Wednesday December 7th, 2016

The exercise:

Write something that has to do with: cloak and dagger.

Day one of four at the bakery this week done. Was basically sold out of bread by one, but kept the shop open until shortly after two in an attempt to sell cinnamon buns and other things. Managed to only have 4 buns left at closing, and no loaves, croissants, focaccia, baguettes, or ciabatta.

Will likely be quieter tomorrow, but we shall see.

Mine:

The letter had been unsigned. Nothing odd there - that was typically the case, in matters such as this. I always found it rather aggravating though. Was it legitimate or just another trap? How could I be sure it was even meant for me?

That's why I never followed the directions in those letters too closely. I preferred to find a vantage point that allowed me to see the indicated meeting place and its surrounding area. Look out for familiar faces - both friendly and otherwise. Make certain that not only were the directions meant for me, but that it was safe to approach.

That's what I'm doing now, sitting here in this sidewalk cafe with a coffee on the table in front of me and an open newspaper hiding me from view. The meet is supposed to be at the base of the statue looming over the middle of the square. There's enough tourists around that I could easily get closer, but that's not my style. The deeper into a mess you get, the harder it is to extract your-

"Excuse me," my waiter says, his hands clasped in front of him. "There's a call for you, Mr. Nicholas."

"I see." This is an interesting development. "Well then, lead the way."

He turns sharply on his heel and takes me on a winding route between the crowded tables and chairs and into the interior of the cafe. I turn to the left to go to the maitre d's station, but he turns right.

"This way please, Mr. Nicholas."

"Sorry, I thought I saw a phone over there when I arrived."

"Oh, you did," he says as he turns away. "Your call will be taken in the manager's office in the back."

Hmm. Another interesting development.