Chapter 16

They stopped on the way to drink absinthe at a cafe before going to Henri’s; Pierre noted that Antoine didn’t touch his drink but instead passed it to him. He drank it willingly, desperately trying to stay calm. When they arrived at Henri’s door, they were shown in by a butler. Henri’s large sitting room was filled with an assortment of young, fashionable gentlemen...None were accompanied by women. Antoine raised an eyebrow as he looked around at the scene before them. Pierre smiled as Henri approached them to say hello.

“Good evening, Pierre,” Henri said as he greeted him with a kiss on each of his cheeks.

He sized up Antoine briefly before saying, “I’m happy to make your acquaintance…”

“Antoine.”

“Antoine. It’s nice to meet you. So, you’re his partner.”

Pierre wondered what Henri meant by ‘partner’ as Antoine chuckled politely.

“Pierre, you didn’t tell me that you were acquainted with the men of the night,” Henri said as he turned to him.