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72 | FRANC E SCA PE NN
Chapter 16
Henri
I
’m the world’s worst customer. I talk my driver into breaking an obscene
amount of traffic laws; we run lights, take illegal turns, and go at least thirty
over the posted speed limits to name a few. I’m also a bad role model; my driver
is younger – early twenties – and most likely a college student. I give him a lecture
about following traffic rules. I also warn him to never let anyone else talk him into
the shit we just pulled and tip him one-hundred dollars for his troubles.
I check the itinerary on my phone again, and head straight to the venue, still in
work clothes with my bags in tow. I find a small woman sitting on the front porch.
Her brown hair is limp and long. It looks really soft as the wind blows it around
her face. Her sad eyes turn hopeful as she takes in my attire and bags.
“Please tell me your name is Henry,” she pleads with her eyes.
Fear instantly shoots through me. Is Sanya the reason she looks so sad? “What
have they done to Sanya?”
She jumps to her feet. “The usual.”
Those assholes ganged up on her. I can feel it in my bones. I am instantly angry.
“Where is she?”
She studies me. “If you know her as well as I hope you do, you already know.”
I give her a strange look. What is this? The Matrix? What’s with the cryptic answer?
I hear P!nk’s voice. “Follow the music.” She jumps excitedly. “Please do.”
I nod my gratitude and rush in to find her. I head down the hallway; my
shadow glistens on the polished wood floors. I hear some voices as they ascend the
stairs. There is a wall; they cannot see me.