Toulonacy 12

I needn't have worried-- practically all my worst fears were realized.

Some thoughtful soul in a uniform took the liberty of delivering word of my capture to the prison, ahead of arrival. Not sure how the news was received, but I found my manacles waiting when we got there. Just like home.

"Alright! You win! I give up! I'm caught, fair and square." Sure, I was stating the obvious, but it made me feel better. "Bring me to trial, lock me up, take away my library card-- do whatever it is you people do to a dangerous rabid criminal--- but Im begging you, please! For the love of God! Just dont take me to Captain Javert!!"

Worked like a charm. Knew it would. And one of the guards took particular delight in informing me, "That's just where youll go."

At this point, you may be wondering, for all the ups and downs and dirty turns that went on between the Captain and me, why did I want to go back? I guess deep down inside I had the desire-- maybe even the need-- to lay all the cards on the table and see which one made him blink. He was after the truth, and saw a glimmer of it when I was in the tub-- and NO I dont mean ME, I meant the 21st century miscellany he had poked through before I could stop him. And I wanted the rest of my photo back.

Yes, I wanted to stare at him in all of his presumed hotness and let him read me the riot act until I didn't like him anymore. And once I was over him, I could get on with getting on--- back home, no regrets.

Little time was wasted in marching back down the halls, up the stairs and once again to the private office of Captain Javert.

Except, he wasnt there.

I was pushed back onto the same bench used on my last visit, but this time, my ankles were chained to it. DUH!-- like I couldn't drag a bench. True, it would make another escape attempt clumsy and embarrassing, but I was done with prison breaks. Time to face the music.

The guards retreated to the hallway, where I imagined this time they were actually standing guard. I glanced around the room, where candles and lamps were already lit. The sun was going down but it had gotten cloudy enough to make candles necessary.

SLAM!!

Ah, the Captain had arrived.

I kept my eyes lowered, effecting the proper attitude of shame and contrition. I saw his boots pass in front of me-- the same sultry, slow, stalking slink that made me melt. What was with this guy?? I should want to be miles-- centuries-- away, but Lordy, he was just so damn captivating!!

He took his time, crossed to the other side of the room, and stopped. Only now did I raise my gaze far enough, to see him standing-- arms crossed, of course-- scowling at me.

"I imagine you think yourself clever." Scary cool, calm, even tone.

"Not any more." I admitted.

"The trick with the lock was amusing. Surely you didnt think youd get away?"

But I had-- and I would still be away if it wasn't for my own stupidity. I just shook my head.

"I have a fair amount of business to conduct every day, and as diverting as your presence has proven, it is a distraction I could well do without. I ask one simple thing of you, and you continually avoid the matter with your lies and parlor theatrics. No more."

Well, at least we could agree on that point.

"Empty your pockets on the table."

I looked at him as sheepishly as I dared.

"I'm chained to the bench."

He raised his eyebrows in mock surprise.

"Really? You havent wriggled your way free yet? Guard!"

Enter one guard.

"Free her legs."

Done. Exit one guard.

It was ridiculous to refuse. He'd already seen the incriminating evidence so what was to be gained by stalling? I walked to the table and dumped out all my change, papers, miscellany and lint. And a key. I had inadvertently tucked that wrong key in my pocket earlier, and I was embarrassed to think he would assume I took it deliberately. He approached, but still remained a step away. I suppose my previous dive over the table had left a scar.

"You will explain. Those are meant to be coins?"

"Official legal tender of the United States of America." I sighed. Still couldnt look him in the eye.

"And they are supposedly marked with dates? This morning, I read them. You might have made these yourself."

I looked at him then, and giggled.

"How would I do that? Or why? These are dimes, pennies-- quarters."

"I have never seen coin of this type. It doesn't even make the correct sound."

"Because they are made of a combination of metals you don't recognize." I was relaxing-- or was I giving up? Maybe this would be easier then I thought. His curiosity getting the better of him, he crossed to the table, to pick up a few and toss then lightly in his hand.

"Peculiar." Again a study of dates and inscriptions. "Who are these people?"

"George Washington on the big one. He's still alive now, I think." I still wasn't sure of the present date. "One of the others is Abraham Lincoln-- American President during the Civil War, in the 1860s. Thomas Jefferson on the nickel-"

"I know of him."

"Presidents, mainly. Our paper money has other people, too."

I felt awkward, but I cant even begin to imagine how he felt. Probably thought it was all some bizarre game..... He was not satisfied with the coins and set them down, for a button.

"And this a button? Made of what?"

"Plastic."

I slid the key toward him.

"I didn't steal it-- not intentionally."

He looked at the other items, ignoring the key, and shook his head. Those deep brown eyes raised, and locked on my own.

"Mademoiselle, who are you?"