Harper Lin - Patisserie 07 - Madeleine Murder Read Online Free PDF Page B

one of the black leather couches in the living room. He faced the windows, which had a view of the rooftops of Paris. When Clémence approached, he stood up to greet her. At six foot two, he was quite a bit taller than Clémence’s five-foot-four frame, and as he shook her hand, she felt as if she was a kid being looked down on by a grownup. He had dirty blond hair and green eyes framed by thick lashes, and while not movie-star handsome, he was someone Celine would definitely find chase-worthy. But then again, Celine wasn’t the pickiest girl in the world when it came to men.
    Clémence knew that Chris had started directing movies only four years ago. Now at thirty-seven, he was finally making a name for himself in the industry.
    “Hi, I’m Clémence,” she said in English. 
    He smiled broadly, in his American way. “Chris Collins.” He shook her hand. “Enchanté. My French is still bad even after all these weeks here. Where’s my translator when I need her?” He let out an easygoing laugh.  
    “Nice to meet you too, Monsieur Collins,” Clémence said.
    “Call me Chris. S’il vous plait —” He gestured the seats in the spacious living room. “Please sit.” Clémence took the single sofa next to his couch. Sophie sat in another single sofa beside her. “Sophie tells me you’re the Clémence Damour of the Damour patisseries? Your family’s famous among my crew. We’re all obsessed with your macarons and pastries.”
    “So I’ve heard.” Clémence smiled back. She felt a surge of pride every time she received a compliment about the Damour desserts.
    “Personally, I’m addicted to your millefeuilles . I can’t believe I haven’t had one before coming to Paris.”
    “If it’s one thing Parisians are good for, it’s the desserts.” 
    “I’ll say. Sophie tells me you wanted to meet me.” He tilted his head, examining her. “Are you an actress?” 
    “ Moi? Mais, non, ” Clémence protested. 
    “You’re not? I thought you wanted to talk because you were looking for a part in the movie. We’re looking for someone to play Sophie’s French friend in the film, now that her role has been expanded.” 
    “I’m really not an actress.” 
    “Neither was Sophie here, but now she’s about to sign a contract for a supporting role.” 
    “Sophie has talent, but I’m not cut out for the spotlight, trust me.” 
    Chris was still examining her, as if she were a rare jewel he had to authenticate. Being examined made her squirm, which was precisely why she didn’t want to be back in the limelight. 
    “That’s too bad,” he said. “You have the bone structure for the big screen, and your features are certainly striking.” 
    “Thanks,” Clémence replied modestly. 
    Clémence had blue eyes that others, like Arthur, called electric since they were such a vivid blue. She had a dark, almost black bob and porcelain skin. She was no better looking than most women walking down the streets of Paris, but she was flattered nonetheless. A world-class director was telling her that she had potential to be a movie star. Who wouldn’t get a big head from that?
    “If you don’t want to act, what did you want to talk to me about?” Chris asked.
    “It’s a sensitive issue, but, well, as you know, the circumstances surrounding Nicole Blake’s death are a bit mysterious. I was wondering what you know about Ms. Blake.” 
    Chris gave her an amused, mildly flirtatious smile. “I didn’t know you also work for the French police, Mademoiselle Damour.” 
    Clémence shifted uncomfortably. “Someone working on your set has reason to believe that Nicole Blake had been murdered. I thought you’d want to know so you can, well, keep an eye on things.” 
    Chris raised an eyebrow. He was still amused and looking at her as if she was the most adorable thing in the world. “I don’t think you have anything to worry about. I’ve worked with many of my crew members for years, and these movie stars