NOIR

Chapter Five

The Forgotten

By Steve Edward

Saturday, July 9th 1400 hours, Paris, France

Gina Baldwin guided by Mireille Bouquet and Kirika Yumura had literally shopped till she dropped. Irena and Nina outfitted with more suitable clothing had been taken to shops carrying wares that neither had ever seen or the opportunity to explore. While passing a musical instrument shop, Irena and Nina had begged Gina to go in.

Irena and Nina surprisingly made a bee-line for the violins, where each examined an instrument and after receiving permission from the shop keeper to play, they launched into a duet. Their playing attracted a street audience who so appreciative of the performance began to place money in an empty basket outside of the shop, much to the consternation of Gina Baldwin who along with Mireille and Kirika listened in astonishment at the impromptu performance.

Randy Baldwin having left the embassy had wondered about Paris lost in thought, trying to organize how he was going to explain things to Gina. The cell phone call from Mireille directing him to where they were had interrupted his wonderings. Taking a taxi to the prescribed address, he found the side street completely blocked as he arrived. In the distance, the sounds of the violins filtered through the crowd as Parisian's whose penchant for enjoying the arts no matter where they found them took in the performance.

Randy making his way through the crowd, approached the front of the shop where he found Kirika eyeing the "tips" for the performance, "Kirika? Mireille called and said to come meet her here. Where are Gina and the kids?" Kirika smiled and pointed over her shoulder, "Monsieur Baldwin, they are inside. Irena and Nina are playing the violins." Randy trying to get past Kirika turned, "They are playing what?"

An elderly woman angrily shushed Randy, "Monsieur! Please be quiet!" as Randy maneuvered his way past the overly large woman finally entered the shop. There he found Irena and Nina sitting in chairs, with two microphones before them. The shop keeper so enthralled with their playing had rigged two wireless microphones to his shops sound system and feeding the music to the street outside was sitting next to Gina Baldwin whispering urgently into her ear, "Madam, they deserve instruments of the highest quality. I beg you to consider this request."

Irena and Nina concluding their performance stood and acknowledged the presence of their step-father, as Randy came to a stand still behind Gina, "Hello Father. Did you enjoy?" Randy smiled, "Most assuredly." The shop keeper rapidly stood and turned and took Randy's hand and shook it, "Monsieur! Please let them continue!" As Randy felt a tap on his shoulder, the elderly woman chimed in as well, "Monsieur? Please let them play."

Caught in between having to take them from the shop through a large crowd, that had spilled into the street and possible making some angry; Randy chose to allow Irena and Nina to play as the tearful shop keeper brought Randy a chair to sit on next to his wife.

Randy adjusted his cell phone to vibrate, and sat next to Gina, "Ok. How long have they been at it?" Gina replied smiling, "Nearly an hour. They dragged us in here. You should talk to the proprietor he has offered to provide the address for a craftsman who builds rather high quality violins." Randy Baldwin finding the music both satisfying and relaxing, "How much?" as Gina Baldwin whispered into Randy's ear, "100,000 Euro a piece."

Irena and Nina's expressions were of contentment; their eyes half closed each complimented the others playing each note precisely struck, length and duration perfect. The shop keeper had explained that the violins were of beginning student quality, yet Irena and Nina had with little effort culled an incredible sound from the massed produced instruments. Randy satisfied turned to the shop keeper, "Monsieur? I would like the address of craftsman please."

Saturday, July 9th 1800 hours, Paris, France

Randy having extracted Irena and Nina from the music shop, found himself confronted by well wishers congratulating him on his step-daughters performance. Kirika having emptied the small tip basket numerous times finally had those wanting to show their appreciation by putting their tips into a large paper sack. Irena and Nina at the kitchen table were excitedly counting their earnings, when the door bell rang.

Recognizing Ned Smith standing on the stoop, Randy opened the door and welcomed him inside. Ned greeting Irena and Nina then Gina and Kirika who with Mireille observed in amusement at Irena and Nina's happiness followed Randy to the sitting room, where he closed the doors to the hallway.

Opening the briefcase, Ned removed several folders and handed them over to Randy, "As you requested. Everything that is currently known about the private school and its former occupants, it is not a pretty picture. German authorities are conferring with their counterparts here in France in regards to the pharmaceutical facility that was raided earlier today. The British are involved or will be involved very shortly since a certain suddenly deceased citizen of their country, namely Sir Richard Galen was apparently providing funding to the manufacturing facility and to a private school in Germany."

Randy read the contents of each folder briefly, "What about the girls? It appears most have fraudulent identification." Ned nodded, "Yes it appears so. The Germans are still going through the school as we speak. I'll have more by Monday afternoon. But in a thumbnail sketch, the school apparently did lethal instruction. The Germans found pills similar to what you recovered but the dosages were considerably more powerful. The method of instructing was to use live subjects. None of the victims have been identified as of yet, but they are all of European decent. None of the former staff has been located, but the Germans have some leads and are pursuing them. One has a question mark next to her name but it shows her position within the school as an "At Large" position. Randy perused the list; Ned watching Randy's surprised reaction, "Shit. It can't be! No way in hell," as Randy Baldwin threw the offending folder down on the coffee table.

Mireille seeing the agitated state of Randy Baldwin took the folder from the table and read the contents as well, "Monsieur Baldwin, it is nothing more than a position of honor. They likely continued to carry Sister Altena's name as a form of remembrance. She is most assuredly dead. I watched her fall to her death as did Kirika." Randy sighed, "Damn it I really hope for everyone's sake you are correct." Ned sifting in his seat, "Ok, she is dead who ever this Altena is. I'll pass that along, with a suitable explanation that they need not make further inquires on her. As for the girls, a convent located near the Spanish-French border has stepped forward to volunteer for the care of the young girls found at the school. The Head Mother, named Sister Katrina made the offer through the French government. Her credentials are impeccable and the Germans it seems are happy to turn the girls over."

Mireille smiled, "They will be in good hands. Sister Katrina is a kind and kindred soul who will look after them. Perhaps in time they will be able to enter society at an appropriate time." Randy mused silently, "Well the private clinic is going to be busy that's for certain. I wonder how the Head Mother is going to deal with twenty odd young girls who like to kneel before their seniors. That will be an interesting sight."

Ned chuckled as he removed yet another folder and gave it to Randy, "Oh yeah, by the way weren't you involved in an investigation here in France earlier in the year that regarded wire transfers?" Randy nodded while opening the folder, "Yes I was. The case was solved as far as I was concerned. The perpetrators are serving some rather lengthy jail sentences courtesy of the French government. Why do you ask?"

Ned replied, "Page 5 though page 10. You really know how to make waves." As Randy did as Ned asked, he flipped the pages back and forth. Randy looked up at Ned, "You have got to be kidding?" Ned smiled, "Nope. The late Sir Galen got stung big time."

Randy recalled the wire transfer fraud case. It had involved numerous European Union nation member banks, but the origins of the fraud took place within France itself. A disgruntled programmer had been tripped up by an outdated program that he had written nearly 24 years earlier. Buried in scores of computer code, it was not discovered until well after the conversion to the Euro had taken place. The wire transfers taking place from various branches of the bank throughout the European continent itself and then in London, England had affected the Euro monetary transfers as well as non-participating countries which included the United Kingdom, which stubbornly stuck with the British Pound monetary unit.

The late Sir Richard Galen being involved in a private investment firm had to absorb the costs of the errors that were created. Randy had without realizing it had in fact met one of Sir Galen's partners but not Galen himself who had apparently been preoccupied with another currency transaction error had been too busy to meet with him. Randy muttered, "Son-of-a-Bitch, the bastard was getting ready or preparing for a currency war. His partner likely gave him the idea after my meeting in London."

Ned Smith nodded, "Yeah that is what Langley thinks. I believe the Brits will be examining the books come Monday, if not they are not already doing so now and they will find irregularities galore."

Mireille thought a moment, "Randy was it theory or happenstance that you had guessed at the late Sister Altena's motives?" Glancing at Ned, "No comment for now." As Ned raised an eyebrow, "I suppose that person whom ever she was is off limits." Randy seemed to nod, "Yes for now Ned. Just forget about hearing anything about her other possible activities if you catch my drift." Ned needing no encouragement dropped the subject from further discussion.

Looking at his watch, Ned sighed and stood to leave, "Well Randy you may be retired again; but I am not. I'll keep you informed on anything that comes out of Germany."

Thanking Ned, Randy walked him to the door and bid Ned goodnight.

Gina Baldwin stepping out of the kitchen met her husband in the hallway, "Any news Randy?" Randy nodded, "Yes Gina there is. We have a good idea where Irena and Nina were staying for a good period of time and the reason why they tend to raise their hands so much." Gina Baldwin sighed, "Somehow I do not think I am going to like what I am going to hear." Randy Baldwin turned to his wife, "You might want to sit down for this," as Randy guided Gina to the sitting room.

Sunday, July 10th 1000 hours, Paris, France

Randy Baldwin sitting on the sofa in the sitting room was massaging his forehead after the one hour phone call with Sister Katrina, who had just returned from Germany to Pas de la Casa, France with her wards. Her own observations of what was supposed to be a private school had been punctuated with unnun like language. She would be forwarding a written account of her observations by courier along with still photographs and DVD video taken at the school.

German authorities had recovered a computer system that gave some detail to where the remaining young girls had come from. Sister Katrina's already taunt and angry voice turned soft and sad after advising that it was doubtful any of the young girls parents could be located. Many had come from the Eastern Europe region which had been in turmoil in the past several years. Sister Katrina had already received numerous pledges of assistance to provide for the large number in her care. Randy mused at that, "There are still some Soldats with hearts."

Sister Katrina when informed of Irena and Nina's gift of music seemed to make her happy. She surmised, that Irena and Nina had used it as a way to escape from the daily torment that they had gone thru. Sister Katrina added that she had seen only one musical instrument at the school and it had been a very battered looking violin.

Gina Baldwin followed by Irena and Nina entered the sitting room and sat next to her husband, "Troubled?"

Randy sighed, "Yes. I am. Sister Altena was likely planning to destabilize various governments here in Europe, with Noir. She was trying to time it before the conversion to the Euro took place, but of course when the ritual involving Mireille, Kirika and Chloe failed her backup plan in the event of her death was to utilize Irena and Nina who would be directed by her followers."

Gina frowning, "But they were obviously too young and though having received some training they would be little use at that time. Then suddenly sending them on a near suicidal mission in the first place to come after the current Noir." Randy nodded, "True, but it would have served the purpose of eliminating one half or both Noirs. Sir Galen sent them out knowing he already had replacements. Instead of just two, there would have been twenty in pairs of two. Altena never meant for that scenario to take place, it was likely Sir Galen took it upon his own to make those decisions."

Irena interrupted, "They told us to get the book and bring it to "The Manor" there we would have found others who would partake in the ritual." Gina looked at Irena, "The ritual that you would participate in, did they tell you how you would be participating?"

Nina replied, "Only that the others we had been with would eventually meet us there and there would be preparations." Gina looked at Randy, "Others? Does she mean the other girls that were found at that school Randy?"

Randy Baldwin nodded, "Sir Galen was to initiate Irena and Nina as a formality, and then they would have been pitted against each other and the other young candidates in a fight to the death." Gina Baldwin shocked replied, "That's barbaric. Duels to the death?"

Randy sighed, "Yes. The final ritual would have pitted the young girls against each other to find the strongest amongst them. The two that survived would have become the true Noir and would have begun even more intensive training. Gina you did not have the opportunity to visit "The Manor" and thankfully you were spared the sights, but it was originally a training ground for Noir. The Lagonel Manuscript did provide a description of the final ritual, which Sister Katrina did point out to me. I have to say that Sir Galen was sidestepping certain events that were supposed to take place. Sir Galen was rushing things because of his own agenda, and he decided he could not wait sent Irena and Nina forth, but he needed that manuscript to carry out his final goal. Sir Galen wanted total control over the Soldats, and he would have used the manuscript to do it."

Gina looking puzzled replied, "For what purpose? The manuscript from what I read contained only historical references to the creation and establishment of the Soldats and the Noir ritual itself." Randy smiled, "Yes it does, but it also contained references to the "treasure" of the Soldats."

Gina looking shocked, "Randy what treasure?" Randy glanced at his notes from his conversation with Sister Katrina, "Sir Galen was approaching financial insolvency. Because of the wire transaction fraud that took place, Sir Galen having to absorb numerous and very expensive losses, needed cash influx. The purported treasure of was his ticket to that wealth. Sir Galen only imagined currency like gold, silver or other types of materialistic wealth. The treasure was in reality what was on the book shelves at the convent. Sir Galen was a currency trader, so he knew that if various governments became destabilized he would benefit by acting as a go between to handle the currency transfers."

Randy set his notes down on the coffee table, "Sister Altena likely was going to use Sir Galen in her original plan, but because things went haywire, Sir Galen was left holding the bag in the end. But the late Sister Altena's plan was still viable to Sir Galen because of the continued unrest in Eastern Europe. His aim was to send out Noir or basically numerous assassins to start civil unrest. Of course his demands to Sister Katrina backfired and she conferred with other Soldats which included Tabitha Alexander. Because of my previous involvement with Noir, and being that I am not a Soldat it was decided an outsider would be beneficial to bringing a conclusion that was satisfactory to everyone. Noir having been notified of the situation would participate because both Mireille and Kirika knew only too well at just how horrific the methods of Altena were."

Gina looked at Irena and Nina, "But Randy that leaves open as to what purpose Irena and Nina would serve. We originally thought that they were the final candidates selected by Altena herself, but with the other young girls was Altena trying to start an army?"

Randy shook his head no, "Altena had no hand in selecting the other candidates, that was Sir Galen or others who made that decision. Irena and Nina were selected by Altena herself, then as Sister Katrina stated "Scattered like seedlings to the wind" to be raised by others sympathetic to her cause."

Randy looked at Irena and Nina, "Can either of you tell me you first memories of being with someone?" Irena nodded, "me and Nina were together for two seasons with a man and woman in woodlands. We never went to any city, but spent many days and nights learning different plants and how they could help us."

Gina raised an eyebrow, "Woodlands?" Randy chuckled, "Survival training, to live off what the land around you provides. Similar training is conducted by the US Military and the Agency for escape and evasion. Irena can you remember how hold you were at the time?" Nina perked up, "I and Irena were six years old."

Irena nodded, "After spending several days in the woods, the man and woman would bring us back to their cottage to rest up. It was there we learned to play the violin since the man liked to play music. He called it a form a rest." Randy nodded, "Can you remember their names or where they may have lived?" Nina shook her head no, "They never told us their names and told us to only call them mother or father and nothing else. Where they lived we do not know, but there was much snow during the winters we stayed there."

Gina spoke, "Irena when it came time to leave them where did you go next and who took you there?" A man would come to pick us up and drive us. We never got on an airplane and once took a sea journey where we came to a place that appeared to be a great desert near the sea. Our new mother and father greeted us and we would do what we did before but only in the desert." Randy mused a moment and retrieved the London Times then opened it to the obit page, "Irena, Nina is the man in this picture the one that would pick you up?" as Randy showed the photograph of the late Sir Richard Galen both young girls nodded.

Gina pondered the method of transport, "So the man in the picture took the both of you by sea to you next destination. How many seasons was it before you came back by sea?" Nina replied, "As before we spent two seasons in the desert. Our mother and father never took us to any city, and we lived in a great tent that was moved many times. They would never let us ride the animals but made us walk. When it came time for us to leave, mother and father took us to the sea where the man met us and took us onboard a ship."

Irena continued, "We traveled by the sea to a cold and desolate destination where a man and woman met us and took us to what they said was a school. Many men and women taught us and later many other girls joined us."

Randy raised an eyebrow, "How long was it before the remainder joined you?" Irena thought a moment, "It was one season before the others came and then we were all together for three seasons before we left them."

Randy estimated their ages during the course of being "trained". Age six, woodland. Age eight they were in the desert and by age ten likely in the school within Germany and by age eleven the other so called candidates had joined them and they all had remained together for three years, until mid-June when they were sent out by Sir Galen. Adding the facts that he had learned to his notes, Randy sat back on the sofa, "Irena, Nina. That will be all that I need to know for now. I may want to ask you some things later. Is that Ok?"

Irena and Nina smiled and nodded. Gina sighed and stood, "I am going to fix the picnic basket."

Sunday, July 10th 1300 hours, Paris, France

The courier had arrived as promised by Sister Katrina, and Randy carried the package with him. Mireille Bouquet and Kirika Yumura were waiting in the park where they had spread the large cotton spread on the ground. Irena and Nina sitting nearby enjoying the sunshine with Gina Baldwin, as Mireille laid the letter from Sister Katrina between her and Randy Baldwin, "So they were Altena's only selections and not the others."

Randy nodded watching children run through the park, "Altena had no hand in the others, and those young girls were selected or acquired by Sir Galen and the other followers. The methods she utilized to conduct training were abnormal to say the least. Mireille how much do you know of Kirika's training?"

Mireille frowned, "Very little actually but as you have seen for yourself she is well adept at what she does." Randy glanced at Kirika who seemed to be absorbed with an artist sketch pad, "She has certainly been surprising. How long has she been sketching?"

Mireille looking at Kirika, "Before our ritual she did do sketches, but an artist friend of hers was killed in a drive by shooting that was supposed to target Kirika. After his death, she had not touched it until very recently and it has been nearly 5 years since his death. She started sketching again after we returned from our vacation in the United States with you."

Forgotten talents, hidden away either by the mind or even certain events. Until something happened that triggered them the talents that one held would not be discovered or used.

Randy pondered if Kirika in her younger life had utilized drawing as a form of escapism just as Irena and Nina used the violin's music to find peace and succor from their daily trials in life.

Mireille looked at Randy who seemed lost in thought, "Monsieur Baldwin, what are your hidden talents?" Jarred back to reality with that question, Randy Baldwin tried to feign ignorance. "Nothing really Mireille," as Gina Baldwin having overheard the question answered the question for Randy, "Mireille, Randy is a dyed in the wool closet knitter and he also is into embroidery."

Mireille feigning shock, "He knits and embroiders?" Gina laughing replied, "Yes he does. Some of his handicraft that he has donated in the past has fetched considerable sums at charity auctions. Mireille gazed at Randy's hands trying to picture a pair of needles busily crafting yarn and thread into works that were both useful and wearable as well as conversation pieces.

Randy shrugged his shoulders, "I learned how from my grandmother. She used it as a tool for me to get over the deaths of my parents. I sort of continued it over the years." Kirika having finished her drawing came to the side of Randy Baldwin and sat next to him, "The embroidery that was framed in various parts of your home that is your handiwork?" Randy seemed to nod, "Except what's on the coffee table in the sitting room that belongs to my grandmother."

Mireille looked at Gina, "How did you find out?" Gina laughed, "It was a week after we married. I heard the distinctive sound of needles coming from his study. There he was feet up on his desk leaning back in his chair, knitting like mad. He was making booties."

Kirika raised an eyebrow, "Booties." Randy seemed to blush, "Yes. Booties for newborns, there is a charity that provides baby outfits for low income people who can not afford the luxury buying clothing for their babies; so they get together and knit what is needed."

Kirika smiled and then signed her initials in the lower corner of the charcoal drawing, "Then perhaps from one closet person to another this will have some meaning," as Kirika showed the drawing to Randy, he realized it was of Irena and Nina as they had sat on the hillside of the park looking out towards the city of Paris. Kirika had captured the expressions of happiness as both gazed towards the city itself.

Monday, July 11th 1100 hours, Paris, France – United States Embassy

The clerk returned with two passports bearing the names of Irena and Nina Baldwin freshly issued and handed them to Gina Baldwin who was sitting in a waiting room while her newly adopted children were with the psychologist.

Because of what both had been through, her husband wanted an examination conducted on both. Gina at first had been against the idea, but Mireille Bouquet had changed her mind. There could be a chance of a hidden trigger within both and if there was one Mireille stated that she would prefer that it be discovered here and not on the Gulfstream at 45,000 feet.

Her husband Randy was off with the man she knew as Ned Smith. They were reviewing the photographs and the video taken by Sister Katrina at the former school in Germany.

Randy had watched the video when they returned to the rented home, his anger evident at what he had viewed. Randy had briefly let her watch but had asked her leave, to be with Irena and Nina as the more disturbing aspects of the video appeared. Mireille and Kirika had watched the video in silence, the look in Kirika's eyes of memories too painful to talk about had been evident.

The psychologist a woman, whom declined to giver her name, had come by to brief Gina on her findings. Both had been placed under hypnosis separately and regressed carefully. There were indeed hidden memories, but no predefined triggers. Looking at the written reports on Irena and Nina, Gina herself wondered at the capability of the human brain to hide such traumatic events.

Ned Smith sighed and closed his eyes, replaying the disturbing images. The reports from the German investigators were an understatement to what he had seen. Across from him in a chair, Randy Baldwin had watched the video again, while reading excerpts from Sister Katrina's letter. The obvious torture room, its bare concrete floor covered in dried human blood which covered even more blood beneath. Who had put the young girls through the procedures was still unknown but their methods of teaching and instructing brutal.

Tabitha Alexander having attended a meeting in Belgium had been notified by Ned Smith, and had diverted her flight to Paris. The intercom announced her arrival just a few minutes before, sounded again as his assistant advised she was approaching his office.

Both Randy Baldwin and Ned Smith stood and turned to greet her as Tabitha entered the office. Randy setting a chair next to his shook hands then was embraced by Tabitha herself.

Tabitha stepped back and took in Randy Baldwin, who looked like he had aged 10 years since she had last seen him; turned to Ned Smith. "Ok Mr. Smith Lets see the video please."

After the video played sans commentary from Randy Baldwin, Tabitha Alexander was sitting in her chair tapping the arm with a finger nail. "Mr. Smith, you were correct that I needed to see this, thank you. Could you leave me and Mr. Baldwin alone for a few minutes please?" Ned Smith acknowledged the request and left his office.

Tabitha stood and retrieved her briefcase and opened it. "I was going to save this for your return to the United Sates, but you may as well see it now as Tabitha handed Randy a folder marked Top Secret, which she directed him to open.

Perusing the contents, Randy Baldwin quickly finished and resealed the folder.

Randy shifting his position in the chair, "So the Germans were holding back?" Tabitha nodded, "Yes, for a reason. The situation within the former school brought forth memories of torture from the days of Nazi Germany. The Germans themselves are still very sensitive about it. Considering what was found they are furious. If word of what was found in that former school leaked out, you can imagine the reaction it would get."

Randy nodded, "Germany has moved forward a great deal and their government is sensitive to human rights issues. My question, is why Sir Galen utilized that former school in the first place, but of course it is a little bit too little too late to reflect on that since he is dead."

Tabitha walked to the desk and sat in Ned's chair, "In retrospect he should not have been killed; but there is also the fact that his death has placated the German government. I have been in contact with others concerned in this matter and they are of agreement that others involved must be punished."

Randy looked at Tabitha and nodded, "Yes they need to be. Do you have any information?" Tabitha nodded, "Yes, but you are not the one that is going to do this."

Randy smiled, "I know. I already have someone in mind." Tabitha closed her eyes then reopened them, "Noir?" Randy nodded, "Yes, Noir."

Tabitha stood and retrieved her briefcase, "I will be staying overnight in Paris and will get you the information you need Randy. If it is not imposing on you, could I come by and visit the children? I would like to see them for myself." Randy nodded, "You have the address already, and I'll have Mireille and Kirika there. Make it 6 PM." Tabitha held out her hand and shook Randy's, "I'll see you at 6 PM."

Monday, July 11th 1800 hours, Paris, France

Gina Baldwin had the brief idea of slugging Tabitha Alexander when she arrived at the rented home, but decided against it. It would have been undignified and foolish considering Tabitha Alexander was visiting with bodyguards present.

The bodyguards at Tabitha's orders made themselves inconspicuous as they could in the kitchen, while she met privately with Irena and Nina in the sitting room. Gina pondered what had gone on as it obviously had been emotional for Mrs. Alexander and her step-daughters. The arrival of Mireille Bouquet and Kirika Yumura as the meeting was taking place signified to Gina Baldwin that this was not going to be a happy get-together for anyone.

Tabitha Alexander held the hands of Irena and Nina in hers and had shed tears. They had told Tabitha what they had remembered. Assuring both that they would indeed be cared for by the Baldwin's; Tabitha had wiped the tears away with tissue paper from Irena and Nina's faces as well as her own. Tabitha looking at the two young teens knew why Randy Baldwin looked as he did. It had indeed been hard on him, had the tranquilizer rifle failed, the young girls deaths would have rested solely on his own shoulders.

Opening the door to the sitting room, Tabitha looked into the eyes of Gina Baldwin, a woman who had come into the turbulent life of Randy Baldwin, a woman with children of her own. Compassion, sympathy, and concern mixed with anger; "Mrs. Baldwin. This matter will be resolved," as Gina gathered Irena and Nina and led them from the sitting room.

Mireille Bouquet and Kirika Yumura entered followed by Randy who had given a peck on the cheeks of Irena and Nina as they left, and then he closed the door and sat next to Tabitha Alexander.

Mireille Bouquet sat and placed her hands in her lap, "Mrs. Alexander? You have something for us?" Tabitha nodded and withdrew a folder from her briefcase and gave it to Mireille. Mireille Bouquet read the contents then set the folder down, "Noir accepts."