Chapter 66: Unexpected Encounter
Agatha started feeling stifled. It was not because of the mall's temperature, but because of the four men in black suits who always kept a five meter distance from her. Every time she entered a clothing store, they stood in front of the door like statues. Every time she turned around, Dion would quickly look away or pretend to check his watch.
"Dion," Agatha called while stopping in front of a large cosmetic store that had two access doors.
"Yes, Madam?" Dion approached promptly.
"I want to try some products inside. This is a women's only area, you guys just wait at the front door. Don't come in, it makes me uncomfortable," Agatha said flatly.
Dion hesitated for a moment. He looked inside the shop which was full of high shelves and crowds of women. "But Madam, Mr. Xavier instructed..."
"Only ten minutes. There is another exit over there, but I promise to come back through here. Just guard this door," Agatha cut in.
Without waiting for an answer, Agatha darted inside. She walked quickly past the perfume racks, then turned behind a tall skincare shelf. When she was sure her guards were not watching, she took off her leather jacket and flipped it to its cream colored inner side. She also removed her hair tie, letting her long hair fall loose to partially cover her face. With a relaxed pace, she went out through the back door connected to the cinema corridor.
Agatha glanced toward the cosmetic store lobby from a distance. Dion was still standing tall there, completely unaware that his target was gone. Agatha smiled thinly. "Sorry, Dion. I need breathing room."
Her stomach growled loudly. She walked toward the restaurant area on the top floor. Almost all places were full because of the lunch hour. She stopped in front of a small Italian restaurant that looked cozy.
"One person?" the waiter at the door asked.
"Yes. Is there still room?" Agatha asked.
"You are very lucky, Madam. There is one small table in the corner that just became vacant. Let me show you."
Agatha sat down and immediately ordered a plate of Fettuccine Carbonara and a glass of iced lemon tea. While waiting, she enjoyed her solitude. There were no ears listening, no eyes watching. She felt like a normal person.
When her food arrived, Agatha started eating quietly. However, after only a few bites, a man with long hair tied messily stopped by her table. The man was wearing a flannel shirt with sleeves rolled up to his elbows.
"Sorry to disturb your meal," the man said. His voice was deep but sounded friendly. "All tables are completely full. Do you mind if I sit in this empty chair?"
Agatha looked up. The man had a sharp jawline and a relaxed gaze. Agatha glanced around the restaurant which indeed had no seats left.
"Go ahead," Agatha answered shortly then continued her meal.
"Thank you. I have been around three floors and almost gave up because of hunger," the man said as he sat down. He called a waiter and ordered the same menu as Agatha.
"Do you eat here often?" the man asked, opening the conversation.
"First time. I was just passing by," Agatha answered.
"Good choice. The Carbonara here is the best in this city in my opinion." The man reached out his hand. "My name is Julian."
Agatha hesitated for a moment, then shook his hand. "Agatha."
"Nice to meet you, Agatha. You look like you are running away from something. Your face is relieved but your eyes are constantly alert toward the entrance," Julian said while chuckling softly.
Agatha was slightly startled. She put down her fork. "Do I look that obvious?"
"Only to someone used to observing. Don't worry, I am not a bad person. I am just a photographer looking for an interesting object."
"So I am an interesting object to you?" Agatha asked with a challenging tone.
"Very. There is a sharp calmness in your face. It is rare for me to see it," Julian laughed softly as his order arrived. "Let's eat, don't let this chat make your food cold."
They started talking about many things, from music to hidden places in the city that not many people knew about. Julian turned out to be a very humorous person. Agatha laughed a few times hearing Julian's silly stories while taking photos in the forest.
"You know, usually people in this mall look very fake. But you are different," Julian said sincerely.
"Different how?"
"You are not busy with your phone. You are truly enjoying your food. It is a rare sight now," Julian answered.
On the other side of the mall, Dion started to panic. He entered the cosmetic store and found Agatha nowhere.
"Madam Agatha is gone! Quickly check all exits!" Dion shouted through his radio to his subordinates.
"We did not see her pass through the east door, Sir!" answered one of the guards with a trembling voice.
Dion ran down the mall corridor, cold sweat starting to dampen his forehead. He imagined Xavier's anger which could destroy his career in an instant.
Meanwhile, Agatha was still busy chatting with Julian. She did not care at all that right now a group of men in suits were running frantically looking for her.
"So, are you going back to reality after this?" Julian asked while sipping his coffee.
Agatha glanced at her watch. It had been almost an hour. "Seems like it. My duty in the real world is waiting."
"That is a pity. I was just about to offer to take your photo," Julian smiled widely.
"Maybe next time, Julian," Agatha said while standing up.
Agatha felt her mood was much better. That brief encounter gave her a refreshment that could not be bought with her husband's money. She walked slowly toward the pickup point, preparing to face Dion's pale face which was surely waiting for her with a heart that had almost stopped.