Treasure hunt in the Louvre

In 2013 we went on a treasure hunt in the Louvre. At night! This was part of our first Aimée Leduc trip to Paris and promised to be exciting. Daisy, a PhD in art history, organized our evening hunt and not one of our 15 members knew what to expect. Oh we expected to see this

But Daisy divided us into groups and we had assignments. Two enthusiastic members, both named Sharon and from Washington, had carried pairs of red Converse sneakers like Aimée to France and vowed to wear them on the treasure hunt in her honor.

 They insisted the sneakers be signed. Sharon 'Leduc' is on the left.

Needless to say my group's assignment was to locate five pieces of Egyptian art that were located on the five different floors of the Egyptian wing which is HUGE!

By the end of the hunt we only found two. The two Sharons were on the winning team that found ALL their treasures. Afterwards we celebrated their win at Cafe Marly overlooking the pyramid with Champagne. And they put up their sore feet saying they didn't know how Aimée ran around without arch supports and climbed roofs in those sneakers.

That first Aimée trip was an eye opener for me and most of our group. It's a different feeling to talk about where a story's inspiration comes from and be standing right there in Paris in front of it.

Both Sharon's were full of life and so fun and eager to try adventures. The Sharon on the left who insisted we call her Sharon 'Leduc' said it gave her the chance to live my detective's life vicariously.

Today, sadly, Sharon's husband sent me a note saying Sharon had passed away and thanked me for giving her happiness. He told me he was writing from his office where the red Converse sneakers were still kept.

Adieu, Sharon 'Leduc' thank you for giving such joy and happiness to all of us, too.

Cara - Tuesday