"No offense," I say to him, "but I really like the coffee at a shop just below my apartment. Can someone take me there so I can get a cup? I want to buy some coffee and my favorite dark chocolate at a store beside it. I've been in this house for four days straight and I'm starting to gocrazy."
Raymond makes a face and then goes to thedoor.
"I'll arrange it. My Lord left instructions that any outings should be short, and limited to visiting your apartment to feed your cats. I'll have two guards take you. You're only allowed fifteen minutes. Is thatunderstood?"
I nod, and as much as I like the mansion, I'm happy to be out getting the fresh air. It's sunny and I don't want to waste the niceday.
* * *
The guardwho met us the first day takes me in a long black sedan and I see a second car following behind us. Talk about security precautions. We arrive at my apartment and I quickly refresh the cat food feeder and water dispenser while the guard named Marco stands like a statue in my doorway, and then we head to the coffee shop for a cup of Medium Blend organic and cream. The side patio is open and so I sit in a chair and enjoy the day. Marco is sitting a few chairs over, his dark glasses on, his hand on a cup of coffee, which he doesn'tdrink.
I get up to go to the washroom and Marco stands when he sees merise.
"I'm just going to thewashroom."
He nods and then goes ahead of me to check the small washroom out. He opens the door, checks the stall and then nods to me, not a wordsaid.
I go in and have a quick pee and then wash up before leaving. Marco isn't there when I come out, nor is he seated at the table where he was previously. I go to the shop next door to pick up some of the chocolate they sell there – it will go well with the pound of organic espresso I've bought. Surely the driver will see me and will keep an eye out for me for the five minutes I'm in the shop. I go into the tiny store and inspect a half-dozen trays of dark chocolate, selecting several that I'll enjoy after my supper. I glance out the window while the clerk rings the order up and see a strange man staring at me as he crosses traffic. He has his eyes peeled on me, a coat over his arm, and I have a sense that under it is aweapon.
"I'm sorry," I say to the clerk when she hands me the bag. "Is there a backentrance?"
She nods and points to the rear of the store and I leave through the small kitchen. I can circle around the block and see if I can find Marco. Then I hear footsteps behind me in the alley and I remember what Michel said – it's better to avoid fighting, even if you can win. I run, not looking back as Michel instructed. I'm a fast runner, but not fast enough to avoid a gun, a small projectile hitting me in theneck.
I fall and strike my head, and then there is onlydarkness.