Page 92 of The Grey Wolf
“Fucking hell.” Jean-Guy placed his hand on his holster and stared into the forest, but it was too dark to see anything. “Let’s get out of here.”
Gamache scooped up the map. Then they quickly retraced their steps, glancing behind them now and then.
“What’re you doing out here anyway?”
“Thinking.”
“Not very clearly. This is what happens when you think too much,” said Jean-Guy. “I’ll never be eaten by wolves.”
Armand gave a small laugh, then fell silent. After a few steps Jean-Guy looked at him. “What is it?”
“I’m remembering a story Dom Philippe told me, about how the monastery got its name.”
“Yes, it now seems obvious. Saint Gilbert Among the Wolves.”
Jean-Guy had mistranslated the name of the monastery, Saint-Gilbert-Entre-les-Loups. A common mistake, and one Armand didn’t feel the need to correct. He glanced behind them again, but there was no sign they were being followed. Hunted.
“At least it’s not called Saint Gilbert Eaten by Wolves,” said Jean-Guy.
Armand laughed again, though with an edge of nerves. “True. That would’ve been worrisome, though at least a warning.”
Jean-Guy muttered something about not needing a warning.
“Before coming out, I spoke to the Keeper of the Keys,” said Armand. “He insists that no letters came from the Vatican.”
“But Frère Simon said—”
“Yes.”
“One of them’s lying.”
“Or not,” said Gamache.
“What do you mean?”
They were out of the woods and heading for the monastery when they heard the first deep toll.
“Damn.” Gamache started toward the huge doors, but Jean-Guy got there first. Picking up the iron bar, he pounded.
Nothing. He hit it again.
“Lauds,” said Gamache.
“That’s not the word that comes to my mind,” said Jean-Guy, dropping the iron rod.
“It’s the first service. The monk must’ve gone to it.”
“And locked us out. How long will it last?”
“Twenty minutes or so.”
As the solemn bells stopped and the last toll drifted over the lake and into the dark forest, the first rays of the sun struck the monastery. Only then did they notice the pilot on the dock checking out the plane.
“He’d better not leave without us,” said Jean-Guy.
As they walked toward the rocky shore, Jean-Guy made sure to place himself between Armand and the forest, in case the wolf returned.
“I thought you were taking the vow,” said Armand.
