Henri awoke with a start, wondering where he was. Then it all came back. Mimi in hospital, the accident, Patrick not present. He dressed quickly and went to the kitchen. Genevieve had made coffee and put some bread on the table. She asked him where he thought Patrick was.

Henri made some excuse about Patrick searching for antiques somewhere near the coast. He could see that Genevieve wasn’t convinced. He went upstairs and packed his bag. He asked her for the keys to Mimi and Patrick’s house as he needed to collect something he had left there. Genevieve handed over the keys.

Henri went to the house. They were so lucky to have this beautiful home. He stood looking around the place and imagined himself and Mimi living there. He went outside and removed a parcel from his car and carried it into the house. Where was the Little Pink Ballerina? He finally found it upstairs in the bedroom. He quickly removed the canvas from the frame and replaced it with the one in his parcel. He cast his eye over it. Satisfied with his work, he took the parcel, locked up the house and dropped the keys back to Genevieve. He said goodbye and that he would be in touch.

On his way back to Paris, his phone rang. It was Patrick. He didn’t answer the call, he had to get back to the gallery and replace the painting before anyone noticed. He arrived and parked his car. It was so late, nearly all the staff had gone home, apart from security. He went through the back entrance, greeted the guys on duty and carried the parcel upstairs. Once in his office, he removed the painting from its cover. He heaved a sigh of relief. Suddenly the whole floor lit up and there was Patrick standing right in front of him.

“Did you really think you would get away with it?” He asked.