Shared Connection

Snippet. Jean-Pierre Delacroix and Theophilus Essex have a shared link.

Just a mini piece. 450w, Jean-Pierre and Theophilus Essex discuss Tholo Dufresne.

Theophilus had left Henry’s office as he talked with the gentleman who’d come to see him — they’d met Asmodeus countless times before, of course, but something about the man always unsettled Theophilus, and he preferred not to spend time in a room with him.

The young man who’d accompanied him lingered in the waiting area, and Theophilus watched him for a moment, taking him in. His skin was paler than they painted it in the portraits — ordinarily, the angel of death was depicted with more warmth in his complexion.

Jean-Pierre was as pale as porcelain, and beautiful in the same fragile way: he looked delicate, and innocent beyond measure. If Theophilus didn’t know precisely what sort of person he was, perhaps he might have been fooled by the oversized jumper, the naive expression.

“May I get you something to drink?” Theophilus asked softly.

“No, thank you,“ he said softly: his voice was soft, his accent thick. It reminded Theophilus… He was looking at the portraits on the wall, and Theophilus watched as he stepped forward, examining one sketch.

“Tholo Dufresne,” Jean-Pierre said softly, and Theophilus inhaled quietly. “You knew him?”