Horrible.
Returning to my job, well, I had not completely lost the hand. With the help of Tyrone, I had a discreet surveillance set up to watch Marcus. I did not like him and my instincts told me not to trust him. Every time I went on to Mortier, he looked at me strangely, as if he knew more about me, every time. Looking at the record, I concluded that this was not the case. And yet... Hmm! There was something, I had to keep an eye on him.
I walked over to where I knew Tyrone was hiding his discoveries concerning Marcus and listened to Tyrone's recordings. I felt gratitude towards him because he thought well of me and had supported me in my recent decisions.
I could not wait to be alone, ten times more willing and anxious to know what this girl had endured. I waited patiently all morning, looking for information that I did not yet know about her, about her family and even friends. I thought it would be easy - like all other cases to which I was often confronted. Sometimes a detail becomes essential when isolated from the rest of data. Perhaps more so. I went into the old archives and flipped through folders. I visited the library in search of important events of the past that may have influenced her life or that of her family.
I owed her my peace and my joy today. I wished she was like me, happy to live, not for us to be equal like that. No! I just wanted to help her! But my research had proved just as fruitless as the stories of Alma were obscure and her joy fake.
Happy...
I wanted her to be happy! Maybe it was because of her kindness - she was one of those rare people that did not ask much of others. That fact didn't help me much, though. But I suspected, I would find out what was hidden, just later. It was time to return to the college. I did not want her waiting for me, or to see her go with Alex. Yuck!
I didn't even look where I went on my way there. I drove at full speed towards the entrance of the campus. It was not yet dismissal time. Finding a parking space at this hour was difficult, but luckily I found one which wasn't too far away. I looked around but could find no attendant to pester me with a fee.
Vera was already there, leaning against the wall, one foot striking the ground, waiting impatiently for Alma to arrive. I felt her anxiety, and the upheaval that surrounded her convinced me that things were not going her way today.
I did not want get out of the car and be seen by Vera. I remained perfectly motionless. I looked at her. She was speaking to another student and occasionally making gestures, but her head was constantly going to the door. Her eyes were focused on the imminent arrival of Alma. Vera's foot stirred more when Alma had joined.
"How are you?"
"Why the delay?" Vera asked, almost shouting.
"I was with the teacher. You seem angry." Alma seemed anxious at the sight of Vera.
"I am angry! I waited all day to talk to you, but every time you had something else to do! More important, of course!" She was almost in tears and Alma went and put her hand on Vera's shoulder.
"I'm sorry. I was really busy, but don't say that! What's wrong? Did something happen again with Alex?"
"I'm so disappointed! Nina called me this morning. Unless this is not true, and he is still free. She said he is with Fanny."
"Oh," said Alma and her mouth twisted in annoyance. She encircled Vera in her arms and hugged her. "She should have avoided telling you! I think it's unhealthy."
"No!" said Vera. "I asked her. Remember, they live close to each other."
"I'm sorry. But don't you think you should give up? Since the university started, you've been torturing yourself with this guy! What will you do now?"
"I'm not so sure that he truly is with Fanny. Maybe not... maybe Nina wanted to hurt me? She knows that..."
"Who does not know? Tell me, who? I'll tell you, Alex! Although, I doubt it. I think even he knows. Hmm! He is quite stupid, he may not even know."
Vera squirmed with her hands and ended up with her face towards Alma. "You look... concerned. Why? What's going on with your stranger?"
"Hmm..." Alma seemed cautious.
She was worried - she knew that I was not very far. I laughed to myself.
"Tell me about you! That's a better idea! It will get my mind off my problems," Vera said. Alma put down her bag on the sidewalk.
She performed her actions grudgingly. She probably thought of me. Vera noticed the Alma's slow movements.
"Tell you what?" Alma delayed the momentum, thrusting her hands in her pockets.
"What happened between you two?"
"After the Louvre, you mean?"
"Yes! You know we did not meet."
"We left and walked by the antique shop - you know, the one which I go to every week - we entered and looked around. Then he brought me back home." Alma spoke softly and tried to appease her friend.
"How did you get home? On foot?" Vera continued, upset.
I looked and I saw Alma roll her eyes at Vera's suspicion.
"No, by car, and he drives like a madman."
She made a little smile, and I laughed, frankly.
The doubt crept in Vera.
"You weren't the one who asked him to be there, were you?" Vera noticed the surprise on Alma's face, and was disappointed by the sincerity mixed with a touch of anger she exuded.
"What? No! I was very surprised to see him there."
"But he brought you to class today? He waited in front of your home?"
"Yes - that was a surprise too."
"It's not very funny," Vera said, disappointed. I wanted to join Alma, I was tired of the Vera's suspicions, but I also wanted to hear what I did not know and I pulled myself together. I was hoping that her dissatisfaction would end, and she would continue to question her. "So are you two... together?" Vera finally asked, watching Alma's face.
"He offered to accompany me during the morning," she replied evasively.
"Hmm..."
"He knows I have no car and he is only trying to help me," Alma continued almost apologetically.
"There must be something in him... I mean," said Vera, and she continued to watch her with a frown.
"You think so?" asked Alma, and her eyes widened.
"Yes."
"If you say so," concluded Alma, and they stared in silence for a long time.
"Wow... you are no longer alone! This is huge!" Vera said.
"I know," Alma sighed and hung her head. The tone of her voice encouraged Vera.
"Huge!" Vera repeated, shaking her head.
"I'm sorry about Alex," Alma reacted a little late.
"Yes, I know. Thanks." Vera muttered. She suddenly seemed to realize the difference that existed between them. I was hoping this would not create a problem in their relationship. "Wait!" Vera said, suddenly remembering a key issue. "Did he approach you, I mean, did he kiss you?"
"No," Alma muttered, her face defeated.
"Damn!"
I frowned. Alma looked upset, but this could not be deception, as Vera seemed to think. She could not want... I shuddered.
"You think he will next time?" Vera encouraged.
Alma seemed frustrated.
"I doubt it."
I had the impression, staring at her face, that she hoped for it? For a second I was distracted by the idea. What would it be like to kiss her? My lips on her lips...
I'd bite her, surely.
I shook my head, grimacing, and continued to pay attention to their conversation.
"What did you talk about with him? Did you speak to him, at least?" I smiled, miserable. Vera was not so far from the truth.
"Not really, Vera. A little bit."
I smiled a little more.
"Please, Alma! But what did you do then?" Vera clung to the Alma's story like it was a buoy, in that way she would not drown in her sorrow.
Alma thought for a moment. "Well... Okay, there is one thing. When we were at the antique shop, I saw a music box, it was very old..."
Vera's face stiffened with impatience. What a strange detail to share!
"And?"
"And... he gave it to me as a present."