reads your note.”

We say good-bye, and I sit down at the kitchen table, which doubles as a desk. My measly belongings are all packed up. I’ll call Eva as soon as she’s back from Florida to give her the news.

She’ll be mad at me at first, but I hope she’ll understand.

There’s just one more thing left to do before Lily and I catch our train to Alsace. I rip a blank page out of my notebook and write.

Raphael,

I don’t want to leave without saying good-bye, or to say it via a text message like last time.

So here goes. Good-bye, my favorite snowman. Lily and I are going back to Martinique. We’ll be happier there.

Please don’t believe Genevieve’s mudslinging.

It makes me feel petty and contemptible asking you this, but I must.

Have a good one,

Mia

I fold the sheet, stick it in a small envelope and address it to Raphael’s Parisian home. With the letter in my purse, I grab Lily and head out to the post office.

If Raphael receives my letter within the next forty-eight hours, I’ll be in Alsace, where I’ve booked a room in a hotel outside Estheim. If he gets it over the weekend, I’ll be in Martinique.

It hasn’t escaped my notice that I’m denying him the chance to persuade me to stay. But given how we parted after Ninossos, I doubt he’ll even try. As for the guilt trip over taking Lily so far away from him, it’s completely unjustified. He doesn’t want her.

So there you go—I’m actually doing him a favor.

I’m doing what’s best for all of us.