Birdie in Paris: The Birdie Abroad Series, #4

By Heidi Williamson

Birdie Blessing's summer abroad has been anything but ordinary.

 

There's been the magic.

 

The new friends.

 

The danger.

 

The time travel.

 

Even the touch of romance.

 

But finally -- finally – she has everything under control. She can be a normal American teen on her first trip to Paris, devouring crepes, buying fabulous clothes, and climbing the Eiffel Tower.

 

Can't she?

 

If only she were normal. If only her dad and brother were still alive. If only her mom would tell her the truth about what she's doing in Europe.

 

If only her heart stopped racing every time a certain boy came around.

 

If only the magic stayed bound.

 

It turns out being normal is not in the cards. As Birdie makes her way to the City of Light, danger lurks ever closer, stalking her, growing more evil with each passing day, until the results of an eerie tarot reading and a medieval mystery intertwine to change her life forever.

 

Birdie in Paris is book four in the Birdie Abroad series.

NOTE: The overall plot builds with each installment, but the books are standalone stories that can be read out of order.
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Studying abroad this summer? Backpacking through Europe? Going on vacation with your parents?

 

See what it's like to be there through the eyes of American teens in this heartfelt fiction series. You'll delight in the magic and mystery that unfold, in both the past and the present!

• Language: English
• Publisher: FlyAway Ink Creative
• Release date: Nov 1, 2023
• ISBN: 9798988859017

Book preview

BIRDIE IN PARIS

Book Four of the Birdie Abroad Series

Heidi Williamson

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Copyediting by The Blue Garret

Book Cover Design by ebooklaunch.com

Published by Flyaway Ink Creative

Copyright © 2023 Heidi Williamson

All rights reserved.

For love that runs deep...

Travelers with spare time between the bustle of Munich and the hustle of Paris find majestic Switzerland – with its soaring mountain peaks, clockwork public transit, and clean, safe, towns and villages – to be the breath of fresh air that makes their itinerary sparkle. —Marty McEntire, Europe for Americans Travel Guide

Chapter One

Can’t we just live here? Birdie adjusted her camera lens to line up another shot of the cut-glass peaks that framed the Lake Geneva shoreline. The Swiss mountains rose high above the deep blue expanse of water, their distant snowcaps mirroring the white sails of the expensive boats that floated like toys in a bathtub far below.

From inside the chalet, her mom laughed. That would be nice. She tossed the dishtowel she’d been using onto the massive kitchen island and wandered over to the wall of glass panels that opened onto the cantilevered deck where Birdie stood, camera in hand. You’d have to learn French.

Birdie snorted. Not likely.

Maybe Ben could teach you.

She snapped a burst of photos, then checked the view screen to see how they looked. Yeah, maybe. He’s been pretty busy with German lately. They’d spent the better part of the past two weeks with her friend Ben and his Uncle Noah touring Bavaria, staying in Munich, then dipping into Austria to tour Salzburg. Somehow, he’d learned all the basic German phrases he needed without getting tongue-tied while Birdie could barely pronounce hello or goodbye. Other languages just didn’t click for her like they did for Ben.

Her mom came up beside her and leaned on the railing, smiling contentedly as she took in the spectacular view. She looked more relaxed – more alive – than she had in a long time, her hair loose and lightened by the sun, her T-shirt and yoga pants worn and soft. It is beautiful, isn’t it? Hmmm. I’d love to move here. It’d be like living in a postcard. But even with selling our house back home, we couldn’t swing this place.

Birdie had put their life in Pennsylvania so far out of her mind that being reminded of it gave her a jolt. Our house sold?

No, not yet. But we have an offer. Her mom sighed. It’s a good one too. But I need to make sure we have somewhere else lined up to live before I accept.

That had always been the plan, to see if the house they’d shared with her brother, Jonah, and her dad would sell while they were away for the summer. And now it was happening.

It was just as well. The ghostly whispers of her dad’s laughter and Jonah’s teasing had faded with each passing day there, until all she’d felt within its walls were the hollowness and heartbreak of knowing they were never coming home.

I don’t care where we live. Birdie positioned her camera for another shot of the mountains and lake, but lowered it when a black SUV came into view on the road that hugged the shoreline. She waited for it to pass, but it slowed instead, turning onto the lane that switchbacked up the steep incline that connected the driveways of a dozen chalets, including theirs. We could be nomads for all I care.

You wouldn’t miss the house?

I miss Dad and Jonah.

Her mom gave her a sorrowful smile. Me too.

So much had happened since they’d left to spend the summer exploring Europe that it was hard to imagine going back to their house at all. It was almost as if it didn’t exist anymore.

Anyway, her mom continued, I’m so grateful this worked out – coming here, I mean. I wish Noah and Ben could’ve come with us, but I wasn’t about to pass up the chance to spend a few days in the mountains.

Ben was still in Munich with his uncle, who was attending a special night course on German beer purity laws. Uncle Noah planned to open a brewery when he got back to Texas, and was intent on getting an old-world beer education.

She and her mom had said goodbye to them at the simple bed-and-breakfast where they’d all stayed in Munich. They’d arrived the evening before on a crowded train, pulling into the Montreux station at dusk and hailing a taxi to the chalet, which jutted from the mountainside as if it were hanging there. Her mom had been up early this morning and somehow made it down to town and back with groceries before Birdie even rolled out of bed.

Mrs. Blessing inhaled a deep breath of the fresh mountain air. This feels like vacation, doesn’t it? I don’t know about you, but I could sure use a rest, especially after spending so much time with Noah and Ben. She bumped Birdie’s shoulder with hers. Did you enjoy your birthday?

Birdie grinned. Yes. It was awesome. She’d loved feeling the wind whip back her long, chestnut brown hair and the heart-pounding thrill of flying down the summer toboggan track outside Salzburg. They’d celebrated her sixteenth birthday there with Ben and his uncle, with the surprise toboggan ride followed by lunch at a beer garden, listening to a local band. The weather had been perfect and the atmosphere festive – just what she’d needed to forget she had any problems at all. I could go for one of those giant pretzels right about now. Mmmm. And the chocolate cake.

Her mom leaned her arms on the railing, folding her hands together. I thought it was pretty great too. You know, Noah helped me plan it all. He’d heard about the toboggan track and thought it’d be a blast.

He was right. Blast didn’t begin to describe how much fun they’d had. No one would have guessed they’d only met a few weeks before.

But I do still have one more birthday surprise for you.

You do? Birdie shot her a quizzical look. Her birthday had long since passed. I don’t need anything else. The toboggan ride was plenty. Really.

Her mom beamed. You’re going to love it.

Birdie chuckled. Okay, Mom. She tracked the SUV’s progress as it zigzagged up the narrow road, slowing at each sharp curve.

Hey, you only turn sixteen once. Her mom straightened and headed back across the deck toward the kitchen. But for now, my only goal is to finish putting the groceries away, then sit on this deck and do nothing for the rest of the day. Maybe for multiple days. I need to regain my strength before we tackle Paris.

When’s that? Birdie thought of her friend Sophia, who she’d met at Burg Rheinfels. Sophia and her twin brother, Sam, had said they were going to Paris too. It would be so cool if she ran into them like she’d run into Ben in Prague. But it was unlikely. Marty McEntire’s guidebook had too many Paris hotel recommendations for there to be a chance they’d be at the same one. And Sophia and Sam might not be in Paris at all, but back in Hawaii for all she knew.

In a few days, her mom called from the kitchen. So I want to rest up. I have a whole list of your dad’s contacts to meet with, and I still have a few medieval pieces I’m trying to find. Paris might be the place.

What am I going to do there? Birdie hoped her mom’s trust in her had improved enough over the past couple of weeks that she wouldn’t do anything ridiculous – like send her to day camp – but she wanted to be sure.

You could come with me, I guess, but you’d probably be bored. Noah and Ben are meeting us there, so maybe you could tour around with Ben? I don’t know. We’ll figure it out. But first we get to enjoy a few days in the mountains.

Birdie turned back to the view. You can see all the way to Montreux from here.

You can see all the way to everywhere from here.

Her mom was right. They’d taken family vacations in the mountains before, and they’d been to lots of lakes. But this? She’d never been to a place where the mountains and lake combined to create such beauty that spending all her time in Switzerland staring at the view from the deck felt like the only reasonable course of action. She raised her camera and focused the lens beyond the lane and the SUV, which had passed the entrance to the last long driveway before theirs.

She snapped the shot and lowered the camera. Hey, Mom? I think someone’s coming, she called over her shoulder.

Mrs. Blessing slid a box of muesli into a cupboard, then rounded the kitchen island. She rejoined Birdie on the deck as the SUV turned into their drive. Oh good. I was hoping today would be the day.

For what?

Mrs. Blessing’s face lit with a mischievous smile. You’ll see.

Mom—

Oh, just be patient. It’s part of your birthday surprise.

The black SUV slowed again as it came through the gate at the bottom of the drive, then parked at the foot of the long flight of stairs that led up to the deck.

Birdie wondered what the surprise might be. A special delivery of some sort, judging by the size of the SUV. But what? It couldn’t be anything too big – like a bike or something – because they still had a bunch of countries to travel through. Plus, how would she get it home? Flowers maybe? But why? Chocolates? She grinned. An SUV full of Swiss chocolates would be pretty awesome.

After a moment, the engine quieted, and the driver’s door swung open.

Birdie’s grin faded as Alexey Ivanov climbed out, perfectly polished in stylish, casual clothes that were no less crisp than the business suits he’d worn in Prague.

She backed up, unsure whether to stay on the deck or dash inside to hide.

What was he doing here?

The last time she’d seen her dad’s old friend, he’d been chasing their train, banging on the side in a fit of rage. He’d taken a very old compass from her in Prague and, with his son’s help, she’d stolen it back.

His son.

Sergei.

She backed toward the chalet. She’d never expected to see either of them again.

Alexey rounded the nose of the hulking vehicle and opened the passenger door. A beautiful, willowy woman stepped out, her long hair flowing like sunshine. Even her sundress seemed chosen to coordinate with the flowers that lined the drive.

Mrs. Blessing rushed past Birdie, jogged down the wooden stairs, and took the woman’s hands in hers. Elena, it’s so wonderful to see you again. I can’t thank you enough for letting us stay here! The chalet is every bit as lovely as you described it.

As the women embraced, Alexey glanced up to the deck and spotted Birdie. He raised a brow, then turned back to say hello to her mom.

Her stomach churned. He hadn’t reached out again, hadn’t called her mom, or chased them to Munich, at least as far as she knew. She’d been sure she was in the clear and had purposely pushed everything that happened in Prague out of her mind. Everything. She and Ben had been having such a good time in Bavaria that it was almost as if the rest of the trip had never happened, as if she’d never found the aventurine.

She shivered at the thought of the glass, still hidden away in the ancient binding box and wrapped in a black pashmina in the bottom of her daypack. She’d meant to destroy it. She and Ben had hatched a plan. Why hadn’t they destroyed it?

Now Alexey was here. With his wife. And this was their house.

Every muscle in her body ordered her to run. But Alexey would know every corner, every room. There was nowhere to hide.

He stepped around the women and opened the rear door of the SUV.

Birdie, come down and meet Mrs. Ivanov, Mrs. Blessing called.

Elena laughed, a musical sound in the clear mountain air. Let’s go up to her. She glanced back at Alexey as a middle-school-aged girl crawled out of the back seat. "Be sure to bring everything up with you, mon cœur."

He nodded as he helped the girl jump down. He reached deep into the back seat for a small purple gift bag, which he handed to the girl, then retrieved a larger cloth shopping bag for himself before pushing the door closed.

Birdie held her breath. Where was Sergei? She watched for the opposite door to open, for him to step out, smile at her, glare at her, ignore her. Something. Things had ended so horribly between them in Prague after her accusation about his father. Watching Alexey and Elena now only confirmed how wrong she and Ben had been. There’d been nothing romantic going on between Birdie’s mom and Alexey at all.

She groaned inside. Why hadn’t her mom told her this was their house?

She thought of the aventurine again, safe inside the binding box in the bottom of her daypack.

For now. But for how long? Sergei knew about it, and he wanted it. He’d made that clear enough the last time he talked to her.

Slurred at her.

She closed her eyes, remembering their last encounter on the grand staircase at the Hotel Astronomical in Prague.

Please don’t let him be here.

Chapter two

As the Ivanovs followed Mrs. Blessing up the steep stairs, the door to the SUV stayed closed.

Birdie exhaled. At least she wouldn’t have to deal with Sergei. Seeing Alexey again was bad enough.

Hello, Birdie, Mrs. Ivanov said warmly, studying her well-worn T-shirt and shorts as she made her way across the wooden planks. Up close, Birdie saw where Sergei had inherited his high cheekbones and deep blue eyes from, although his dark hair had come from his father, who had the air of a movie star. I’ve heard so much about you. I am Elena. Do you love the chalet also?

Yes, thank you, Birdie whispered, surprised her voice still worked at all. She didn’t dare to look at Alexey. This is your house?

Elena wrapped her arm around Birdie’s shoulders and brought her closer to the others. Not today, no. Today it is your house. She gave her a little squeeze. The chalet, the trails, the views. Everything is perfect for you this time of year. Please allow me to introduce our daughter, Emma.

Their daughter. Had Sergei mentioned he had a sister? She tried to remember and came up blank.

Hi, Emma. I’m Birdie.

Emma was about eleven years old, with blond-brown hair secured in twin braids and a blush of sun-kissed freckles that fanned across a button nose.

She tilted her head to study Birdie and said something in French to Elena.

You must speak English, Emma. It will be good practice. Elena smiled at Birdie. She asked about your camera.

Birdie forgot she’d been holding it. I was taking pictures of the mountains and the lake. She glanced over her shoulder and noticed a second car, sleek and silver, speeding up the switchbacks, accelerating into each turn. They’re amazing.

Birdie, say hello to Alexey, Mrs. Blessing urged. You remember him from Prague, don’t you?

Birdie tried to smile, but she was sure her face merely contorted like she’d swallowed bad milk.

Alexey approached her, plucking the small purple gift bag from Emma’s hands. Birdie instinctively tried to back up, but Elena still held her shoulders.

Happy birthday. He held out the bag. I understand it is a big one.

Sixteen, her mom said. It’s so hard to believe.

Elena squeezed again, then released her. You must open it.

Thank you, Birdie said, still unable to find any volume.

Alexey cupped her palm gently and placed the bag into it. You have not seen the gift yet.

She stared at the bag in her hand.

Her mom crossed to her side and gave Alexey an apologetic smile. Since when are you so shy about birthday gifts, honey? Go ahead and open it.

Birdie realized she’d been holding her breath again and released it. Then a terrible thought struck.

The pawns.

Please don’t let it be the pawns.

She flashed back to the strange little man on the Charles Bridge in Prague who’d tried to give them to her, then to Sergei drunkenly shoving them into her daypack on the stairs. She’d given them back, refused to take them, but who knew if Sergei remembered that at all. He’d been so out of it that night. And it would be just like Alexey to have confiscated them.

Her hands trembled as she untied the curled rainbow of ribbon that cinched the bag closed. She pushed aside several sheets of tissue paper until her fingers lit on the gift. She didn’t need to pull it out to know what it was. Her gaze shot to Alexey, then to her mom, who smiled encouragingly.

Birdie pulled a phone from the bag.

It’s the latest model, her mom gushed. I asked Alexey to have them set it up for you at the flagship store in Geneva. It should work here and when we get home.

I…

It was Alexey’s idea. He knew I worried about you when we were apart in Prague. This way, no matter where we are, we can stay connected. If you and Ben want to go see the Eiffel Tower when we get to Paris—

Thank you, Birdie said. This is… it’s a huge surprise.

You’re welcome. Alexey turned to her mom and held out the cloth shopping bag. Is it too early for wine?

Mrs. Blessing took the bag. Not if it’s sparkling!

I will help you. Elena looped her elbow through her mom’s as they passed through the open glass panels into the kitchen, laughing as they took down round wineglasses from the cupboard and set the island with the snacks Mrs. Blessing had picked up at the market.

Alexey hung back, and when Birdie looked up, his steely eyes were on her, unreadable. "You will