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Chapter Thirty: Risk
She kept waiting for something to happen: a phone call, police sirens… anything. She was certain Mary had called the authorities to report her missing car, but the road was abandoned. Perhaps she hadn't realized her ward was gone? In any case, nothing happened.
Once she stopped shaking, she pulled out her phone and dialed Raoul's number.
Andre picked up on the third ring. "Hello, Miss Daaė."
"You can tell your boss that I'm on my way."
"Good. Now, please destroy your phone."
She laughed scornfully. "How will you know if I do or don't?"
"If I can't reach your voice mailbox, I'll believe you. You don't want to cross him, young lady." Then, he ended the call.
She didn't know what to do or think. For all she knew, Andre wasn't capable of determining whether or not her cell phone was destroyed. Going to meet Buquet was dangerous enough without having a way to call for help.
But, she had heard the menace in his voice. It was too risky; Raoul's life was at stake. So, she rolled down the window and threw out the phone.
She checked the dashboard clock. She would arrive at the old theater in about an hour. She had time. She pulled into a nearby Waffle House, parked, and went inside. Good, there were other customers. She sat at the front where anyone else who entered would see her and ordered some coffee and an omelet. She didn't know how long it would be before she ate again, so she might as well be prepared.
She didn't know what was in store.
o0o
Meg nearly jumped out of her seat when her phone rang. She glanced at the caller ID right before she pushed the talk button. "Where is he?" she demanded.
"You certainly don't beat around the bush, do you, Miss Giry?" he chuckled. "I like that in a woman."
Her grip tightened around the phone. "You're sick," she spat. "You promised to take him to the hospital. Christine is on her way; keep your promise."
"The plans have changed. I'll leave him here, and you can come rescue him."
"I don't even know where you are, and by the time I reach him, he might be dead."
"I suppose you should hurry, then, shouldn't you? He's at 1987 Leroux Lane. He's fading fast."
Meg grabbed her purse. It was risky to go to Raoul, but she had no other option. She couldn't allow her friend to die simply because she wanted to avoid a slight chance of danger. "What do you –"
"Better hurry, Miss Giry."
Click.
The line went dead.
o0o
Glenda had just clocked into work when a young, pale woman entered the Waffle House. She watched as the girl sat down and buried her face in her hands. She looked frightened and exhausted, and she was shivering.
The waitress was a good-natured busybody, so she couldn't help but pry just a little as she poured the young woman some coffee. "Is everything alright, honey?"
"Yes ma'am," the girl answered in a soft voice. "I just have a lot on my mind."
"Well, drink up your coffee. You look like you're freezing."
"Thank you."
She continued to watch as the girl ate. Every few minutes, she glanced at her watch. Glenda made sure she refilled her coffee mug often. Poor dear, she thought.
When the young woman rose to leave, she brought her a to-go cup of coffee. "Here's one for the road, sweetie."
The girl's smile didn't quite reach her eyes. "Thank you." She started to leave, but when she reached the door, she paused. "My name is Christine Daaė."
Before Glenda could say another word, the girl was gone.
Posted on: February 28, 2012