Chapter 73

There was so much history in this city, and now he was part of it.

“We’ll take the street car,” Xavier said, walking off. “One last ride.”

Billy hooked his bag on his shoulders. They walked side by side and in silence. He knew Xavier was thinking of what he was leaving behind.

Or was he thinking of what lay ahead?

“Will you miss it?” Billy asked, after a moment, glancing over at Xavier’s beautiful and serious face. “The eclectic feel of this place?”

“Yeah, a little.” Xavier looked over at him. “Will you?”

Looking around, Billy understood something he hadn’t grasped until now. New Orleans was perfect the way that it was. It was flawed, but it was human. The city was the best and the worst of them. “Yeah,” he said, watching the street car approach. “I think I will.” 25

Billy shut his car door and checked for traffic, then hurried across Sainte-Catherine Street, the cool November rain lashing his face. He’d forgotten his umbrella again today.