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1
BARTHOLOMEW
The days grew longer. The nights shorter.
Gray clouds were replaced by sunshine, and rainy afternoons were replaced by colorful flowers. Paris came alive once again, the lights from the Eiffel Tower shining like a star rather than a lighthouse in the fog.
I hated it.
I sat alone at the bar. It emptied out shortly after I arrived, either because people didn’t like the look of me, or because it was almost midnight on a Tuesday. My half-full glass was my company, along with the bartender, who cast worried glances my way. I was the only reason he had to keep this place open, but he wouldn’t dare ask me to leave.
Finally, my guest arrived.
He stepped out of the cold and into the bar, in a long-sleeved shirt and dark jeans. His bright eyes found mine, and with a subtle look of annoyance, he joined me at the bar.
I rapped my knuckles against the counter. “Another for my friend here.”
The bartender was quick to help us, sliding the glass across the counter.
I held up my glass to him. “To old friends.”
Benton held my gaze for a second before he clinked his glass against mine. “And old enemies.”
The corner of my mouth lifted with a smile, and I drank.
He did the same.
* * *
We hadn’t spoken in six months, but his life had changed substantially. He was married now and had just found out he had a baby on the way.
I’d congratulate him, but it sounded like a miserable existence to me. “My invitation must have gotten lost in the mail.”
“It was just the three of us.”
“Did you knock her up on purpose, or…?”
“Yes.” Benton flashed his fierce eyes on me. “There are people out there who think children are a blessing rather than a curse.”
“I’m definitely not one of those people.”
“You don’t say.” He took a drink. “How are things in the Catacombs?”
“Stale.”
“Are we talking about the air quality or business?”
“Both.” I brought the glass to my lips and took a drink.
“I find it hard to believe business has been stagnant with Roan out of the picture.”
I turned to him, my eyebrow slightly raised. “How did you know that?”
“Bleu.”
I was certain Benton disapproved of his brother’s choice, but he didn’t ask me to fire him. “Croatia isn’t that big of a market.”
“You’re still moving millions of pounds a week.”
