The Ganut

Episode 35: The night of emotions (part 2)

Garuk arrived at the agency and saw one of his close friends. He took the opportunity to give him the message and explain the emergency. Michel was sitting and trying to pass the time by ordering drinks. Mary was already 30 minutes late. It was already the fourth time that the waiter came to take his order. Michel asked for 20 more minutes when he saw a stranger walking towards him.

- Are you the president of the activists?

- Yes, but I don't know you. Besides, I said no work today.

- Oh sorry.

The young man placed his badge back on the left side of his clothing at chest level.

- I am a carrier and Mrs. Bika is sending me to give you this message.

Michel had understood even before opening the letter. He closed his eyes and bowed his head for a long time. The waiter understood that he had to leave it for a while longer. Dismayed, Michel felt broken. He didn't know why no tears came out when his rage was immeasurable. He felt betrayed. He decided to read the message anyway. His love for Mary forced him to give her the benefit of the doubt despite the circumstances.

- Sorry. I'm sincerely sorry for standing up to you when I knew this evening meant a lot to you. You must surely abhor me at this very moment. I don't want to give you false hope so I prefer that we keep our friendly relationship even if it will be difficult after this message. I love you but not in the same way you love me. It would be cruel of me to join you in this waltz. Even if this message seems like nonsense to you, know that I care about you.

Your friend, Mary.

Michel crumpled up the letter and threw it on one of the plates. He motioned for the waiter to serve him the strongest alcohol on the menu. At the same time, Mary had just arrived at the establishment. Jerel had seen her from the table. He stood up when she arrived at the table and then sat her down. Mary apologized for her delay and asked Jerel not to admonish her. He first thanked her for coming and then complimented her on her appearance. Her hair was so silky that Jerel wanted to touch it.

- Can I touch your hair?

- I think we should speak informally in private from now on. We're here to break the ice, right?

- Of course, sorry.

- And yes, you can touch them after the meal. (she said letting out a smile)

While Mary and Jerel mutually eliminated the last suspicions of blandices, Caesar and his driver did everything possible not to be spotted by the queen and her driver. They weaved through the streets of Sifane while leaving a reasonable lead time so as not to lose their target. Bali's carriage finally stopped. They were in a street in Bambria. The queen went downstairs and entered the bachelor pad without even knocking on the door. Her carriage parked a little further away. Half a dozen blocks away, the Duke of Jutrecky and his henchman had followed the entire scene. Caesar lowered his head. He was thinking so loudly that his guard could hear him.

- What do we do now your highness?

- Whore ! It's not obvious that I'm trying to think!!!!

Mary and Jerel had finished their meals a while ago. Their laughter and chats had prolonged the dinner. Jerel took his courage in both hands and asked Mary if she wanted to continue what they had started in the carriage the day before.

- What I'm about to ask you contradicts my entire education and beliefs. That said, even the most zealous of the 10 won't be able to stop me.

- I will. Don't ask me. It's already torture just thinking about it so I don't want to make you suffer by forcing you to say these words. I know what you want from me and I want the same thing. That's why I'm here tonight and not in Garchik.

- I feel even more guilty after your words. I don't think I've ever loved and desired a woman so much.

Jerel got up from his seat and held out his hand to Mary. She stared at Jerel's palm for ten seconds, hoping to have second thoughts about giving up this madness one last time. Clearly, billions of seconds would not overcome her decision. She had already decided to die that night.

As for Michel, he had poured all his grief intoalcohol. He had walked to Lidsor to wait for his private carriage at themeeting point. He had to do this walk with Mary. They were supposed to laughand remember their youth during the journey to join the carriage. But Michelregretted having turned to see the beautiful tavern behind him. He thought hedidn't have room in his heart to harbor more sorrow, but he was wrong. He hadunderestimated the extent of his bitterness. He had never hated someone somuch. Seeing Mary going up the stairs hand in hand with Jerel, he sat down onthe ground and threw his hairstyle a little further away. He was disappointed.As if that wasn't enough, the first drops of rain had started to fall. He wastrying to take shelter when he saw his carriage arriving. He hurriedly got inand went home