I spotted two figures ahead, partially hidden under a tree in one of those pocket parks Paris scattered everywhere. Napoleon must've needed regular pee spots for all his dogs.
I slowed my pace. Casual. Just another guy walking home.
As I got closer, I saw them clearly.
Julien. And a woman who very much did not want to be there.
She was young. Maybe early twenties. Blonde. Her body language screamed discomfort—arms crossed, leaning back, eyes darting toward the street like she was calculating how fast she could run.
Julien stood too close, one hand on her arm, his voice low and insistent.
I didn't speak French. Didn't need to.
Body language was universal.
I timed it perfectly.
Stumbled slightly, like I'd had a few too many, and bumped into Julien's back.
"Shit, sorry, man," I said, American accent thick and sloppy.
Julien spun, annoyed, his grip on the woman's arm loosening.
I blinked at him, playing up the drunk tourist bit. Then my face lit up like I'd just had a revelation.
"Julien? Is that you?"
His expression shifted—confusion, suspicion. "I don't?—"
I grabbed his arm, friendly, firm. "Man, I thought that was you! From the children's benefit picnic outside Montmartre, remember? You were talking to that woman with the ridiculous hat."
Julien's face twisted. "I think you have the wrong?—"
I turned to the woman, grinning. "Hey, sweetheart, would you mind giving us a minute? Julien and I have some good times to discuss."
She hesitated, eyes wide, uncertain.
"Go on," I said, softer. "We're fine here."
Julien tried to protest. "Wait, I?—"
I clamped down on his arm. Hard.
The woman didn't wait for permission. She bolted, heels clicking fast against the pavement, disappearing into the night.
Smart girl.
Now it was just the two of us.
I pulled Julien deeper into the park, away from the street, away from the lights.
He tried to resist. "Let go of me, you?—"
I kneed him in the stomach.
The air left his lungs in a whoosh. He doubled over, gasping, and I dragged him further into the shadows, past the trees, out of view of any cameras.
When we were clear, I spun him around and shoved him against a tree.
