Moments later, Charles found Blanche again. She hadn’t ventured very far. Probably not knowing what to do or where to go. He reached a hand toward her, but she turned away from him immediately.
“A...” he cleared his throat. “Are you okay?”
“What was that about? Who is he?”
“Nobody. He won’t bother you anymore. I promise.”
“You expect me to swallow that you just happen to know his name by chance?” She turned away again this time, ready to go. But he held her by the hand. She showed no sign of resistance, just sighing. “Have the courtesy to be honest with me.”
He sighed too, then took a deep breath. Was this the right choice? Honesty? All he knew was that she might leave, and he didn’t allow it. Not like this. The reflection had to take him a few moments too long, for he felt her hand slip from his. So he told her the truth.
“Eugene is part of someone's entourage ... This person, we pay him for his protection and to stay safe from the cops. Eugene was sent here to deliver a message, and he went after you. I am terribly sorry.”
Blanche had come back to him now, she was looking him straight in the eye. She understood that there wasn’t much left to say about the situation, or in any case, she felt she didn’t need to know more. Except ...
“Of all people... why me?”
“I guess he was lying in wait for someone to recognize. And with you ... it was easy.”
“What is that supposed to mean?” she asked, frowning.
Charles laughed slightly and brought his face close to hers.
