When they left the police station, they saw that they had just enough time to make the meeting at the KBC Bank. They hailed another taxi and made their way to their destination. They arrived early and had time to freshen up before the meeting.

They were both impressed that the meeting didn’t take as long as they expected. Things moved smoothly and quickly, and with the shaking of hands, the business was completed.

The weather seemed to have cleared some, and they decided to walk back to their hotel since they had been holed up in buildings for most of the day.

“This day started out very dreary, but it has definitely turned out for the better,” Maddie said as she wrapped her arm through Matt’s as they walked down the street.

“It has,” Matt admitted. “And I have to admit that I am enjoying myself here. Sure, we had business to take care of, but I am really enjoying this time with you.”

“So am I,” Maddie said. “It sometimes seems as if we don’t get the chance to spend this much time together.”

“There is a lot going on with the business,” Matt said. “But at least we get the time together. And we are also spending a lot more time with the kids as well.”

“That’s what I like the most,” Maddie said. “Since Jim joined our family, we have become even closer.”

“I think the two of them feel the same way,” Matt said. “They love it when we are home and I know they are disappointed when we do have to leave for business.”

“But when we come home, the look on their faces is so priceless,” Maddie said.

“I love seeing that look on their faces as well,” Matt said. “I also love seeing the twinkle in your eyes when we begin our trek home. As soon as we get into the house, your face lights up even more because you know that in a matter of minutes, you will have your children in your arms.”

“That is one of the best feelings in the world,” Maddie admitted.

“And who knew that we would be the ones who would get wrapped up in a mystery?” Matt asked.

“Maybe we will even get it solved and have a story to tell Jim and Honey when we get home,” Maddie said.

“That would be nice,” Matt said.

“You know, I’ve been thinking about Detective Reynoud.”

“What about him?” Matt asked.

“I don’t know what it is, but there is something about him that just doesn’t seem right,” Maddie said.

“What do you mean?”

“I don’t know. It’s just a feeling I have. But it’s nothing concrete.”

“Well, maybe there is something wrong,” Matt said. “You usually have good instincts, and they have never proven me wrong in the past.”

“I just wish I knew what it was about him that was setting off warning bells in my head.”

“It’ll come to you when you least expect it,” Matt said. “And if Detective Reynoud is making you uneasy, then you may be right.”

“Maybe we should do some research when we get back to the hotel to see if there is any information on him on the web,” Maddie said. “Maybe if we knew more about him, then I wouldn’t be feeling this way.”

“We can do that,” Matt said. “The laptop is in the room. We could also do some more research on the diamonds that are out there so that when we do meet with these people tomorrow that we would have the upper hand.”

“Do you doubt our ability to tell the difference between a real diamond and a cubic zirconia?”

“No,” Matt said. “I just want to be prepared because we don’t know who these people are or what they could be capable of.” He pulled her close and kissed the top of her head. “And that has me a little leery because I don’t want anything to happen to you.”

“That’s why I wanted to make sure you were there with me, because I know you will do everything in your power to make sure that I stay safe.”

“I will always do that,” Matt said. “You and the kids are what I fight for every day of my life, because you three are my life.”

“Aww,” Maddie said.

They continued on to the hotel and then made their way up to their suite. Once they were comfortable, Matt went to work on researching Detective Reynoud. Maddie slipped off her heels and settled on the bed as she jotted down all that she could recall about telling the difference between real and fake diamonds.

They were working in silence for a while when Maddie’s cell phone rang. She quickly grabbed the phone and a smile appeared on her face.

“Hello?”

“Hi, Mother. How are you?” her daughter asked.

“Your father and I are doing fine, Honey,” Maddie responded as her husband turned away from the table to face her. “How are things in Sleepyside?”

“Everything is fine,” Honey said. “I just…I just…”

“What is it, sweetheart?” Maddie asked, concern etching her face. “You can tell me.”

“I’m sorry, Mother,” Honey said. “I just wanted to talk to you.”

“Oh, my Honey,” Maddie said. “I am so glad you called. I’ve been missing you so much. I’ve been missing both you and Jim.”

“I hope that everything is going okay for the meetings you and Dad need to attend,” Honey said.

“We are getting things accomplished,” Maddie said, winking at her husband. “And we will probably be home in a couple days. Maybe this weekend the four of us could go and do something together.”

“That sounds wonderful,” Honey said, excitement evident in her voice. “I can’t wait to tell Jim.”

“We will figure out all the details when we get home,” Maddie said.

“That sounds great.”

“Your father agrees,” Maddie said, watching as Matt nodded his head.

“I’m looking forward to you coming home,” Honey said.

“So am I,” Maddie said.

“I’m going to let you go, Mother,” Honey said. “I need to get down to the gatehouse to meet the others.” She paused. “I love you.”

“I love you too, my Honey. We’ll see you in a few days.”

“I’ll see you then,” Honey said.

As Maddie ended the call, she set the phone down and locked eyes with Matt.

“I take it our little girl is missing someone,” Matt commented.

“She’s missing both of us,” Maddie said. “I can’t wait to get this figured out so that we can go home to Sleepyside.”

“We could always leave now and forget all that we have found out,” Matt suggested.

“We can’t do that,” Maddie said. “I think that we need to get these culprits so that no one else gets robbed like Monsieur Maas.”

“I know you’re right, darling. We will get this taken care of and then spend some time with the kids.”

“I love you,” Maddie said.

“And I love you.”

As Matt turned back to the computer, Maddie’s phone rang again. This time it was a number she wasn’t familiar with, and she said that to her husband.

“Answer it, but put it on speaker,” Matt said. “I won’t say a word.”

“Okay,” Maddie said and turned the phone on and hit the speakerphone. “Madeleine Wheeler speaking.”

“This is Detective Reynoud,” the voice said.

“How are you, Detective?” Maddie asked.

“I’m all right,” the detective responded. “I was wondering if we could meet. I’ve talked to Interpol and I think we can get a plan together to catch the culprits.”

Maddie looked at Matt, who nodded. “When and where do you want to meet?”

“How about in an hour we meet at the Statue of Brabo?  I will be dressed quite differently so that should anyone see us together, they won’t recognize me.”

“How will we know it is you?” Maddie asked.

“I will come to you and use the phrase: The stars at night shine brightly here,” the detective responded. “That shouldn’t arouse anyone’s suspicion.”

Matt nodded. 

“We will see you there,” Maddie said.

“Good-bye.”

Maddie ended the call. “I somehow get the feeling that this is going to blow up in our faces.”

“Don’t fret so much,” Matt said. “Things will work out.”

“Did you find anything on him?” Maddie asked.

“He has received numerous accolades for his work in solving many cases,” Matt said. “I haven’t found anything that would tell us he could be working for the other side. But I do trust your judgment, and when you say that you have an uneasy feeling, that is something that I listen to.”

“I just wish I could understand why he bothers me,” Maddie said.

“Maybe you will feel better after we meet with him,” Matt said.

“Maybe,” Maddie said. “Do you know where the statue is that we are supposed to meet him?”

“It should take us about 20 minutes to get there if we walk,” Matt said.

“I think we could head out now because it would be nice to see some of the sights before the meeting.”

“Then let’s go,” Matt said.

Matt and Maddie arrived at their destination earlier than they had anticipated. They took the time to look at the Statue of Brabo.

The Statue of Brabo was of a sailor who was navigating his ship down the river Scheldt. He had planned to sail past Antwerp with his cargo, but there was an evil giant stopping every ship and demanding money to let them continue the journey. Brabo had fought the giant, cut off the giant’s hand and thrown it in the water. The statue depicted Brabo holding the giant’s hand.

They were gazing at the statue when a voice said, “The stars at night shine brightly here.”

“They do,” Maddie said, turning slightly to see Detective Reynoud was not dressed as she had expected.

He was wearing a loud Hawaiian print shirt in a rainbow of colors and tan shorts. A large straw hat adorned his head and a multitude of cameras hung from straps around his neck. His black loafers covered his black socks that were pulled up halfway to his knees.

“That is definitely a different look,” Matt said, keeping his arm around Maddie.

“I had to do something so that the culprits don’t realize they are being set up,” Detective Reynoud said.

“So, I take it Interpol is okay with the meeting?” Maddie asked.

“They have had numerous complaints from different jewelers around the country about being swindled. They feel that this needs to be stopped before they move to another country, and this becomes an international incident.”

“But we don’t know what time the meeting is or exactly where in the Centraal Station we will meet,” Maddie said. “Monsieur Fine hasn’t called us back yet.”

“We will just have to wait to hear from you as to when it will take place,” Detective Reynoud said. “After they call, you need to call me so that I can get all the others involved ready. We will make sure that there are enough officers stationed about so that they are captured and nothing happens to you. The officers will look like ordinary people who regularly make their way into the Centraal Station, so you won’t know who they are.”

“Do you really think this will work?” Matt asked. “I mean, there are a lot of unknown factors that could come up during the meeting.”

“We believe that they will have the items with them. They will probably show you the real diamonds, and in a moment of distraction, they will make the switch.”

“I guess we will just have to wait for the call,” Maddie said.

“Just make sure that when you meet, you are out in public,” Detective Reynoud said. “If you are not, then it will be a lot harder for the other officers to catch them in the act.”

“We understand,” Maddie said.

“Well then, enjoy your time here at the Statue of Brabo.” The detective moved away and disappeared into the crowd.

“He was really helpful,” Matt grumbled. “He talked to us as if we didn’t have a brain cell in our heads. Hello, I’m a shrewd businessman. I think I know how to handle a meeting.”

“Relax, darling,” Maddie said. “He doesn’t understand we have been around two teenage detectives who know a thing or two about a mystery. I think he just wants us to be careful so that nothing happens to us.”

“I guess you’re right,” Matt said. “I guess I’m just worried about this meeting because you mean so much to me. We don’t know who these people are or what could happen should they realize they are being set up. I would go crazy if something happened to you at the hands of these people.”

“We will be fine,” Maddie said. “Like the detective said, when we set the meeting up, we will make sure that we are out in the open so that the officers will be able to see us and watch for the exchange.”

“You are amazing,” Matt said, giving her a kiss on the cheek. “Maybe you should talk to your daughter and her best friend to see if the name of their agency could be Belden, Wheeler & Wheeler.”

Maddie swatted Matt’s arm as she laughed. “I think I am going to leave the agency to the two of them. I kind of like traveling the world with you.”

“I like having you by my side as well.”

“Come on. Let’s go see if there are any other sights to see while we wait for Monsieur Fine to call,” Maddie said.

“All right,” Matt said. “Why don’t we head over to the Het Steen? That is the oldest building in Antwerp and is a historic medieval castle. It now houses the National Maritime Museum. If we go there, we might get some ideas to remodel the Wheeler boat.”

“We could do that,” Maddie said. “And I love checking out the castles. They are so unique and each one is decorated so beautifully.”

“Then let’s go.”

Upon arriving at Het Steen, which had been used to control the access to the Schelde, the river that flows through Antwerp, they were greeted by Semini, the Scandinavian God of youth and fertility. They read the historical plaque nearby that explained that the women of the town appealed to Semini when they desired children.

The castle was built in the early 1200s and was Antwerp’s oldest building. From 1303 to 1827, the castle was used as a prison. Captivity was not a punishment, but the prison was where criminals awaited their sentence, which ranged from chopping of hands or heads and/or burning and quartering. Their place in society and the money they had determined which side of the castle they were logged into.

Later, part of the castle was demolished to connect the south and north part of the port. The remaining part of the building now contained a shipping museum. Some old canal barges were displayed outside the castle.

After checking out the museum, they stopped at a chocolate store and picked up some sweets to take back home to Sleepyside for the children. Once that was done, they returned to their hotel. They had just stepped into the room and had slipped out of their shoes when Maddie’s phone rang again.

“Hello?”

“Madame Wheeler?” a voice asked.

“Yes,” Maddie responded. “This is Madame Wheeler.”

“Madame Wheeler, this is Monsieur Fine,” the voice said. “We spoke yesterday regarding some loose diamonds.”

“Oh, yes, Monsieur Fine. I remember you now.”

“I was hoping we could schedule a time to meet tomorrow,” he said. “Is there a time that would work better for you and your husband?”

“How about lunch time?” Maddie said. “Let’s say around noon?”

“That should be fine,” he responded. “I will be right inside the entrance.”

“What will you be wearing so that we can easily identify you?” Maddie asked.

“I will have a red rose pinned to the lapel of my jacket,” Monsieur Fine answered. “You will not have any trouble finding me.”

“Then we will see you tomorrow,” Maddie said. “I’m looking forward to seeing the jewels.”

“You won’t be disappointed.”

“I can’t wait,” Maddie said.

“Good night, Madame Wheeler.”

“Good night, Monsieur Fine.”

The call was ended and Maddie looked at her husband. “It looks like the meeting is all set.”

“You are good,” Matt said. “And you even got some additional information that we can give Detective Reynoud so that should he get away from us, the other detectives will be able to spot him.”

“Absolutely,” Maddie said. “It wasn’t nice what they did to these small-time jewelers, and if we can do something to assure no one else gets scammed, then it is all worth it.”

“You are amazing, my sweet,” Matt said, giving her a kiss. “I became the luckiest man in the world when you agreed to be my wife and each day since has been another adventure making me love you even more.”

“I feel the same way,” Maddie said as she wrapped her arms around Matt’s neck. “You are the world’s best husband and I love you so much. My life would be so lonely without you.”

“We make a great team,” Matt said.

Maddie’s phone rang again, interrupting them. “Arggggh,” Maddie groaned. “What perfect timing.”

“Just answer it and then we can continue,” Matt said.

Maddie opened the phone and said, “Hello.”

“Madame Wheeler, this is Detective Reynoud.”

“Detective,” Maddie said, catching her husband’s gaze. “We were just about to call you.”

“Did you hear from them?”

“We sure did,” Maddie said. “The meeting is scheduled for noon tomorrow at Centraal Station. He said we would meet them right inside the entrance.”

“Did he say how you would recognize him?” Detective Reynoud asked.

“He said he would have a red rose pinned to the lapel of his suit,” Maddie answered.

“This is going to be great,” Detective Reynoud said. “You have done so much for the department in such a short time. I am quite certain we will have all of them apprehended by the end of tomorrow and that the jewelers won’t have to be worried about being swindled again.”

“It looks like it,” Maddie said.

“We will see you there tomorrow,” Detective Reynoud said. “But don’t be obvious trying to find us. We will be there and we will make sure that you are out of harm’s way should anything happen.”

“Thank you,” Maddie said.

“You’re welcome. We’ll see you tomorrow.”

“We’ll see you tomorrow,” Maddie said.

As she closed the phone, Maddie sank onto the bed, deep in thought. For some reason, the uneasy feeling she had had earlier was returning in full force. To her, something just wasn’t adding up like it should.

“What is it?” Matt asked, sitting down beside her.

“I can’t put my finger on it,” Maddie said. “But while talking to Detective Reynoud, it seemed as if he was very excited that a meeting had been set up and that there would be plenty of people around so that we wouldn’t get hurt.”

“He probably has Interpol breathing down his neck to get the culprits behind bars and to make the jewelers here in Antwerp feel as if they are not going to be blindsided by each person who steps into their stores.”

Maddie sighed. “I guess you’re right. Maybe I’m just feeling the adrenaline rush because we are involved in this case instead of the girls for a change.”

“And at least what we are doing will not lead us into a dangerous situation,” Matt added. “We have talked to the authorities and they will be there to back us up so that they can catch them and end this diamond switch.”

“Exactly.”

The next morning, Matt and Maddie enjoyed a leisurely breakfast. They both examined the newspapers for any more messages about the diamonds. They scanned the classifieds twice to see if there were any ads, but there were none. They were quite surprised and wondered if the thieves had gotten wind that there would be a set up coming later that day.

As Maddie sipped her tea, she tried to think about what was to happen in the coming hours. The uneasiness she had felt the previous evening was coming back in full force and she just didn’t feel like she could trust Detective Reynoud. She couldn’t place her finger on it, but felt that this meeting wasn’t going to go as she expected.

“What are you thinking?” Matt asked.

Maddie lowered her teacup and looked at her husband. “Nothing important.”

“I think it is,” Matt said, lowering his paper to the table. “I think you are fretting about this meeting.”

Maddie looked at her husband and realized he knew the truth. “You’re right. I am fretting a little because this just doesn’t feel right. I can’t put my finger on it, but something isn’t right.”

“I hate to admit it, but I’ve got the same feeling. Sure, we did some research on Detective Reynoud, but there has to be something more than what we read. He just seems to be acting.”

“I wonder if he is one of the contacts for the thieves,” Maddie pondered. “Or is he the one who tries to leave false clues so that the rest of the department is following a false lead to keep them from connecting him to the crimes?”

“Sweetheart, I think you have been spending too much time with our daughter, because you just spoke in a sentence just like her,” Matt said.

Maddie laughed. “If I have, that’s not a bad thing. I love spending time with our son and daughter.”

“As do I,” Matt said. “And when we get this taken care of today, I think we should head back to Sleepyside. I’m anxious to get back to them.”

“I think that is a marvelous idea,” Maddie said. “And we can surprise the kids by getting back earlier than we anticipated.”

“I think that is a great idea,” Mat said. “I can call and see if the jet can be here later this afternoon and we can then be on our way.”

“That sounds perfectly perfect.”

As Matt made the necessary calls to ensure their ride home, Maddie resumed looking through the newspapers and the magazines that they had on the table. She figured there weren’t any clues and began reading the news, trying to get caught up on the world events so that she knew she hadn’t missed anything important.

She had just finished with one paper and was about to drop it onto the others when the name “Maas” jumped out at her in one article.

She quickly scanned the article and realized that Maas en Zoon Jeweliers had been broken into the previous evening and Isaac Maas had been hurt.

“Oh, no,” Maddie said.

“What is it?” Matt asked as he lowered the phone back to its cradle.

“Monsieur Maas was attacked last night,” Maddie said. “His store was broken into and he was assaulted. The article says that he tried to fight them off as they tried to steal some jewels that he was using for a special item.”

“Was he badly hurt?”

“It doesn’t say,” Maddie answered after a moment as she scanned the rest of the article. “He was taken to the hospital to be treated, but it seems as if the reporters didn’t have an update on his condition at press time.”

“I hope he’s all right,” Matt said.

“So do I.” She looked at her husband. “Once we get all this wrapped up, we should probably stop by and see how he is doing. He was a kind person and I hate to think that the people who stole from him the first time went back and did this.”

“I hope they didn’t because when they get caught, that would be more charges against them,” Matt said.

“I can’t wait to get this over and done with,” Maddie said. “I’ve never done anything like this before, and I can’t get over the adrenaline rush that is running through my veins.”

“I think this is how Honey and Trixie always feel,” Matt said.

“It is definitely a different feeling.”

“So, when do we have to leave?” Matt asked.

Maddie glanced at her watch. “We should probably leave in an hour. That way we will have plenty of time to get there, even if we do run into some traffic.”

“Sounds good. I’ve got a couple phone calls to make and then we can go.”

“Then I will go get ready.”

Maddie gave her husband a kiss and made her way into the bathroom.

Together they walked toward Centraal Station hand in hand. The day was beautiful and many people were out taking advantage of the nice weather. It seemed as if everyone in Antwerp were out walking the streets. They watched as other couples walked past holding hands, children running up and down the street screaming, and people just milling about enjoying the weather.

Matt and Maddie made their way through the entrance of the Centraal Station. They looked around, but did not see anyone who had a rose pinned to their lapel. They continued searching the crowd, wondering if Detective Reynoud was there. They knew they probably wouldn’t recognize him, but felt it wouldn’t hurt to look since they had already seen him in one of his disguises.

“Where do you think we should go?” Matt asked.

“Let’s wander around a bit,” Maddie said. “We still have some time before the scheduled meeting and can probably get a better lay of the land.”

“Good point.”

They made their way around Centraal Station taking the sights while, at the same time, watching out for their contact.

It was nearing noon and Maddie was beginning to feel anxious. They had circled the station a couple times when Maddie finally saw a man in a black suit with a rose pinned to the lapel standing near the entrance.

“He’s here,” Maddie said, motioning with her head.

“I see him,” Matt said. “We should probably go and get this over with.”

“Then let’s go.”

They walked over toward him and saw he was cautiously scanning the people who were walking about, looking for his contact. When they neared him, Maddie asked, “Monsieur Fine?”

“Madame Wheeler?” he asked.

“Oui,” Maddie said. “And this is my husband, Monsieur Wheeler.”

“It is a pleasure to meet you,” Monsieur Fine said, shaking Matt’s hand.

“Did you bring the jewels with you?” Maddie asked, anxious to get the meeting over with.

“Of course,” Monsieur Fine said. “Let’s move over here so that no one jostles us and the diamonds end up on the ground.”

“All right,” Maddie said.

They moved over a little bit and Monsieur Fine lifted up his black case that he was carrying. With the flip of the locks, he lifted the lid to show off the jewels sparkling in the sunlight.

“They are beautiful,” Maddie said. She reached into the case and slowly picked one up to examine it more closely in the sunlight.

“These are impeccable,” Matt said as he examined one at the same time.

“Merci,” Monsieur Fine said. “I have only brought the finest jewels with me.”

“These are remarkable,” Maddie said as she slowly began checking a few more.

“Is there one here that seems to fit what you were looking for?” Monsieur Fine asked.

“They could all become part of the piece for the auction,” Maddie said. “I’m quite certain that any of these would take in a hefty price for such a worthwhile organization. I just don’t know which one would work better.”

“You definitely have a great selection here,” Matt said. “I think this will be a tough choice.”

“I have never seen any jewels that are so perfect,” Maddie said, glancing at her husband. She caught the look in his eye and knew that he felt the jewels they were looking at were real.

“Maybe I could offer a couple suggestions if you told me what the piece of jewelry will be,” Monsieur Fine offered.

“Well, we were looking at having a pendant made with the jewel and put on a chain that we already have chosen.”

“How big is the pendant going to be?” Monsieur Fine asked.

“Probably no bigger than an inch,” Maddie said. “We want the jewel to stand out and I think you have a couple here that would be just right.”

“Which ones are you looking at?”

Maddie pointed out the jewels and hoped that Matt was also paying attention so that should they be swapped for the fakes, he would see it.

“Those are perfect choices,” Monsieur Fine said. “I think you will have the most beautiful jewel to auction off.”

“Thank you,” Maddie said.

“Are you sure these are the ones you want?” Monsieur Fine asked after she examined them again.

“I think so,” Maddie said. “How would you like to complete this transaction?”

“We can have these placed into a bag, and if you would give me your credit card, then we can have the money transferred into our account.”

“I think that will be fine.”

Matt and Maddie watched as Monsieur Fine took the jewels they were going to buy and carefully slipped them into a bag.

All of a sudden, Maddie was knocked from behind and her purse fell to the ground. She reached down to grab it and then stood up. She saw that Monsieur Fine had finished putting the jewels in the velvet bag.

He handed her the bag. “Everything is all set. Your precious gems are perfectly safe.”

“Merci,” Maddie said. “We do appreciate this.”

“You are quite welcome,” Monsieur Fine said as he closed the lid of the case. “It has been a pleasure doing business with you.”

“And with you,” Maddie said.

“Au revoir,” Monsieur Fine said and turned to leave.

“Hold it right there,” a voice said behind them.

They turned to see Detective Reynoud standing there. “Monsieur, I believe you and I need to have a serious conversation.”

“I have not done anything,” Monsieur Fine protested. “This was a business transaction. I have done nothing wrong.”

“I believe you have,” Detective Reynoud said. He held out his hand and Maddie placed the velvet bag into it. “I am quite certain you have just given these two people fake jewels and kept the real ones for yourself.”

“I did no such thing,” Monsieur Fine protested.

“Then we should have a look,” Detective Reynoud said as he opened the bag and then dumped the jewels into his hand.

“Monsieur Wheeler, please take a look at these jewels and tell me if they are the ones you had just looked at,” Detective Reynoud said.

Matt took the jewels in question and slowly examined them under the watchful eye of Maddie, Monsieur Fine and Monsieur Reynoud. After a couple minutes, he placed the jewels back in the bag and said, “These are not the jewels we were looking at.”

“I knew this was a set up,” Monsieur Fine said. “I knew it.”

In the blink of an eye, Monsieur Fine pulled out a gun. People around them screamed and began running for cover. Matt reached for Maddie to try to protect her from whatever diabolical idea Monsieur Fine had gotten into his head.

“I think the two of you need to come with me before I start shooting,” Monsieur Fine stated. “You set me up and deserve to pay for what you’ve done.”

“We aren’t going anywhere with you,” Matt said, shielding Maddie with his own body.

“I think you will,” Monsieur Fine said. “If you don’t, I will kill you both now, and then I will go to your little town in New York and kill your children.” He aimed the gun at Matt. “Do you really think that I don’t do my homework on who contacts me about diamonds? I know how things work and no one will swindle me.”

“Aren’t you going to arrest him?” Matt asked, looking at Detective Reynoud.

“Why should I?” he asked. “He hasn’t done anything wrong.”

“I knew it,” Maddie whispered as Matt pushed Maddie behind him so that he could protect her.

“Why?” Matt asked. “You’re an officer of the law. You are to protect the people.”

“Sometimes the pay just isn’t that good,” Detective Reynoud said.

“What are you going to do with us?” Matt asked.

“We are going to take a ride,” Monsieur Fine said. “And hopefully all our problems will be gone in a matter of time.” He motioned with the gun. “Let’s get moving.”

“After you,” Detective Reynoud said. He also motioned them with his gun and moved over next to Monsieur Fine.

Matt wrapped his arm around his wife’s shoulder and continued to keep himself between her and the barrels of the guns.

“What are we going to do?” Maddie asked in a whisper.

“We just have to wait and see if we can get an opening.”

“Matt, I’m scared.”

“Just relax,” Matt said. “We’ll be okay.”

“Keep walking,” Monsieur Fine said. “We’ll tell you where to go.”

They continued through the crowds, wishing they could catch the eye of someone who would realize they were in danger and get them some help. They were in over their heads, and neither one of them knew if they were going to get out of it.

All of a sudden, a voice yelled, “Freeze!”

Matt and Maddie were pulled apart, and each had the barrel of the gun pressed against their necks. They could feel Monsieur Fine and Detective Reynoud shaking as they tried to figure out who was talking to them.

“Let the hostages go,” the voice said.

“Never!” Monsieur Fine said. “Never!”

“We need to get out of here,” Detective Reynoud said. “We can’t stay here.”

“Why didn’t you take care of the officers?” Monsieur Fine asked.

“I did,” Detective Reynoud said. “None of the officers were scheduled to be here.”

“Then how did they find out?”

“I didn’t tell them,” Detective Reynoud said. “Someone else from the organization must have tipped them off to save their own hides.”

“Well, I’m not going down without a fight,” Monsieur Fine said. “We had a good deal going, but you messed it up. I hope you fry.”

“If I go down, I’m taking you with me,” Detective Reynoud said through gritted teeth.

Maddie felt her body trembling. She was terrified. She wondered if they would get out of this unharmed and would return to the safety of their home in New York with their children. She wanted to see Honey and Jim. She just wanted to hold them in her arms.

All of sudden, there was gunfire and the two of them fell to the ground. Maddie and Matt felt a sensation neither had felt before. They stayed on the ground, unsure if they or their loved one had been hit by a bullet. The gunfire continued for several minutes until silence settled on Centraal Station.