Chapter 3

Simon was nowhere to be seen when he came back inside, but a door leading into darkness stood open at the rear of the kitchen.

“Where do you want me to put these?” Alain called out.

“The first door on the right is the guestroom.” His reply floated up the stairs, arriving several seconds before he emerged from the dark cellar. He had two bottles in hand. “It’s not properly made up, but we can take care of that tonight after dinner.”

He took only a moment to drop his bag. He had no desire to be separated from Simon any longer than he had to be.

“You’re going to let me cook for you while I’m here, aren’t you?” Alain leaned against the wall, watching Simon rinse out the glasses before setting them on the drying rack. “It’s the least I can do after dropping in unannounced.”

Simon grinned. “You just don’t think a retired stockbroker could possibly know how to properly cook venison.”

“I’m sure you think it tastes just fine.”

“Are you questioning my palate?”