Smoke Screens

Chapter Eighteen

"Good morning everyone," Enjolras spoke to the group just as they started to take their seats around the meeting table. "This is our first rally since Aurélia started helping us. Let's make it a good one. We need to show the people how passionate we truly are about the cause. Not too many notes from me, just speak from the heart and focus on the reason why we are doing all of this." The men nodded as he spoke, mentally preparing themselves for the day. "Now I'll hand it over to Aurélia who will be going over the specifics of today." He gave her a curt head nod and she stood from her chair.

"Bonjour, everyone. Today's the day we find out how much you've been paying attention. Because this is our first rally with escape plans, we are going to walk through every piece of them. I want to know every detail of every plan." Aurélia pulled out a piece of paper that had the streets of Paris drawn on it. "The backup location for everyone today is Marius's apartment. Does everyone know where that is?" All of the men nodded. "Good. Now, I want you to separate and sit with your groups. I will come around to let you know where your meeting point is. Are there any questions so far?" They all shook their heads and Aurélia let out a relieved sigh. "Great. Separate into your groups and I'll come speak to you all." The men all stood, found the rest of their group, and found a table in the room.

"You're doing great," Enjolras said quietly from beside her. She shot him a nervous smile and made her way over to the table closest to her.

"Good morning, Group C. Your destination is here," Aurélia instructed, showing her map and pointing at one of the circles on it. "You will meet on the corner diagonal from the flower stand. Do you know where I mean?"

"Oui, Mademoiselle," Joly said with a reassuring smile. "Are you feeling well?" Aurélia let out a sigh, trying to calm her nerves.

"I am, I just really want this to go well."

"I'm sure it will." She shot him a soft smile before turning back to the map.

"I have to go speak to the other groups but while I'm gone, please decide the paths each of you will be taking to your locations." Aurélia went and spoke with the other two groups, cutting off Grantaire before he could even open his mouth to speak, too stressed to deal with him. Once all of the groups knew their meeting places and their routes, everyone returned to the main table. Enjolras and Aurélia stood at the head of the table together, looking at the maps in front of them.

"When I say so at the rally, you are all to move as quickly but also as discreetly as possible to your locations. Run away but once you're out of sight, slow to a brisk walk to not draw attention. Just a reminder, I will be returning back here immediately after the rally. I will be making sure you're all back and then will be asking you questions about how it went. Once everyone, including Aurélia is back, we will start a meeting to debrief how it went," Enjolras announced before turning to look at the redhead.

"I will leave halfway through the rally to check each of the locations. After, I will stand on the rooftop across from where you all will be standing. If there's an issue, you will see me waving like a mad man to get your attention. If there are no problems, you'll just see me just standing there. If for whatever reason I'm not there, go to your places with caution. If I indicate your location has been compromised, go straight to the backup location. Again, today's will be Marius's apartment. If all is clear, go to your locations, meet the others, then return here as soon as you can."

"Are there any questions?" Enjolras asked, scanning the faces around the table. "Now is the time to ask. During the rally we won't be able to speak with Aurélia so any questions for her should be asked now." Grantaire raised his hand and the redhead let out a frustrated sigh.

"Grantaire, do not mess with me right now. If your question is anything but focused on the rally, you will be removed from your group and sent home now."