Page 31 of French Escapade

“I just want to know where the bathrooms are. I would like to freshen up before all the guests arrive.”

He doesn’t try to hide how absurd he finds my request, but he shows me the way.

“Don’t be too long,” he calls out as I walk away.

I’m happy he didn’t decide to accompany me. I feel eyes on my back. He’s probably not the only one watching me.

A rapid glance to my left, and I see Ken looking at me. We do not do anything that could betray us, but I feel better knowing he’s near.

I push the bathroom door open. There’s no one else for now. I have no need to fix my makeup. I’m actually wearing more foundation today than I have in the past ten years. If I add anything to my face, there will be cracks if I smile.

Locking myself in a stall, I wait for a bit. Sergei must have other fish to fry. I just need to stay here long enough for him to forget about me. When I think enough time has passed, I let myself out.

But I don’t return to the reception area. I want to explore. While in the bathroom, I checked my phone. According to Ken and Jimmy, the event is spread over three rooms. They were unable to check out one of the three. Maybe I’ll be more lucky.

I enter the service corridor, which allows access to all the back doors located in each room. I’m assuming they will have someone manning the main door. Here, I’m all alone.

Now that I’ve reached the third door, I wait a few seconds, just in case …

No sound at all, except the beating of my heart, loud like a drum. I put my hand on the cold metal of the handle and turn it. No resistance. It’s almost too easy. But, the instant I start pushing the door open, a hand lands on mine.

On the hand is a ring with a two-headed eagle and a diamond in its center.

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