“So the funeral has something to do with us being
“Only in the sense that you need to know about it.”
Again, Nate looked confused.
“You’re going to meet someone who was there, and if she mentions it I don’t want you to be surprised.”
“All right. That makes sense. Who is it?”
“Her name is Liz,” Quinn said. “She’s … my sister.”
Nate stared at Quinn, surprised.
“She’s studying at the Sorbonne,” Quinn explained. “We’re here because she might be in danger. I want to make sure that doesn’t happen.” He paused. “But to do that, I need your help.”
Nate didn’t even hesitate. “Whatever you need, I’m there.”
“Thanks.”
“Is there anyone else you’re worried about?”
Quinn hesitated. Again, this was sacred ground. But he had no choice. “My mother. Orlando’s with her right now.”
“Whoa,” Nate said, shaking his head. It was a lot to take in. But like the professional he’d become, he seemed to quickly adjust and move on. “What do you need me to do?”
“I’m not one hundred percent sure yet. Liz and I, we aren’t exactly on the best of terms.”
“I sense a pattern. Does your mother hate you, too?”
Quinn shot him a withering look.
“I’m sorry,” Nate said. “I shouldn’t have said that.”
“It’s complicated,” Quinn said. “And no, my mother doesn’t hate me.”
“Well, that’ll save you some therapy at least.… Sorry. Shouldn’t have said that either.”
In the distance, the old man who had been watching the birds started walking down the path toward their bench. His gait was slow, almost a shuffle.
“Does your sister know what you do?” Nate asked.
“Of course not,” Quinn said. “Wait. Does anyone in your past know what
“No.”
“I’m serious, Nate. Have you told
“No. No one.”
“You’re sure?”
“Yes, I’m sure. And how did this suddenly become about me?”
Quinn leaned back, duly chastened. Nate was right. He’d momentarily channeled his anxiety into the possibility that his apprentice had screwed up.
“Liz thinks I’m in the international banking business. My mother thinks so, too.”
Nate had heard Quinn use the cover with other civilians in the past. “At least you can use that to explain why you’re in town.”
“Yeah,” Quinn said.
After a moment, Nate asked, “What’s Orlando setting up for your mom?”
Quinn explained the plan he and Orlando had worked out.
“When did you call your mom?”
“When we were waiting for the plane in Newark.”
“She go for it?” Nate asked.
“She didn’t say no. Secretly, I think she’s probably happy to have company. It’s been less than a month since she lost her husband.”
The old man had advanced down the path, but was still out of earshot. Quinn gave him a glance, then turned back to Nate.
“So what’s the plan?” Nate asked. “Are we just going to keep an eye on her?”
“I’m not sure. I’m still trying to figure that out.”
“Do you know what Liz’s living situation is?” Nate asked.
Quinn nodded.
“Does she have any roommates?”
“No.”
“So only a one-bedroom apartment.”
