Old Friends & New Fears

Nadia fought against tears. Katherine. The phone rang. It was 2 AM.

“Hello?” A man’s voice answered. It was Steven. His northern British accent. Tired. A yawn.

“It’s Nadia… Is Katherine there?”

“Nadia? Of course… I’m afraid she is asleep… Can it not wait till morning?”

“It can’t – we are in danger…” Nadia held back tears.

Steven booked an Uber for Nadia to come see them. Xiao Mei wanted to tag along. Nadia was in two minds. She couldn’t protect Xiao Mei if she was out and about. Hugo was beaten up. This was bad. Really bad. Xiao Mei could be next.

“So can I come? Where are we going?” Xiao Mei said, putting on her pink new balance sneakers.

“Yes come along… To see an old friend,” Nadia said.

Katherine lived in a luxurious apartment in central Paris. On the 39th floor with large windows.

“Your friend is loaded,” Xiao Mei said in awe.

Steven smiled and stood in the lobby as Nadia and Xiao Mei arrived. He didn’t question Xiao Mei’s presence – they even talked about his filling that came loose a few days ago. Xiao Mei said she'd do it for a good price if he could wait around until she was qualified. He found that funny.

Katherine was making tea in the kitchen. She hugged Nadia. And Xiao Mei. She winced. Being hugged by a random pregnant woman. This was not how she thought her night was going to go.

“Steven, can you show Xiao Mei here in the games room?” Katherine said.

“Games room?” Xiao Mei lit up.

“Of course,” Steven smiled and kissed Katherine on the cheek. Before taking Xiao Mei downstairs to the games room.

Katherine turned to Nadia, “I didn’t want to worry you… But yes… They are back.”