RC.

Ch4 ............. M

The plane has been at cruising speed for a few minutes now. The purring of the engine soothes the atmosphere.

I've always liked flying.

A hostess brings us breakfast on a tray which she places on the table between us.

She gives us a radiant smile, asking, in a soft and gentle voice, whether we need anything else.

Carter thanks her politely and it seems to me that she blushes slightly.

The"Ryan Carter" effect on women. I'm beginning to get used to it.

He stands and hands me the tray, asking me to help myself.

I take a croissant.

T:"Thank you."

He takes a coffee and puts the tray back down.

He leans against the table and drinks a sip of coffee. I see his jaw contract slightly to the robust aroma of his full-bodied drink.

He swirls the liquid a little, gazzing at his cup.

Mr. Carter:"When we get to Houston, we will drop you off directly at the hotel. I have rented a suite for the interview."

Mr. Carter:"You will have to handle the questions while I go to another appointment."

(I ask him for advice.)

T:"Do you have any advice for me?"

He smiles at me.

Mr. Carter:"Nothing personal. Always stay calm. Put the emphasis on the firm and its actions. Don't let yourself be intimidated."

Mr. Carter:"Journalists like gossip, rushing into loopholes. Don't show them any weakness and everything will be fine."

(I feel ready.)

(No, oh god, I'm stressing out...)

T:"Is your appointment also at the hotel?"

Mr. Carter:"No, I have to go to the company's head office. Jake and I will be leaving you alone for a few hours."

T:"Okay."

Mr. Carter:"We will then have a business lunch and in the afternoon we will pay one of our financial partners' s a visit."

I nod.

Mr. Carter:"We'll be back on the plane end of afternoon. You will be home in the evening."

The day's program seems pretty busy. I get the impression that for him it's routine.

T:"Are your days often this packed ?"

Mr. Carter:"You mean to ask if my days ever less busy?"

He smiles at me before sitting back down to type something on his computer.

Mr. Carter:"Please excuse me, but I have to attend some documents."

T:"No problem."

For a moment I look outside at the clouds.

I watch him focus his attention on his screen. From time to time I see him frown, gently rub his chin or shake his head.

I could watch him all day. Gestures, which I could find insignificant in others, arouse me in him...