A Trick of the Light (Chief Inspector Armand Gamache, #7)

by Louise Penny

I’m deeply grateful, after many years as a resister, I now completely believe that sometimes drowning men (and women) are saved. And, when coughed back, might even find some measure of peace in a small village. In the sunshine.

If it was necessary to talk about crime, about murder, why not do it over drinks and cheese and spiced sausage and olives? Armand Gamache’s feelings exactly.

It wasn’t the kiss that stunned Beauvoir. It was what came after. Why hadn’t he ever seen it before? Of course, he’d seen it, but he’d never really recognized it for what it was. Gamache had left him. Alone. To die. He’d abandoned him, to die alone on a filthy factory floor.

He wasn’t upset because he’d failed to save Gamache. He was angry because Gamache had failed to save him. And the bottom dropped out from beneath Jean-Guy Beauvoir.

Gamache regarded Beauvoir for a moment. “I know how horrible this is for you. You’re a private man, a good man. A strong man. Why else would I have chosen you, of the hundreds of agents? You’re my second in command because I trust you. I know how smart and brave you are. And you need to be brave now, Jean-Guy. For me, for the department. For yourself. You need to get help to get better. Please.”

“Great. It’ll be very relaxed. En famille.” Gamache smiled at the French phrase. It was one Reine-Marie often used. It meant “come as you are,” but it meant more than that. She didn’t use it for every relaxed occasion and with every guest. It was reserved for special guests, who were considered family. It was a particular position, a compliment. An intimacy offered.

But as he got older he yearned for less and less. Family, friends. Books. Walks with Reine-Marie and Henri, their dog.

“You aren’t expecting a miracle today?” Gamache asked. “Are you?” “Always. And I’m never disappointed. I’m about to go home to the woman I love, who loves me. I do a job I believe in with people I admire. Every morning when I swing my legs out of bed I feel like I walk on water.” Gamache looked Peter in the eyes. “As Brian said last night, sometimes drowning men are saved.”