The Burgundian froze, appeared to metamorphose through nine spectacular hues, before downing his DeFrance in one spluttering masterpiece of affrontory indignation.
"Susan".
He'd verified it now, the damming certainty of it, a fleeting sylph between the black crannies of the trees. No witch imagery was suitable for her.
"Calm yourself, man. The separation is reasonable. Just merely reach the bar, consult Sean, depress the panic switch, then observe as our herculean bodyguard body-slams that deplorable gorgon into the verge".
The silhouette of a shoulder blade menacing behind a birch; perhaps she was conversing with someone...
Achille jammed his head in the tablecloth as McCarthy's gaze turned perilously."Marie must see me for a madman..."
"...An alibi, I need a ali... ah."
"...Eh, Conway?! Over here man, come."Achille yelled to the dithering Devious, startling the mastermind.
"...That's it, over here ami, oui, to the left... ah, you have me". He continued to boom, nearly elbowing Marie in the process.
"...A moment, Miss Nemesis."The Burgundian flourished, stepping jauntily towards the Libertine."...But business is a fickle stallion, and will hound you at its leisure. Best not to dally, eh?"He winked, before fluking away.
"...I'll be back for you, cheri."
Swerving like an arrow through a lane jam, Achille sidled up to Devious, crouching oddly.
"...To the bar, come friend."Achille soothed, violently steering his colleague in the intended direction.
"...A drink to loosen common tongues, eh?"
THE SYNDIC LEAGUES
(A co-operative of Rheinland's outlawed trade unions, determined to take the underworld for themselves.)
![[Image: XTF1d6x.png]](https://i.imgur.com/XTF1d6x.png)