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Val forced herself not to meet Drake’s eyes to avoid what she might see, and called to the departing Eb, “I can still help your brother, if he needs it.”
“He does.” And he disappeared inside.
On the walk back to the busy street, Drake asked, “What kind of help is his brother after?”
“He’s trying to find his wife. He wants to put a plea in the newspapers, but he can’t read or write.”
“Nice of you to offer your assistance.”
“Were I in his position, I’d want to find my family, too.”
“So would I.”
She looked up at him as they turned a corner. “We’re lucky having been born free, at least in that regard.”
He nodded his agreement.
She continued, “My grandmother had a younger brother and two older sisters. She hasn’t seen or heard from any of them since she escaped. She continues to hope she will before she passes on.”
“I hope the same for her.”
The sincerity in his tone matched the look in his steady gaze and something inside her shifted, making her want to further get to know the depth of the man he was inside. “I do as well.”
He said quietly, “The cigar shop is just a few doors down.”
The bell over the door tinkled as they entered, and the thick scent of tobacco blanketed the air. A short older man with milk-white skin and receding jet-black hair came out to greet them from behind a curtained-off area she assumed led to the back of the place. His face brightened at the sight of Drake. “Drake LeVeq, how are you?” he asked in a heavy French-accented voice.
“I’m well, Eugene. This is Miss Lacy. Val, this is Eugene Bascom, the owner.”
He inclined his head chivalrously. “Mademoiselle Lacy. A pleasure to meet you.”
“Thank you. I’m pleased to meet you as well.”
“Drake, are you here for your cigars?”
“Yes, and Miss Lacy would like to speak with one of your employees.”
He paused. “Who?” he asked Val.
“Dina Watson. She’s one of my students.”
“You’re the lady teaching her to read and write?”
“I am. She’s doing very well in the classroom.”
His manner cooled. “I see.”
Drake apparently noticed the change in him as well. “Is there a problem, Eugene?”
“No. Why do you wish to speak to her?” the owner asked Val.
“I want to give her a message about school.”
“Give it to me and I will pass it along to her.”
“I’d like to pass it along myself, if that’s possible.” She wanted to make sure Dina received the news.
His jaw hardened, as did his eyes.
