So many things were going through my head as I led Raymond over to where Josh and Becki stood. I felt conflicting emotions rolling off both of them. My own emotions were spanning the spectrum as well. What have I done? I thought to myself.
Exactly what you'd planned with Llessur, my subconscious shot back.
But, I didn't mean for it to go this far! At least I don't think I did.
Bingo. Now you get it.
No, I don't. Why don't you explain it to me?
You know everything I do. Wake up to yourself.
But I wouldn't do this to three people I care about.
If I could smack you, I would. You are doing it. It was your idea. You didn't even DISCOURAGE them when you noticed they were getting closer. Look at what's in front of you.
I focused back outside my brain. Becki and Josh had just looked up and noticed me approaching with a stranger. Josh's hand immediately went for his blaster pistol. Damn, I sighed. "It's ok." I moved my hand to the side enough to show Josh I had my lightsaber out.
Josh's hand didn't move, but he did speak. "What's going on?"
"You were being followed," I said as I pushed Raymond a little closer to them so we could talk quieter. "He's been following us from day one. Don't you recognize him, Becki?"
Her eyes finally tore away from Josh as she looked at Raymond. "You helped us at Le Bon Marché."
"Oui," Raymond replied. "Only for my employer."
"And that is?" Josh questioned.
I raised my hand between us and let the necklace dangle from my fingers. Josh grabbed the charm and hissed. "You must be joking?"
"Americans," Raymond sighed and shook his head. "No, it is not a joke. She wished me to keep tabs on you until she could break a tail."
"And your name?"
"Raymond Bordeaux."
"As in the wine?" Becki asked.
"Oui." He looked around them for a moment. "The man who was following her went by here a short time ago. Your companion here," he motioned to me, "said that he was looking for something. I think we should find out what it is."
"Not until we go find Mike and the Varden," Josh said as he stared at me. "Why didn't you stay with him?"
It took me a moment to understand what he'd just said. "Mike found the Varden?"
"Yes, and why didn't you stay with him?" His hands found his hips as he looked me in the eyes.
I threw my arms in the air, the lightsaber suddenly disappearing. "He left me! I was walking along the river when I sensed wine-boy here following you."
"Mike left you?" Josh couldn't believe I was telling the truth.
"Yes. And he's blocking me, so I couldn't tell where he'd run off to." I glared at him, daring him to read me.
He frowned. "Whatever. Let's just go find him."