Jacqueline held the phone to her ear, listening to it ring before it was finally answered.
“Hello?” the voice on the other end answered.
“Hi Petra.” Jacqueline said with a smile.
“Oh Jacqueline. Is everything alright?”
“Fine, just fine. I had wanted to call you to thank you for your offer to Claude, and everything else you’ve done.”
“Jacqueline.” she chided gently. “You don’t need to thank me. You’re a very dear friend and I’d do anything for you, and by extension, him. I have seen that he makes you happy, and that puts him high on my ‘people I tolerate’ list.” she said with a chuckle.
“Admit it, you like him too.”
“Truthfully? Yes, but not in the same way and you know it. I admire his skill and commitment, and he seems to have a code of honor that I can appreciate. I saw him in action when we went to retrieve you in London – he reminded me of the kind of soldier I used to value – one who would listen to his superior, but wasn’t afraid to do what was needed when it was needed, even if it meant defying that leader. Because of those qualities, and his ties, admittedly, I had been thinking for a while of extending the offer, and I believe I told him as much the other night.:
“I believe you did. He hasn’t brought it up to me though, nor have I asked him about it, so I couldn’t tell you if he’s even considering the idea, let alone the actual act.To be honest, I don’t want to watch him grow old before my eyes – to eventually have to pretend I’m his daughter, then his granddaughter before he goes.” she wiped away a tear that had threatened to fall. She tried not to think these thoughts, she knew to value the time they had. Still…
“I know, dear. I may not have experienced it myself, but I do understand what you mean. I’m not saying you have to do it now, but you should talk to him about your concerns. Barring talking to him, you could always talk to Brandon beforehand. It may be underhanded, but he does have a way of convincing people. It’s that damnable European charm.”
Jacqueline laughed. “True enough. Perhaps I’ll talk to him later – I want to gauge the waters for a night or two first.”
“Alright. Good luck to you Jacqueline. And good night.”
“And you as well, Petra.”