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Date Posted: 21:40:04 12/15/08 Mon
Author: Hannah
Author Host/IP: bas21-toronto12-1242431666.dsl.bell.ca / 74.14.0.178
Subject: Northern Woods, Chapter 163
In reply to: Hannah 's message, "Northern Woods, Chapter 160" on 21:00:37 10/28/08 Tue

Chapter 163

Gabrielle silently complied with the curt command and after shutting the sound room door, she turned to face the dimmed interior once again, barely discerning the seated form of a man before her.

“There’s a chair to your left.” The quiet but authoritative baritone voice continued. “Please, sit down. We need to talk.”

“Sure.” She said happily in agreement as she complied. “About what?”

‘The lighting is so dim in here… how will I take notes? Maybe I should get my mini-tape recorder out of my purse. Yes, that would be easier.’ Gabrielle thought eagerly.

“I’ll ask the questions.” The man responded tersely. “Do you know who I am?”

‘What the Hell is this? Dim lights… curt questions… just what is going on here? An inquisition?’ Gabrielle thought in annoyance as her hands paused in their quest to locate her recording device. ‘No… *I’m* being interviewed! How dare he!’

“Of course.” Gabrielle replied; her voice conveying her irritation at this cloak and dagger nonsense. “You’re Michel Samuelle.”

“And you’re Gabrielle Langlois; the society reporter for ‘The Gazette’. You talked to my wife earlier.” Michael said in a deadly soft voice.

“Yes, I did.” Gabrielle freely admitted, as her eyes adjusted to the dimmed room and she clearly discerned the form of the handsome billionaire seated before her. She had thought she was being given an exclusive interview when the security man had escorted her to this sound-proof room. It annoyed her no end that she was the one being interviewed instead.

‘This man has a lot of nerve!’ she thought in exasperation.

“Why should I sit here and put up with this?” Gabrielle demanded.

“I’m sorry if you thought this was an interview Mademoiselle, but I wished to speak to you privately. This sound room presented the prefect opportunity.” ‘And I might as well get this unpleasant task over before Kita returns to the party. That’s *if* she does!’ “You have a choice…. you can either answer my questions, or you can leave.” Michael replied softly.

“I choose to stay.” She replied sullenly. ‘Maybe I’ll get something I can use later.’

“Good.” Michael said. “I have one stipulation before I take this conversation any further. If you agree we’ll continue, if not, this *interview* will end right now.”

“Oh?” Gabrielle replied. “And what is that?”

“Everything I’m about to say to you is off the record.” Michael said in clipped tones. “Are we agreed on that?”

‘*Off* the record?’ Gabrielle thought in dismay. *Merde*!’

Gabrielle’s jaw set tightly, angered by the thought that if she agreed to these terms, anything the man might say next could not be reported without labeling her as someone who could not be trusted. In her profession, doing that would be the proverbial ‘kiss of death’.

‘He’s crippling my ability to do a good job! How dare he!’ she thought huffily.

“Are we agreed?” Michael pressed quietly, annoyed at her hesitation.

“Very well.” Gabrielle agreed reluctantly. “What is it that you wanted to know?”

“Do I have your word on that?” Michael pressed further. ‘I don’t trust her… these society columnists are worse than ‘normal’ reporters. All they do is lie!’

“You do.” Gabrielle said grudgingly. Despite her reservations, she was curious now. ‘What does he think needs to be so secretive? For heavens sake, I’ve already talked to *her*!’

“We need to talk.” Michael said tersely.

“Fine.” Gabrielle replied; then she began her counterattack. “What’s with the dimmed lighting in this room?”

“I have a headache from all the ‘excitement’ earlier.” A drained Michael admitted honestly, now assured of her agreement.

‘A headache?’ Gabrielle wondered in amazement, pausing in her ire to finally comprehend Monsieur Samuelle’s viewpoint. ‘He’s been through a lot so far tonight. First two of his old girlfriends attack his wife and now he has to deal with me. He probably thinks I was unkind to her too. That’s why I’m here… he wants to find out for himself! A headache? It’s a wonder the poor man doesn’t have an ulcer… or worse! Those bitches were treating him as if he were some sort of prize in a carnival. They didn’t care about his feelings or his wife’s. And they call themselves high class? Yeah right!’

“Here,” Gabrielle said purposefully as she swiftly dug into her purse once more, “have some Tylenol.”

“Thank you.” Michael replied, surprised at her sudden kindness as he took the pill bottle she offered and shook out two tablets. He was aware that she was being hostile until this moment and was somewhat taken aback at this sudden burst of generosity.

“No problem.” Gabrielle replied nonchalantly as she casually tossed the returned bottle back in her purse. Then she sat back to watch the handsome man seated before her.

For a minute, Michael remained silent, and then Gabrielle’s patience won out as he realized that she was really going to listen.

“Why did you talk to my wife?” Michael continued softly after taking the medicine with a glass of water that sat on the table in front of him. “Were you hoping to get some sort of story out of her while she was upset?”

‘Oh boy… he’s got my motivations nailed down. I can’t admit to that… or he’ll go through the roof!’ Gabrielle thought in dismay.

“No.” Gabrielle lied instead; in what she hoped was an honest sounding voice. “I knew who she was of course, but I wasn’t thinking about a story then, I assure you. I just saw that she was upset and I wanted to help.”

“Help how?” Michael demanded to know; watching the heavily made up brunette warily. After years of dealing with people, Michael was not fooled by Gabrielle’s words. Instead, he watched her body language closely and came to the conclusion that she was lying.

‘Damn the woman!’ Michael thought in frustration. ‘I knew she couldn’t be trusted! She’s lying to me after just agreeing not to!’

“Monsieur Samuelle,” Gabrielle said haughtily with a slightly defensive sneer in her voice. Her pride was annoyed beyond all reason with his attitude at the moment, even though she knew that his skepticism was warranted. “I assure you sir, not all reporters are scum. Some of us are even human beings.”

“Is that right?” an even warier Michael shot back cynically as he watched the reporter in front of him through narrowed eyes. “And why should I believe that? What makes you any different from the rest of that snarling journalistic wolf pack out there?”

“Monsieur Samuelle…” Gabrielle began again, only to be cut off curtly.

“No..” Michael interrupted. “I’ve had my throat ripped out by more than one of your ‘colleagues’ on several occasions. Give me one good reason why should I believe you’re any different from them.”

Michael was well aware that even though this woman had inadvertently been kind to Nikita, the only reason she would have followed her earlier was to get a story, and that knowledge incensed him. He felt conflicted about thanking her for her kindness, while wanting to put her in her place at the same time.

“Look Monsieur Samuelle… I can’t speak for my colleagues, okay?” a now seemingly wide-eyed Gabrielle answered evasively.

‘Oh boy… I can’t say I blame him for his opinion of the press. After all, he’s been *our* target for a *long* time!’ she thought.

“Fair enough.” Michael replied abruptly as he glared at the elegantly clad, dark-eyed woman in front of him. “You’re right. My past dealings with your colleagues aren’t your concern. What happened tonight between you and my wife is. I want some answers.”

“Such as?” Gabrielle asked pointedly as she stared down the man sitting across the table from her.

“I’ll be honest… and I hope you’ll be honest too.” Michael began.

“All right.” Gabrielle said quietly.

“First of all, I’m asking about your motivations tonight Mademoiselle.” Michael began. “I want to know *exactly* why you followed my wife and what you and she talked about. Don’t lie… because she’ll tell me her version later… and I *know* she doesn’t lie.”

Gabrielle nodded. ‘No.. I doubt she would.’

“You were invited to a party tonight Mademoiselle, as a courtesy to all the members of Montreal’s press. You were not invited to a press conference, and certainly not in order to interview my wife without my permission. I don’t appreciate you stalking her….” Michael continued.

‘I need his *permission*! Humph!! I don’t *think* so!’ “I didn’t stalk her… I followed her into the ladies room.” An outraged Gabrielle interrupted insistently. “That’s not stalking!”

“Now that depends on your definition of that word, doesn’t it? My wife’s not used to being publicly harassed and dealing with the likes of you. If you upset her…” Michael began sternly.

“The likes of me?” an outraged Gabrielle interrupted. “You make me sound like a monster! How dare you!”

“I’d dare anything for my wife Mademoiselle… and I mean that literally.” Michael continued menacingly. “Let me be perfectly clear…. I love my wife *very* much. I don’t think a lot of the press and I promise you that if what you print tomorrow isn’t true or insults her in any way, your paper *will* be facing a lawsuit.”

Gabrielle shut her eyes. ‘Mon Dieu! What have I stumbled into here? If I mishandle this... Louis will fire me for sure!’

“Do you understand?” Michael inquired.

“Oui.” A trembling Gabrielle whispered. The man couldn’t have made himself clearer.

“In short, Mademoiselle…” Michael continued, “I’d better like what I hear right now… and *read* tomorrow… and trust me, I’m not in the mood for any more lies. Now tell me the truth… if you know what that is. What did you and my wife talk about?”

‘Ouch!’ Gabrielle thought. ‘Louis will just *love* this!’

“Okay, I’ll admit this much.” Gabrielle began, steadfastly maintaining her position as she prepared to foolishly layer another lie on top of her original falsehood. “I saw a young woman who reminded me of my sister. She was in distress and I reached out to console her and offer her my help.”

“Mademoiselle Langlois, I thought you just agreed not to lie to me. ” Michael replied bluntly in a brusque voice as he took out the Blackberry Chuck had given him earlier from his jacket pocket and consulted the intel listed on the electronic device. He was generally a patient man, but after all he’d endured so far this evening, his patience was nearing it’s end. “First you agree to tell me the truth… and then you lie. Frankly Mademoiselle, I don’t understand why you think I should listen to anything more you have to say. You don’t seem to know the difference between the truth and a lie.”

“How dare you!” Gabrielle fumed, while knowing the comment was just.

“I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised… given your occupation.” Michael replied quietly; ignoring her outraged outburst. “Tell me… if you were me, who would you believe? A lying reporter… or my investigator… who has been a faithful employee for several years?”

“You investigated me?” a stunned Gabrielle gasped in shock.

“I did.” Michael said simply.

“But why?” Gabrielle whined. “You had no right!”

“I had no right. Tell me, what gives *you* the right to dig into *my* life?” Michael said bluntly. “Who gave you that authority?”

“But….” Gabrielle stammered.

“Oh I see… if you do it, it’s okay because you’re a reporter… and you’re only doing your job… if I do it, it’s wrong.” Michael replied. “What hypocrisy! I have *every* right to protect *my* wife… or would you disagree with that?”

“Well yes, I suppose you do, but I’m a private citizen…” Gabrielle replied, only to be swiftly cut off by the irate man seated before her.

“So am I, mademoiselle. I just happen to be a rich private citizen, but that has never stopped any of you jackals from investigating *me*, now has it?” Michael replied.

“But…” Gabrielle began again, only to be swiftly cut off once more.

“No… there’s no difference here. What I’m trying to point out to you is *how* it feels when someone digs into your personal affairs.” A glaring Michael replied with a sarcastic smirk. “It’s not pleasant… is it? Do you feel violated?”

Gabrielle didn’t reply, but stared at Michael in fear.

“I hope you do.” Michael replied firmly. “That how you and all the other reporters have made *me* feel when you print something I consider to be private. None of you have left any stone unturned when it comes to me, but I will *not* have any of you doing the same to my wife.”

“But why?” Gabrielle repeated, as she took in the serious-faced man who was glaring at her so solemnly. “Why did you investigate me?”

“Apparently I *had* to.” Michael replied quietly as he glared menacingly at the woman seated before him. “You tell me that you have a sister… and that my wife reminded you of her… and yet that’s not what he reported. He said that you have three brothers, but no sisters.”

‘Oh Mon Dieu!’ Gabrielle thought miserably. ‘I hope none of this gets back to Louis! He’ll fire me for sure!’

“Well?” Michael pressed. “Are you willing to answer my questions honestly now?”

“Okay,” Gabrielle continued after an embarrassing silence. The man in front of her glared stubbornly into her eyes and she knew he would not let her get away with any further deceit. “I’m sorry… I admit I wanted to get a story. You have to understand Monsieur Samuelle, your marriage is the society scoop of the year. No one knows anything about your wife, and if I were to scoop my colleagues, my editor would have to rethink his evaluation of my abilities.”

“I see.” Michael replied, as he nodded his understanding. “So how is Louis?”

“You know my editor Louis Gagne?” Gabrielle asked in surprise.

“Of course.” Michael replied. “I’ve been after him for some time to come and work for me.”

Gabrielle shut her eyes briefly while sighing in exasperation. ‘Oh great! I’ll be lucky if this whole episode doesn’t get back to him word for word!’ “He’s a tough man.”

“Oui. That’s what makes him so good.” Michael replied. “He’s uncompromising in his standards. I respect that.”

“So do I.” Gabrielle admitted. “He doesn’t think I’m capable.”

“I doubt he’d sanction your actions tonight though.” Michael continued, in a calmer voice. “Louis’ standards have always included getting permission from the person he interviews… or didn’t he teach you that?”

Gabrielle shut her eyes and shuddered. That was one point that Louis had always stressed with his employees. “Oui.. you’re right, he does.”

‘So Louis has been hard on her has he? Good… that shows he thinks she has potential. I’m glad she’s finally decided to be honest with me!’ Michael thought with relief. ‘She’s not going to make a name for herself at Kita’s expense though… and between her and Veronique and Claire… I’ve had enough nonsense tonight!’

“I see. And yet you failed to do so with either my wife or I. Instead you thought you’d use a moment when my wife was upset to get a story to impress your boss. Does that about cover it?” Michael said in a dangerously soft voice.

‘He makes what I did sound so… so despicable!’ Gabrielle realized. ‘I was just doing my job!’

The man seated across the conference table from her was glaring at her with piercing jade green eyes and Gabrielle gulped nervously and decided it was time to come clean.

“Well?” Michael pressed when Gabrielle said nothing for a minute and looked nervously around the room. ‘I have her cornered, and she knows it… now maybe I’ll get some truth!’

“Oui… that would be accurate. However, as soon as I began talking to her, I found I couldn’t do it.” Gabrielle said honestly.

“Why?” a disbelieving Michael queried persistently. “You had the opportunity and you certainly had the motive to interview my wife. And yet I’m supposed to believe you when you say you didn’t interview her. What stopped you?”

“Call it an attack of conscious, if you will.” An embarrassed Gabrielle admitted reluctantly. “I could tell as soon as I began speaking to her that she loves you and that she’s a smart lady.”

“Explain.” A stone-faced Michael said abruptly.

“I wasn’t in the room when she was attacked. When I told her that and that I couldn’t print anything about what happened for that reason; she retorted that of course I could, and then demanded to know if I would.” Gabrielle admitted with a lop-sided grin.

Michael said nothing, but his expressive green eyes, which up to this point had been stormy, now lit up with laughter.

‘Ah Kita… you’ve struck right to the heart of things as usual… you’re an exceptionally bright lady! That bluntness must have shocked this woman! Good for you!’ Michael thought in amusement.

Encouraged by this silent, but positive response, Gabrielle continued babbling. “Then I told her that if I printed anything, it would be how a stranger to our society had been treated terribly and how poorly that reflected on us.”

‘Now that’s the first thing I’ve heard tonight that *is* true!’ Michael thought, as he silently regarded the brunette’s nervous face. ‘The way Claire and Veronique acted was unbelievably ignorant. Kita must think that all French society women are ill-bred and uncivilized. She’d never say that… but what happened *must* have given her that impression!’

“And what did she say to that?” Michael inquired quietly.

“She asked me why she should believe me.” Gabrielle said with an amused grin as she remembered her surprise at being spoken to in such an open manner by what was obviously a naïve young woman. “Her directness was refreshing… and I had to laugh inwardly Monsieur. I didn’t let on she’d amused me of course… that would have been rude… so instead I admitted to her that I couldn’t think of a single reason. She’s a smart woman.”

“I know.” Michael said simply. ‘More so than you realize!’

“Frankly I was appalled at the treatment she received tonight.” Gabrielle admitted further. “She impressed me too.”

“Why’s that?” Michael inquired softly. He was proud of Nikita’s responses. For a girl who was so shy, she’d risen above the upset she’d been feeling and boldly faced a situation that would have left some people speechless. In addition to that, she’d done it with class.

“She was more worried that you were upset than by what had happened to her dress… and how she was treated.” Gabrielle revealed.

“What do you mean?” Michael inquired sharply. “What else did you two talk about?”

“I asked her if she was upset with how she’d been treated,” Gabrielle revealed, “and she replied no… that respect had to be earned, but that if she were upset it was because of how little respect those women seemed to have for you.”

Michael didn’t respond, but briefly shut his eyes because he was overwhelmed.

‘Kita! Oh my love… you’re unbelievable!’ Michael thought in wonder as he struggled to keep a bland expression on his face. ‘You’re insulted and attacked by the bitches I invited here… and all you think about is me and how upset *I* was feeling? I don’t deserve you ma chérie!’

Michael was overwhelmed, but he stubbornly refused to reveal his emotions to this woman. Regardless of her promise of confidentiality, he was well aware she’d use any opportunity… any personal revelations…. to build a story baring his soul to the society pages. That was all he had left that they hadn’t exposed in the past. He was damned if he was going to let that happen. His soul was *his*… and now Kita’s. Only she had the right to see into it, and he was determined that no one else would. Instead, he listened stoically, hoping to maintain his stony façade as Gabrielle continued to babble.

“In addition, she took abuse she didn’t deserve from people who should have known better, and she did it with grace. She’s more ‘high-class’ than the lot of them.” Gabrielle summarized.

“I know that too.” Michael stated quietly, impressed with Gabrielle’s quick summation of Nikita’s character despite his opinion of the woman.

This reporter had just encapsulated what he’d always known about his wife. As reporters went, she didn’t seem to be that bad. She seemed to have a kind heart when she wasn’t thinking about a story and she seemed to be brutally honest when she chose to be. He appreciated those traits.

“Oui. Those society bimbos you invited here tonight were out of line and I’m glad you had the one arrested and the other one thrown out. I’d just like to think that if I moved to say… Toronto… to be with a man I loved that his ‘friends’ there would treat me better.” Gabrielle said indignantly.

“You’re right. I shouldn’t have invited them. If they hadn’t been here, none of this would have happened.” Michael admitted quietly.

“No. Something else might have.” An emboldened Gabrielle shot back just as quietly. “Stop feeling like this is your fault, Monsieur Samuelle. You’re not responsible for other people’s actions.”

“You’re right about that too.” Michael said, finally allowing himself a small grin as he appreciated the impudence of the woman in front of him.

‘Kita would like this woman!’ he realized.

“I want you to know that I appreciate the kindness you showed my wife tonight Mademoiselle Langlois.” Michael continued. “The party is going to resume soon, I hope. You’re more than welcome to stay if you want.”

“Merci, I’d like that.” Gabrielle said softly, emboldened by his now seemingly gentler manner. “Will you answer one thing for me?”

“If I can.” Michael replied cautiously. He hadn’t meant for the tables in this interview to be turned, but in all honesty he felt this woman deserved to ask at least one question after being so kind to Nikita.

Gabrielle noted his stony face and carefully decided what she’d inquire about.

“You’re a wealthy man, Monsieur Samuelle. Did your wife know that.. or your status in Montreal society when she married you?” Gabrielle asked bluntly.

‘I asked her… why not ask him?’ she thought recklessly. ‘At least that way, I’ll get the *whole* story!’

“No.” a weary Michael answered honestly, sighing at the impertinent question. “We met and came to care about each other without my money or my social status being a factor in our relationship.”

“I’m glad.” Gabrielle said sincerely. ‘So it’s true!’ “I asked her that too… and she told me she thinks people who do things like that are disgusting. I tend to agree.”

Michael said nothing, but continued staring stonily at the brunette seated before him.

“It must have been awful for you when you were dealing with those society tramps out there.” Gabrielle continued, hoping for some response from the handsome man seated before her. “All they worry about is someone’s bank balance. That has to be insulting and demeaning.”

For a minute, Michael didn’t reply and Gabrielle held her breath, thinking she’d pushed him too far.

“It is. Imagine how *you’d* feel if you thought people only wanted to be with you for what they could get out of you.” Michael finally replied in a quiet voice.

Gabrielle grimaced. The concept was not a pleasant one, and although she’d never considered it before, she *could* see how such attitudes would be annoying in the extreme.

“I wouldn’t like it at all.” Gabrielle finally admitted. “Is that how the press makes you feel too?”

“To a certain extent… yes.” Michael replied softly. “None of you are known for respecting my privacy… you have to admit it.”

‘He’s right! He’s been our target for several years. Given all the publicity he faced when he divorced his first wife, it’s no wonder he disappeared for the last two! He had *no* respite from the publicity circus that erupted from that! Poor man! How *would* it feel… to have people always demanding something of you?’ a shuddering Gabrielle wondered. ‘How would *I* feel if everyone always demanded things… or my time… of me… or poked into my private life… with no thought as to how I felt… or if I would rather be left alone?’

“You’re right. I *am* sorry about that.” Gabrielle replied sincerely. “I guess I never really understood how it would feel to be on the receiving end of publicity.”

“I realize that Mademoiselle. You were only doing your job. I understand *that*… as little as I like it.” Michael replied seriously. “However, that’s not why I’m not pleased that you followed my wife this evening. She’s a very shy person from a very private background.”

Gabrielle opened her mouth to ask hoping to get a little information on Madame Samuelle’s background, but then changed her mind as he continued to speak.

“I *will not* reveal that either now or later, so don’t bother to ask.” Michael continued. “All you need to know is that I will not put her through a public inquisition… and that she’s not used to dealing with these things.”

“I *am* sorry.” Gabrielle repeated. “I meant no harm.”

“I know that too.” Michael replied quietly. “However, my wife *does* understand all this…. we talked about these things before we were married. You were right about what you said before too… she *is* a smart and classy lady. In fact, I would venture to say that she’s far classier than any of the people out in that ballroom. She also loves me, not my net worth.”

“Yeah… I figured that out.” Gabrielle replied softly as she grinned at the man before her. “I’m glad. And if I may sir… congratulations.”

“Thank you.” Michael replied simply. “My wife is a wonderful lady and she didn’t deserve the nonsense those witches put her through tonight. Apparently, you did help her… if my intel is to be believed. I’m sure that wasn’t your original motivation, but I won’t forget it either.”

‘Mon Dieu, he’s a handsome man!’ she thought as she watched Michael while he spoke. ‘And the look on his face when he speaks of her borders on worship! I envy the two of them!’

“It was nothing Monsieur. She thanked me too, but I don’t really feel I did anything.” Gabrielle admitted honestly.

“You did.” Michael said simply. “You calmed her down and kept her company until her friend arrived. I appreciate that.”

“All I can say is that I’ve never met any nastier women than the two you booted out of here tonight.” She continued. “I’m glad you did that.”

“Why?” Michael inquired. “Because it will make a great story?”

“No.” Gabrielle replied. “It *will* make a good story, but that’s not what I plan to write. I’m going to let the other reporters out there handle *that* angle. I’m glad you did it because they deserved it. I know those two well, Monsieur. They’re malicious and grasping and it’s about time someone put them in their place.”

“I’d have to agree with you there.” Michael replied with a slight smile. “Time will tell, however, if they learn from this experience or if they’ll remember it as an excuse to cause more problems.”

“Hmm..” Gabrielle replied. “Now that’s an interesting thought. Hopefully they won’t.”

“They’d better not.” Michael said ominously. “They’ll regret it if they do.”

‘I’m not touching that comment.’ Gabrielle thought in surprise that he would be so blunt in front of a reporter. Then realization struck her as she remembered that she’d agreed to keep the contents of their conversation private. ‘Smart! I’m honour bound to keep this conversation private… regardless of what he’s said that I might have used in the past. He’s aired his feelings much more clearly than I’ve ever seen him do before because of that. All I know is that I wouldn’t want to be either of those witches if they do!’

It was obvious to her that this man loved his wife deeply and felt that all the upset was his fault.

“Perhaps I’ll even get to talk to Madame Samuelle another time when she’s feeling better.” Gabrielle pressed, hoping for a positive reply despite Michael’s earlier pronouncement of no interviews. “I’d like that too.”

“Perhaps.” Michael said reluctantly in agreement. “Subject to certain conditions.”

“Conditions?” Gabrielle echoed.

“Oui.” Michael replied. “I will need to discuss those with my attorney, of course… but other than that, I have no idea when that will be… or if it will happen at all. After all, no one knows the future Mademoiselle. In fact, to quote one wit I recently met, ‘I left my crystal ball at home.’ ”

Gabrielle chuckled at the man’s deadpan delivery. ‘So he *does* have a *human* side…and a sense of humour!’ “Was that ‘wit’ a man or a woman?”

“A woman.” Michael said, finally relaxing enough to allow himself the emotional outlet of smirking in amusement.

“Now why do I think that’s a story in itself?” Gabrielle commented with an appreciative smile.

“Because it is.” Michael replied seriously. “But it’s a private one.”

“Fair enough.” Gabrielle replied, somehow feeling a growing respect for this man. “Am I free to go now?”

“Of course.” Michael said graciously, gracefully rising from his chair as she rose and opened the door to leave. “Thank you again.”

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