Equal Exchange!

The next day, Leonard followed the address David had given her and found Beauvoir's house.

Beauvoir eyed the young man warily as he approached. "Who are you looking for? My husband's out. If it's important, you can talk to him when he gets back."

Leonard smiled gently. "You must be Beauvoir," he said.

Beauvoir stiffened, eyeing him suspiciously. She never told anyone her real name.

"I'm a friend of your husband," Leonard added.

Beauvoir didn't respond, only lowering her head to continue washing vegetables, lips pressed tight. She wasn't buying it. "He just went out," she muttered. "He'll be back soon."

Leonard, undeterred, reached into his coat and pulled out a pocket watch.

Beauvoir's eyes snapped to it.

Her heart skipped a beat. She recognized that watch instantly. It was the one she'd bought for David on his birthday. He loved it so much that he rarely wore it, always keeping it close, showing it off to friends.