While her guest browsed the menu, Abigail took the opportunity to examine him. He was undeniably handsome, but beyond his mere appearance, he impressed mainly with the aura of authority emanating from him. As if the world naturally bent before him. In her mind formed a rough representation of the realm of the living, and at its peak, seated on a throne: Staan, in his impeccable suit and a strange insolent air on his face. She smiled at this image and lingered on the quality of his clothes. The fabric seemed to be expensive, just like the finely crafted silver watch on his wrist whose strap perfectly matched the rest of his outfit. He raised his head and then asked.

"Should we order? Or do you want more time to continue your inspection?

— It's not an inspection!" she defended herself, caught in the act. "I'm just observing that you're very well-dressed. But if you've already decided, we can call a waiter. I'm starving ! Which will you take ? The flank steak and its beans or the skirt steak and its fries?

— The flank steak seems delectable, but thinking about fries has made me fiercely crave them," he admitted with a guilty smile. "Bands of little fat demons. The waiter will tell me if it's possible to choose the side dish. As for your choice, it's true that the smoked salmon and its julienne of vegetables seem exquisite.

— How did you know?" she asked, intrigued.

— In the same way you did, I suppose: observational skills," Staan replied innocently. "Have you thought about going into private practice? Such a skill would do wonders there. And you could still collaborate with law enforcement. Unless you've already thought about what you're going to do now?

— Not at all!" she admitted with a raised eyebrow. "On second thought, I might redo a law degree, given that technically, I passed my first year. It was ten years ago, but with my experience in the police, it should be easier. As for my observational skills, I'm not really sure if we can speak of skills per se. I notice things and deduce others. That's all.

— So? What else have you discovered about me?" Staan asked with a teasing smile. "I'm curious. Surprise me.

— That you're rich," she began, playing. "Much more than I thought when I met you in a café like the one where Carmen works. That's one of the many questions I had about you: why frequent such a place? With so many barfly that you could tie them up and fly away? In a not so lively neighborhood? There must be much better cafes in the Old Port.

Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

— I like the place, their coffee is exquisite, and it's close to my home. What more could I ask for?" Staan summarized. "Why would I go listen to two old person debate a century-old anecdote when I can go learn more about everyday life in such a place ?

— Good evening, are you ready to order ?" interrupted a waiter.

— I guess appreciating the simplicity of a place is better than pretending to belong to another," she concluded before turning to the newcomer. "Good evening! Yes, my friend will have a flank steak with fries and I'll have the smoked salmon and vegetables."

Before their dishes arrived, while they ate, and long after they finished, they chatted without a care in the world what time it was. Regularly, their neighbors left and were replaced by new ones. Each new customer underwent a thorough examination by the duo, and they enjoyed speculating about the profession they held as well as their order. Although they had only met last week, and despite Staan's formal speech, Abigail strangely felt close to him. They talked and laughed heartily, allowing her to forget the pain of her dismissal and the painful memories stirred up by the whole affair. Several times, she felt like bringing up the subject of the relationship between Staan and his sister, but instead, she let herself be carried away by the conversation, and the idea passed her by.

A full meal and a few bottles of wine later, they left the restaurant walking cautiously. Abigail felt the alcohol fogging her mind and creating a fast track between her thoughts and actions. She found herself draping her arm over her new friend's shoulders and planting a loud kiss on each of his cheeks. Her own gesture surprised her so much that she had a brief moment of clarity. In a burst of laughter, Abigail declared confidently that it was time for her to go home. Helping her call a taxi, Staan smiled as he helped her get in when the car stopped. Turning around in the back seat, she waved goodbye to him through the window before she lost sight of him in the snowfall.