French Connection

At seven o’clock exactly, Brian walks into Café Sixties armed with a photo of Justin and Molly. He felt confident and assured that he would leave the café with some knowledge of Justin and his sister’s whereabouts. Unfortunately, after speaking to every worker there and anywhere in the vicinity, no one had any recollection of the two blonde Americans. Brian couldn’t believe his misfortune. And furthermore, no one seemed to care, which angered him even more. One cook suggested he contact the police and for them to help. Brian just snorted and walked off. This was unbelievable. No, he couldn’t believe it. Someone had to have seen them. This didn’t make any sense. He continued to walk around the city of Poitiers for hours before stumbling across a cybercafé. Hopeful, he decides to search for any possible Taylors living in the city. ******* Hours away, near the city of Bourgueil, Justin walks downstairs to find Al sipping his coffee and reading the paper. “Bonjour,” Al greets, setting his coffee down on the table. “The stores don’t open for another few hours. I thought you’d still be asleep.” Justin shrugs, pouring himself a cup of coffee as well. “I’m not that tired. Besides, I wanted to ask if you could direct me to a lawyer.” “A lawyer?” My parents are dead,” Justin explains, the emotion detached from his voice, “My grandparents are dead. My uncle is dead. My cousins are dead.” Al nods, taking another sip of his coffee. “Life insurance, inheritance, estates… they belong to Molly and I. I need to talk to a lawyer to figure out how to get all that stuff without having to return to Pittsburgh.” Al shrugs, “That shouldn’t be too hard. But wouldn’t you rather talk to Rich about it?” “No.” Al waits for more information. When none is given, he shrugs again. “I know a lawyer that deals with trusts and estates. She could help you out.” Justin sighs with relief, “Do you really think so?” Smiling, Al nods, “Of course I do. She’s my wife.” Justin can’t help but smile back, “Seriously?” Al nods, “I can call her later today. She’ll kick my ass if I call her now since it’s only two in the morning there.” Laughing, Justin thanks him again. He was feeling better already. Putting his coffee down, Al opens the fridge. “How about we make some breakfast?” Justin nods, putting his own coffee down as well. He couldn’t believe how relieved he felt. Everything was going to be okay. Who cares where they lived? They would have the financial support not to worry about that. Justin could probably wait awhile before looking for a job, which was even more relieving because he wanted to be available for Molly. ****** Brian puts down his coffee and groans in frustration. He had searched the cities of Poitiers, Boxerolles, Biard and Le Breuil-Mingot for anyone with the last name of Taylor, and came up empty. Looking at the map, he shakes his head. There were too many cities. There had to be a better way. Closing his eyes, he tries to remember if Justin had ever mentioned anyone living in France. Maybe a family friend? Sighing, he realizes he never even knew that Justin had ever been to France. Opening his eyes, he stares at the computer screen and comes to the realization that there was a lot more to Justin Taylor that he didn’t know about. Logging off, he stands up and walks out of the café. He needed to think. Where could Justin be?