L'Assassin

by Peter Steiner

  With sincerest respect and regards, your friend, Zaharia Lefort

  Louis carried the letter into the house, laid it on the table, and read it again. He returned to the yard and worked on the leaves some more, but after a while he laid the rake aside and went inside. He found his phone diary and dialed the telephone.

  “Hello?” he said. “Is this the Hôtel de Boufa? … May I speak with Samad al Nhouri? … Tell him it is Louis Morgon.

  “Samad, my friend, it is Louis Morgon … In France … Yes, it is a very good connection. As though you were next door … I am fine, thank you, and I hope you are well? … I am glad to hear it. And Moamar and the rest of your family? … That is very good … Yes, they are fine too; I spoke to them only a few days ago.

  “Yes, it did … No, it did not turn out as I had hoped it would. But … I am fine, and it is over … Yes, it is over. Thank you. And thank you and Moamar for everything you did to help me. I will always be grateful to you both.

  “Yes, it makes an amazing story for your collection. I will tell you everything when I see you … Yes, Samad, I am calling to reserve a room at the Boufa, if … Yes … number six, if it is available …”