Son Parfum Persiste, Mate! (Her Fragrance Lingers, Mate!)

My days after Christmas were meant to be an uncomplicated holiday on the east coast of Australia, escaping the European winter in a camper van with the gorgeous Madame Charlottenburg. It wasn't meant to be the beginning of a puzzle, the unravelling of which would begin to emerge weeks later on a Mediterranean island.I am Dougay Roberre, and in Australia I had youthful reminiscences to relive, waves to catch, beers to drink, and Madame Charlottenburg's lips to kiss.Once home in Nice, France, questions emerged which needed answering.Who wishes to establish a protection racket over the local cafes?Why did I foolishly offend the reputation of gangster Eddie Contant's mother?And how can numerals written on a two-year-old's birthday card lead to a successful outcome for my Australian puzzle?Someday I should ignore questions, keep my mouth shut, and stay well away from trouble. Someday I should - though that day wasn't today.