Page 518 of The Sinner: James

“Yes,” I say, slipping my phone back into my pocket.

She makes herself busy with her coffee before looking at me with a preoccupied expression.

“I know I’ve asked you to talk some sense into your brother, and some of it seems to have worked.”

“Has it?”

She nods.

“Yes, it has. He’s talking about joining the French Foreign Legion.”

I give her a stern look.

She sighs, shooting her hands up in frustration.

“I know it’s not much better, but it’s still an improvement. As long as he’s not incarcerated or dead, it’s better. Trust me.”

“You’ve set the bar really low, haven’t you?”

“I haven’t had much of a choice,” she murmurs, saddened. “I know I’ve done him wrong, although it’s unclear to me what I could’ve done differently since so many things and circumstances were not in my control. That aside, he’s young and could easily go on a path of self-destruction. He’s probably one bad decision away from doing just that, and I don’t want to impose on your life more than I already have, but you’ve made quite an impression on him. It’s something he’s always missed in his life––a role model. He looks up to you even though he’s never admitted it. What I’m asking here is... If he reaches out to you, be there for him. I don’t know if it will ever happen, but it might. I’m sure he’s not interested in moving to the US. It’s not a good idea, anyway, so I won’t encourage him to do that.”

“Why?”

“The way he acts, he’ll get himself killed or arrested within a week. Besides, he needs to find his way in life––whatever that way is. For now, he wants to blow off some steam, so be it. I guess... I pray nothing bad happens to him while he’s doing that.”

Her gaze dips to the table.

“He’s not stupid, you know…” I say.

She brings her eyes to me.

“I know. But he’s angry. And he’s been like that for a long time. I don’t see much change in him.”

“Life will temper his rough edges.”

“You think?”

“I’m certain.”

“I hope you’re right.”

A pause ensues.

“What about you? Are you sure you don’t want to move back?”

A faint smile slides over her lips.

“I thought about it after our conversation in Monaco. Even if I try to go back, I don’t think it would work for me. I've made so many business contacts here these years that leaving would make no sense. Plus, I’ve got used to this lifestyle. It’s more laid back. Less hectic. I’ve also made new friends and haven’t kept in touch with anyone from back home.”

“No one?” I ask incredulously.

“I’ve talked to a couple of longtime friends, but not often. That’s how I found out more about you. Other than them, I have no one else, so there’s not much for me over there. Other than you, of course, but you have your own family.”

She pauses.

“Do you keep in touch with her family?” she asks.

I tilt my gaze down briefly.

---