With a clearing of my throat, I stepped towards the two men, letting my presence be known, “Please, Monsieur, Diego, it has been a difficult time for all of us. We live in changing times.” I paused, their attention directed at me, though their eyes still caught each other’s. The intensity surprised me and I faltered for a moment, but managed to continue before their wills conflicted with each other once more, “Diego has had a trying day and was not expecting his past to haunt him as it has today. Bitter memories provide for a short temper. He will be happy to go back to work.”

The focus of my speech slowly directed itself to the Monsieur, but a hand took Diego’s shoulder and gently began to guide him back. I smiled pleasantly all the while, features placid. Behind me, Master LaMontangue stirred and approached the Monsieur, speaking to him quietly, things that I did not hear.

Diego’s mood was clear as he went back to work, with the others reflecting that mood. Marcel dropped a tray of letters and quickly began to pick them back up, almost disturbing the block he had already started in the process. It reminded me of why Marcel was still an apprentice after two years.

I looked towards the Madame, but she had crept next to the Monsieur and away from any sort of casual conversation. Her gaze caught mine, briefly, and an encouraging smile slipped over her features. Then she looked away. I looked down, concealing a slight smile, then made my way to the backroom.

I caught some sort of words of apology from the Master when I neared, but nothing specific. Soon I was unhitching Bonne Chance and getting ready to go home.

In the night sky, the moon was almost full, a brilliant silver disk. I paused to gaze at it, then slow, misty clouds obscured it, creeping along its surface until it disappeared and the night was pitch supported by the occasional street lamp. A chill wind pierced my cloak and I mounted Bonne Chance, making my way down the alley.