Page 52 of The Quiet Witness

Lucien cut in. ‘‘Her name’s Kate. She’s a friend of mine. Kate, this is Georgia.”

Georgia sighed, turning her attention to Lucien. ‘‘She can speak for herself can’t she?’’

Alright… this lady at least doesn’t live under his thumb or has a crush on him. I’ll take it!

Kate glared at Lucien before returning the grip of the woman in front of her warmly. ‘‘So nice to meet you Georgia! My name is Katherine.’’

The two ladies that sat behind the desk, now lingered beside them. As if waiting for Lucien to acknowledge them. But he had all his attention on the two women in front of him.

Georgia continued her barrage. “It would be nice, dear Lucien, if one day, you could come here with someone more than just a friend.”

He snickered loudly. ‘‘One day perhaps, but that won’t be anytime soon, I promise you!’’

Some of the tension he had carried the past days, it seemed to flow out of him. Whoever this person was to him, it was obvious they went way back.

Kate snuck into the conversation once more. ‘‘Excuse my naivety Georgia, but are you Lucien’s mum? Everything is like pulling teeth with this guy!’’

Silence dropped over the three of them and Kate shuffled on her feet.

Guess I shouldn’t have gone there.

A glint of sadness flashed across Georgia’s eyes. “I can’t take credit for bringing him into this world, but.” She bumped her shoulder against Kate’s. “I can take some of the credit for the fine man he has become! That said, I wish I was though. If only to smack some much needed sense into him at times.”

Lucien just shook his head. Looking every bit a young boy during a firm scolding. Kate smirked at the picture Georgia was painting. I could get used to this.

“I would love to know more about you, love. That said, I believe Lucien is here to check up on the girls. Follow me please and afterwards we’ll have a chat over coffee.”

“I’d love that.” Kate hesitated. “But I don’t know what we’re doing here.”

“I know Lucien, he sure likes his mysteries and surprises.” She gestured towards a long hallway pressed in between a green and purple wall. “Be prepared to have your mind blown.”

The woman turned and, with her long graying hair bobbing down her back, led them deeper into the building of mysteries.

Kate strode up next to Lucien, speeding up to match his stride, she leaned in to whisper. “What are we doing here?”

He glanced at her with that same relaxed smile. “You’ll see.”

They ended up at double doors. Behind it, distant voices were chatting away, laughter floating up in the air. Georgia pushed through them with a nonchalant shoulder, gesturing for Kate to enter first. “Welcome to our women’s shelter, Kate.” Georgia’s eyes were laden with pride. Whatever she was about to see, the woman acted like a proud mother hen.

She stepped through, mentally preparing for what she’d see. Because when she heard women’s shelter, it painted the idea of chipped off walls, rows of iron bar bunk beds. And… heartbreak all around.

She blinked, her eyes fighting to become accustomed to the bright light that fell in from the many windows.

Women occupied every seat, chatting with each other over their beverages while another laugh stroked her ears. Three of them sat huddled around a game of Monopoly while one had her arms up in a triumphant win. On her right was an open kitchen, staff mingled around it, preparing tonight’s dinner by the looks of it.

Wildlife pictures hung from the walls, including the same squirrel picture Lucien had in his own home. And one of the pictures… showed soft blue violets growing amid lush green moss. Colors… everywhere.

“Lucien! How are you?”

“Finally getting the pleasure of seeing your face again!”

“Where have you been lately?!”

Lucien spread his hands wide while shrugging innocently under the stares of at least fifty women. “Life has been busy, but…” He winked at a girl who had a piece of carrot pie in front of her. “I’m happy my face, at least, has been missed.”

The entire room erupted in giggles and laughter. So that was why… Lucien could take her everywhere alongside him. The entire state was in love with him.

“Who’s that you got with you? Another soon to be friend?” The carrot cake girl hollered over the laughs.