Chapter 27

November 2nd, 2018

Pyrénées

9th Arrondissement, Paris

Moon in Virgo - Waning Crescent

I take a seat at the long, shiny table, Mrs Delacroix sitting right across from me. Alec hunkers next to her, and Mr Delacroix has the head of the table for himself. On my left, a woman I didn't get to meet yesterday sips her coffee demurely. She looks strict and effective, scholarly even. Alec's mother has introduced her as Mr Delacroix's secretary, and she looks the part. Tight bun at the nape of her neck, flawless, discreet makeup - if not for the splash of red lipstick in a hue Alec herself seems to favour whenever she deems to do her face - black turtle-neck, sharp trousers, and heels that would have me holding on to walls and furniture for balance. Somehow, she seems to glide in them. A woman who demands and imposes respect, if not a little fear. She sits in silence and eats her breakfast hurriedly, as does Mr Delacroix.