Elements of Madness

The Visit

Chloe leaned on the balustrade overlooking the Seine. It was midday, and the Sunday sun dodged in and out behind clouds. She was watching the activity on Luka's houseboat from a safe distance, considering the people milling about on deck. She did not see her minstrel. Luka she corrected herself. She didn't like that correction, she preferred things to be hers. "Sabrina, would you like to go and make friends?"

"Friends?" Sabrina squeaked from Chloe's side.

"Yes, Down there, with those... people." Chloe gestured at the boat,"I think Adrien is down there. They're doing their little band thing. I see a couple watchers. You might join them. I'd like to know when... Luka... will return."

"Sabrina squinted through her glasses,"So, you want me to spy on them?" there was no reproach, just clarification. Sabrina was such an excellently obedient friend. This was why Chloe worked to be such an excellently directive one. Still, there were perhaps changes to be made, collars to be loosened if Chloe was to have her own time.

"A bit. I want to know what I want, but you should also feel free to circulate. Adrien is down there, I don't think you've had the opportunity to spend much time with him. He's a good contact, even if his tastes have become ridiculous." Chloe reached out and lifted Sabrina's chin,"If he's going to waste his time on a baker's girl, then the daughter of a law officer is definitely within the realm of possibility."

Sabrina fidgeted , but put on a hopeful smile,"Really?" she looked back down at the houseboat, "Me?"

"Sure, anything is possible it seems." Chloe made sure to hide her ambivalence as best she could. She was sure some part of this would be good for Sabrina, but didn't want to waste too much time on it,"Now chop chop, go make yourself known."

Sabrina started but hesitated,"What do I say?" She asked nervously.

Chloe sighed,"Rose is down there, just hang about looking your usual pathetic self, she'll snatch you up in no time."

"Oh." Sabrina looked on the brink of some revelation but it passed,"okay Chloe!" she affirmed and trotted off to make herself visible peering at the band practice from near the gangway.

True to form, the group noticed her quickly enough. It was actually Mylene who mentioned something first, but as soon as Rose saw there was no stopping the inevitable. Even the questioning looks that 'Chloe's friend' drew from some of the others couldn't stand in the way of Rose making a friend. Chloe had seen it time and time again when new people entered the group's circle. She'd never been a party to it, her own choice of course.

Chloe watched the scene play out with slowly mounting impatience. She took out her phone, just in case, and muttered to herself,"Where is my minstrel Sabrina, don't forget your job." She stepped back from the Bulastrate and the motion reminded her of her little change today. She ran a hand down to the skirt that replaced her usual capris. Thom Browne pleated mini with a drop back. A little shake of her hips set the pleats to swaying, making her both giddy and nervous. She hoped he would like it, she had plans to be sure he did.

Chloe's phone buzzed and she keyed it open in a rush.

Sabrina:He's going to be coming back from work soon. They don't know exactly when. Can I still stay some? Rose has cookies.

Chloe rolled her eyes at her phone, but she supposed indulging Sabrina some free time wasn't entirely unreasonable.

Chloe:You may stay. I may be busy later myself. Just be sure you don't forget any homework for Monday.

Chloe stepped back up to the river and leaned over the balustrade again. Waiting was not her strong suit, but she could at least fill the time with all the little ideas she might indulge when Luka got home. The thoughts sent sparks of anticipatory energy through her fingertips, belly, lips and heart strong enough to make her curl her toes. She suppressed a smile for dignity sake and the effort of doing so only heightened the ticklish rush. It was a delightfully sweet agony, and she was going to make him pay for every minute of it.