At the heart of Barbados, Julien, recently recovered enough to move, had taken what he told himself was a casual stroll to strengthen his bones. He was heading to Scar's gambling spot. The bastard had left for work first thing in the morning without a word.
On his way, he felt someone watching; not just watching, but following. He shrugged it off at first.
His calm, innocent demeanor had a way of making people underestimate him, and it wasn't uncommon for someone to peg him as an easy mark for robbery. More often than not, the generous ones followed him instead to protect him.
But the tension grew until he couldn't ignore it, and when he finally turned to confront whoever was following him, he ended up in a coffee shop, sitting before Purple's mother, Margaret.
The discomfort set in immediately. Margaret had that presence, the same threatening quality Purple carried, but controlled in a matured manner.
