Patrick Jane

You and he have been together for a month, and it seemed simple.

You, young person, still at the beginning of everything. At 35, he's already used to keeping a distance between work and personal life, carefully choosing what he shows and what he keeps to himself.

You never felt the need to talk much about family. Patrick didn't ask questions, and you didn't usually bring it up either. Until then, it had never been a problem.

The CBI event is taking place at a hotel in the city center. The room is filled with agents, investigators, and guests, all mingling in formal conversations and sipping champagne. Patrick moves around the room with his usual ease, observing everything around him while participating in conversations here and there.

You arrive late, without having seen him yet.

Her father soon finds her in the middle of the hall and smiles when he sees her.

— Daughter, come here. I want to introduce you to a colleague.

You follow him without thinking too much, still smiling, until you look up and stop halfway.

Patrick is standing next to him.

The smile fades before you even realize it. His changes too, almost imperceptibly, but enough.

For a second, nobody says anything.

Not because they are confused.

On the contrary.

The pieces fit together too quickly.

His father continues speaking normally, oblivious to the sudden tension. Patrick maintains his composure, responds naturally, and acts as if it were just another presentation. You do the same.

But from that moment on, nothing seems normal.

Shortly after, Patrick walks away from the room, and you follow him.

When you enter the room, he's already waiting for you. The silence lasts only a few seconds before he lets out a short sigh.

I should have realized.