The Eight Sentences:
“Yes and it’s nice to meet someone who knows French, you never know these days.”
“I spent several years in the Deep South — Louisiana, they speak a little French down there.”
“I know,” his voice was a rich baritone, almost bass, soft yet confident — and so masculine — he could have been the man of her dreams.
“How would you know that?”, she asked.
“I’ve followed you for several years now,” Debert said, “It isn’t easy to keep track of your movements, but then you try so hard.” He could see that she was becoming uneasy with that revelation, “Don’t worry, I won’t tell.”
“I like your voice,” she commented, “You seem mysterious and, at the same time, charming.”
There was a twinkle in his eye, and he smiled again.
The Back Story:
There were two men in the life of Claudia Barry that had earned her respect and trust. The older of the two had been around for years, although they had not had the opportunity for much conversation since a lunch meeting in New Jersey in the fall of 1976. It had always been an occasional fleeting glance. Then one icy day in January of 1999, Claudia was dining alone at her favorite Irish pub, the Tir na nOg in downtown Manhattan, across from Penn Station when he walked up to her table. The snippet above comes from their conversation.
An Invitation to Join Us:
14 responses to “The Frenchman”
Iris B
October 18th, 2014 at 04:51
Intriguing snippet … I wonder why he followed her.
P.T. Wyant
October 17th, 2014 at 01:05
I’m in love with his voice…
Gem
October 15th, 2014 at 11:33
Hmmm…this scene feels very ominous and Mr. Debert’s revelations sent prickles up my spine.
siobhanmuir
October 14th, 2014 at 13:51
Oh, interesting. It sounds like he knows her far too well. Great snippet, Frank. 🙂
emmygatrell
October 13th, 2014 at 09:28
Creepy and intriguing all at the same time. Well done, great snippet!
Linda Hamonou
October 13th, 2014 at 07:12
Hum, what was he following her for? That’s a little creepy, even if she might be use to that.
elainecsc2013
October 12th, 2014 at 20:52
This would make me a trifle uneasy to think he’d been following me.
nicolettehugowriter
October 12th, 2014 at 19:12
That’s beautifully written dialogue…great snippet
Cecilia Corona
October 12th, 2014 at 14:29
Good scene. Can’t wait to read more…
veronicascott
October 12th, 2014 at 12:00
I’m surprised she isn’t more nervous at having someone who follows her, so to speak. Intriguing! Enjoyed the excerpt as always…
burnsmillie
October 12th, 2014 at 11:24
A bit of a stalker, but seemingly good : )
Sarah W
October 12th, 2014 at 09:12
I love Mr. Debert. He’s a ghost, but a very dangerous one. Trustworthy, dangerous ghosts are few and far between.
And it’s nice to put an image to the voice. 🙂
Author Charmaine Gordon
October 12th, 2014 at 09:02
Sweet mystery or is it not so sweet? Fascinating , tantalizing dialogue with an almost ping pong effect on me.
FCEtier
October 12th, 2014 at 09:07
Thanks for the comment, Charmaine. Mr. Debert (day-bear) is an enigma, but also a trusted confidant for Claudia. He seems to always be nearby.