It was not the first time (and unless an assassin got very lucky, would not be the last) that Alain ushered his friends into a meeting without advance notice or explanation. Ideas often seemed to pop into his mind out of thin air, though that was perhaps due to his tendency to keep secrets from friends and enemies alike.

Tonight was no different. He had asked Fio if her schedule was clear for a dinner meeting with her and Steve just a day before, and then arranged to meet her at the door to Nicole's Bistro and Pizzeria; Steve had volunteered to show up at the restaurant early and secure them a table, since there had not been enough time for a reservation. Alain was dressed nicely but with an eye to the weather in a striped Oxford, chinos and a gray sportcoat.

As soon as she was close he offered his arm to her. "Steve managed to talk his way into a private dining room. He's gone inside, I don't think he could handle the heat," he added with a grin. "How are you?"

"We have our own coming up soon," he said with a sympathetic nod. They met a hostess at the door, who nodded also at a simple gesture from Alain and led them, smiling politely but silently, across the busy restaurant to their private dining room. "I have to practice my answer that while I appreciate their enthusiasm, it would be wrong for the Baron to support any candidates. That's strictly within our country, of course," he added with a wry smile.

The hostess spoke up suddenly, and Alain turned with skilfully effected surprise at the interruption. "I do hope you enjoy all of the amenities offered," she offered with practiced ease. "It was very hard to set up on such short notice, but..."

((Story continues here!))