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“Why?”
“Because, Charlotte, hearing your voice would make Noah abandon everything he’s accomplished and go straight to you.”
I sat back, the fight draining out of me. “He would?” I asked, my voice breaking.
“Of course, my darling. He loves you more than anything in this world. That’s why he will not give up.” Lucien’s tone grew quieter. “He asks that you do the same.”
My eyes fell shut, tears leaking out from under them. “Okay, Lucien. I will.”
“Play my dear,” he said. “Play and let your heart sing. I promise you, it is not going unheard.”
chapter forty-seven
“Hey.”
A woman’s voice. A hand touched my shoulder gently.
“Hey. Ben je oke?”
I woke up fully and pain did too. All over my body. It took a moment to remember what had happened last night, and then the memories—sounds and remembered blows—hissed and prodded at me like a poltergeist.
I sat up slowly. “Where am I?”
“You are on the ground outside my work,” said the woman quietly. She sounded young—about my age—and smelled of shower soap and some earthy-smelling oil. “Were you hit in the head? Your eyes are a little unfocused.”
“I’m blind,” I muttered. “It’s not new.”
“Oh. I’m sorry.”
“So am I.” I reached for my watch to find the time, but my watch was gone. Everything was gone. I had no money, no phone. Nothing.
Yep. Royally fucked.
“Can I call someone for you?” the woman asked and helped me to stand.
“No. Uh…no, thanks.” I winced. Every part of my body hurt and yet, irony of ironies, no migraine. Go figure.
“You were robbed, yes?” the woman said. “You need the police. And a doctor.”
I waved my hands. “No police. No doctor. I just need to get back to my hotel. Somehow… Where am I again?”
“Outside A-9 Graphika? In Amsterdam Noord.”
From what I remembered, Amsterdam Noord was across the river from the city center and somewhat more industrial. Not as tourist friendly.I gingerly touched a hand to my swollen lip.
You can say that again.
“You don’t happen to see a cane lying around, do you? Or a bag?”
“No. There is nothing like that.”
I nodded, realizing none of this mattered. Nothing mattered. My lifelines were lost. I was utterly done. I didn’t even bother sending Charlotte a mental apology.
“On second thought, would you mind calling me a cab?” I asked. “I have money at my hotel…”
“No, I have a car. I’ll drive you.” She shifted beside me. “My name is Marit, by the way.”
“Sorry, yeah, I’m Noah,” I said dully. “Thanks for the lift, but don’t you have to work?”
