by Ethan Egorov
“Then I’m in the mood for pie. Let’s have at it. Sigh…so Cassandra. I suppose that her only flaw was in the end she got too I don’t know the word for it—greedy I guess.” Augustin took his phone out of his pocket and held up a finger signaling for Kristina to pause her story. He then made a quick call to whom Kristina guessed was his housekeeper. He spoke French to her, and the only thing that she could make out was hello and the word ‘please.’ “I’m sorry…I was just getting our dessert. Please do go on. After she arrives that will be the last interruption I promise.”
“Augustin?”
“Yes Kristina?”
“What kind of pie are we having?”
“Hah! I’m glad the thought appeals to you now. You’ll see. I can already see that this is one difference between you and Cassandra. You are for more impatient it seems. She would have waited without question…perhaps even hours before bringing it up again. This is good though. I’m certain that we can curb that natural curiosity you have. I like a little fire though…we may have to keep some of it. It suits your red hair nicely.”
Kristina felt a strange bubble in the pit of her stomach. Yes. She didn’t know exactly what he was talking about but she suddenly found herself afraid. What did he mean he’d have to curb that natural curiosity? Before she could question his motives there was a knock on the door and his housekeeper entered with their dessert. Once more he politely thanked her in French and wheeled the second cart over to the area where they were dining. “Ah here we are. You have the answer to your question and by all means go ahead and dig in. I know that I will. You’ll learn that that is a favorite of mine.”
“What is it exactly?”
“This Kristina dear, is a delicacy in my hometown. It’s silk pie. Or as you may have called it in the past it’s French silk pie.”
“Oh that’s nice. I don’t recall ever having it, but I have heard of it.”
“How can you not have had it?”
“My family…well we’re Italian so we aren’t big on chocolate delicacies. We tend to have sugared pastries and that’s pretty much it.”
“Ah well it will be my pleasure to enlighten you on this at least. So as you were saying, Cassandra go too….greedy?” Kristina watched Augustin put a forkful of pie into his mouth and close his eyes and smile at the treat. He did seem content in that moment and she breathed a sigh of relief though she didn’t quite know why. “Yes…ahem Cassandra invited me to live with her, which I took her up on. After all why pay for two apartments when I spent so much time there anyway, right?”
“I do see your point. So you two move in together and things go okay for a while?”
“Yes. I was having one of the best times of my life with Cassandra. One night though…and this was near the end of our friendship by the way, she had a job and needed a plus one for a dinner. We went and afterwards….well after the disposal process as you know, we came back to the apartment. We shared a couple glasses of wine and she put her hand on my shoulder. I swear to this day I will never forget the way her skin felt on my exposed shoulder blade. It was hot against mine and it almost felt like what I would imagine a brand would feel like. Then even after our embrace she left it there. I attempted to move away but she only held me there, taking the opportunity to place both her hands on either side of my shoulders. She didn’t move them and closed the gap between us in distance by bringing her face closer to my own. She had this look and it was also something that I’ll never regret. It haunts me sometimes. It was longing mixed with all of the hope in the universe. It broke my heart to extinguish that glow. It needed to be done though… you see I knew that she wasn’t mine to keep and I had a family at home I needed to attend to and also a man whom had somehow stolen my heart.”
“So you brushed off her advances?”
“Yes… I turned my head from her as she moved in to kiss me. When I turned back around the glow in her eyes faded and she quickly released my shoulders. She really didn’t say anything after that…not for a long time at least. She just stood by the balcony drinking her wine and looking out over the city. She was quiet. That’s how I knew that her hurt was deeper than I could mend.”
“Yes. She always did get quiet when she was upset. It was a bit of a tell-tell sign.”
“I really didn’t want to hurt her. I thought she realized that. The next morning I just found a note saying that she had decided to move onto different jobs in an adjacent city. She left her apartment keys and a few articles of clothing but that was all. I spent some time in that empty apartment and I waited for her to return home, but she never did. I would go to that balcony at night and look down over the city, wondering where she was and if she was okay, but there was total radio silence. It was like she just completely shut down. I still have some of her artwork though…some sketches. They’re just relics now though I suppose. It’s funny what remains isn’t it?”
“Yes… this is true Kristina. Sometimes I do despise the fact that when I go there will be so much to dispose of. I mean… I do have all of the wealth and the estates you see. I’m certain things will be distributed professionally, but at the same time I don’t plan on leaving any personal effects…nothing like you mentioned. These sketches they have done nothing but cause you guilt and strife am I correct?”
“Yes in a way. I mean… sure I remember the good times we had, but at the same time there was an uneasy ending to all of it.”
“Yes. Such a shame. Well… just know that when you go, I won’t keep anything like that of yours around, I’m certain that you wouldn’t want me lingering in a pool of guilt and regret now would you?”
“No. I wouldn’t wish that on anyone.”
“Good. Now I suggest you finish your pie. Thank you again for telling me everything you knew concerning our Cassandra. Now I’m certain there are no loose ends I have to tie up. I have left you some reading material for after dessert. I suggest you study up on them. They are some of my favorites.” Augustin waited for a few minutes while Kristina finished her pie absent-mindedly. She was now only thinking about Cassandra and the time that she lost. If anything she only hoped that when she was able to escape they could somehow repair their relationship. After the housekeeper came and removed the excess trays from the room, Augustin allowed her to exit and then smiled softly at Cassandra. “If you feel like napping you may, but remember I’m serious about the books. I do think you will be a suitable companion, but as with anything it shall take time I suppose. Enjoy your evening Cassandra you’ll be hearing from me soon.”
Augustin then left and locked the door as quickly as he had opened it. She knew that he was much too quick for her to attempt a daring escape. She sat down on the edge of the bed that was so elegantly made and looked down at the volumes he had left. “The Art of War,” and some works by the Marquis de Sade. Kristina’s stomach turned and she almost lurched. Nearly expelling the French silk pie she just had, Kristina came to a grim realization. Augustin really believed that Cassandra was dead and she was to be his new favorite toy. He planned not on killing her, but as keeping her for his own. She then closed her eyes and laid back on the pillows, whispering to no one in particular, “Fuck Trent…please hurry.”
“Well I know we’ve already been up this block. Twice now to be exact. I just don’t understand what we’re looking for, Cassandra. Why are you wasting this time?!”
“Trent will you just shut the fuck up? I know it’s here. I just have a feeling that we’re missing something.”
“I can’t believe that you’re taking the advice of some gypsy con artist over the word on the street to find Augustin.”
“Lady Larue is onto something I know it. She’s given us everything we need to find Kristina, I can feel it in my bones.”
“Oh what? You’re psychic now too? All you’re doing is wasting time.”
“Trent listen to yourself. I know you’re upset about Kristina…God knows I am, but this is no way to find her. We have to keep analyzing the clues we have. We have numbers
and there’s music involved. All I know is that Augustin has money so we’re not looking for a warehouse or anything. You have to remember I never had the pleasure of travelling with him anywhere in the city.”
“That’s right. You were only his employee in Paris.”
“You don’t quite understand yet do you Trenton?”
“Why does everyone keep calling me that?! No I guess I don’t understand what this big fucking conspiracy is. All I know is that the love of my life is missing and I have to find her. Quite frankly I don’t give a fuck about anything else!” Cassandra grabbed him by the shoulders and roughly pushed him against the side the brick building they were standing beside. “Now you listen to me… this is fucking important. I don’t know why you can’t understand this, but Augustin is a very dangerous man.”
“You don’t think I know that?! That’s why we need to hurry.”
“Trent…he wasn’t just my employer. He kept me for a long period of time before I had my apartment in Paris.”
“What do you mean kept you? What does that have to do with anything anyway?!”
“If he’s taken Kristina somewhere and we’re not able to find her he will literally keep her captive and groom her to be the woman he wants her to become. Sometimes he’s nice about his orders. Other times, well he’s one sadistic fuck let’s put that way. Come here…there’s something I want to show you.” Not wanting to be obvious she took Trent’s hand and they entered a small shop that sold tourist items and shook her head at the bathroom door. “Cassandra what are you--?” She signaled for him to stay quiet by putting her index finger to her lips and quickly pulled him into the women’s room. She nodded her head and smiled at the fact that it was isolated and they seemed to be the only ones in there. Wordlessly she pulled him into the same stall with her and locked the door behind her. He started to object but once again she silenced him only this time with her steely gaze. He watched as she peeled off her black leather jacket and hung it over the edge of the stall cautiously. She then pulled her black t-shirt over her head, revealing her half-naked top half. Trent eyed her skin her shoulders of course were toned and smooth. He could tell she worked out and the sides of her neck were muscled as well. To his surprise, she then turned her back to him and unclasped her bra. It took no time for her delicate fingers to undo the hooks in the back, as it seemed to be a practiced art.
Trent then watched as she parted the material and revealed her back to him fully. He didn’t understand what the point of her nakedness was but he couldn’t help but let his eyes roam over her body. She was attractive and something about her was intoxicating, but she was attractive in a different way than Kristina. She was exotically attractive. She was dangerous and they both knew it. In fact the heat between them grew without either one even instigating a flirtation. The chemistry between them just existed naturally and Trent knew that no good could come from it. He cleared his throat and then whispered, “Cassandra…what’s this about?”
“Look closer Trent. It’s okay.”
He stepped closer to her and touched the back of her neck. Of course, he saw the goosebumps emerge over her pale skin and he took his hand traced a fingertip over her shoulder blades over to the middle of her back and down her spine. He then whispered partially horrified, “Oh my God…I’m so sorry. What the fuck did he do to you?”
“You felt them didn’t you…my scars.”
“Yes…fuck. Fuck Cassandra. No…I’m not standing for this. We’re going to find him and I’m going to put a bullet in his brain no questions asked. He’s a monster.”
“Yes Trent. He’s the worst kind of monster. He’s the kind of monster that makes you believe they want the best for you. Trust me Trent… leaving Paris for Vegas, well that was harder than what you could ever imagine.”
“Yeah… I see that now. I can promise you this. This will never happen again. Not while I’m alive. Kristina…he better not lay a hand on—“
“He won’t. We’re going to find her. Come on. I have an idea. I’d say that we take a different perspective on things what do you say?”
She took his hand leading him out of the bathroom. She made it a point to hang on his shoulder and gave his a kiss on the cheek to the perplexed looks of bystanders who saw them leaving the facilities together. Trent’s face burned with embarrassment and an odd mix of desire. He was grateful for the cooler air that hit his face as they exited the crowded shop. “So what’s the plan Cassie?”
“This is a big city… much bigger than what I first thought so I think we need to get a better view of it.”
“I’m game, what do you suggest?”
Cassandra pointed upward at a building in the distance. It appeared to be a church with a steeple. “Oh no…you’re fucking kidding me.”
“At least that way we have a better vantage point.”
“Can’t you just call someone he knows and have them give you his location?”
“I’ve tried that before. Everyone in his inner circle knows his wrath. There are things about him that I’m certain even his closest associates have no knowledge of. The only way we’re going to find him is to get a better perspective on the city to see if we can locate this mystery building.”
“That’s quite a distance, Cassie are you sure we’ve got time?”
“We have to. It’s really the only other option we have.”
Chapter 19
They continued their trek through the city walking a few blocks until they noticed the sun had begun to fade in the evening skyline. It had gotten a little cooler which Trent was grateful for, but Cassandra didn’t seem to care or notice. Her mind was elsewhere and she seemed solely focused on their mission. The sun had faded on the horizon into deep oranges and reds when they arrived at the church. It was towering and gothic in design and style. “Wow. This is impressive. The churches back home…they never looked anything like this.”
“No. At some point I’d love to find out the history here, it’s simply beautiful. If we had time I’d photograph it for reference later.”
“Oh yeah. I forget you’re an artist. You’ve probably studied architecture and things.”
“Just a bit in my art history classes. That was one of the reasons I wanted to visit Paris in the first place. There was just so much to learn there that could only be done by visiting some of the museums.”
“Remind me of this after we find Kristina and I’ll have Tommy set you up with some sort of a real vacation to study art.”
“Tommy likes to spend money doesn’t he?”
“Oh he’s the best at it. I’ve personally never cared much for the stuff. I’d rather have a beer and a baseball game any day of the week over cocktails and fine dining.”
“Noted. Well I’ll make you a deal. If you can get to the top of the church before me, well then I’ll personally arrange for season box seats for your beloved Red Sox, how’s that sound?”
“Now that’s a deal I can live with, I’ll race ya.” They entered the church and saw it was as gothic inside as it was outside. The floors had been carpeted in a lavish red and the pews looked recently polished. The alter stood on a long stage and the podium had an ornate candelabra in the center. The candles hadn’t been lit, but Trent imagined when they were all lit the place had an ethereal glow which made it feel safe, relaxing, and otherworldly. It was certainly an impressive display of devotion and Trent was surprised that even through the years the religious relic remained well-maintained.
To the left and the right of the altar there was a staircase which led up to the balcony of the church. Two large stained glass windows framed either side and Trent once again was in awe of the beautiful design. “Would you look at that Cassie? If I were a holy man I’d bet my last dollar that God and his angels painted that stained glass on their own.”
“Yes…it is remarkable. It’s beautiful isn’t it? I really do wish we had more time to linger. I’d meditate on it. We have to go though. Hurry up tough guy, we’ve got things to do.”
Trent gave the windows one last glance as both of them bolted up the stairs to the roof. Cassandra was the first to reach the exit doors and laughed. “Looks like you’re sending me somewhere relaxing Trenton.”
“Yeah, you’ve got it, as soon as we find Kristina.”
They looked out over the city and found it to be surprisingly tiny from their viewpoint. The tourists looked like nothing more than a conglomeration of dots as they marched in packs through the alleyways from one shop to another. They could hear the jazz bands though, playing their relaxing melody which reminded Trent of a more tranquil time in his life. The song took him back to a time when he didn’t have any responsibilities to speak of and the summer evenings were lengthy and just as relaxed. “Those bands…those are magical, Cassie. This reminds me of a good dream I once had. The only thing more perfect would be sharing this moment with Kristina.”
“Oh my God. That’s it, Trent! You don’t see it do you?!”
“I don’t have a clue what you’re talking about.”
“Lady Larue said to listen for the music. The band…it’s making a circle around that older building at the edge of the square. That’s got to be it!”
“I still don’t understand.”
“Ugh. You are certainly not the brains in your and Kristina’s relationship.”
“Thanks…I think.”
“Trent…she told us everything we need to know. Come on. All we have to do is find a way into that building and then we can get Kristina.”
“Now see why didn’t you just say that the first time?”
“I don’t know how much security he has…I’m certain though it’s tight. Do you have extra ammo?”
“Yeah… I have a full chamber and two extra clips.”
“Okay good. Just…be prepared to use them. Augustin may be older now, but he was always a good marksman.”
