Chapter 26

 

Burke figured the least he owed the doctor was an explanation.

“I went out the back door to see something and got caught up in a rush of protestors. I couldn’t get back in.”

“Well, you’re fortunate it didn’t turn out worse for you,” Gamez said. “Are you still doing all right with the pain?”

Burke nodded. “It’s getting a little worse, but I can manage it.”

“If you can handle it, I’d like you to keep sitting rather than lie down. I’m pretty sure you’re not concussed, but it’s better to take precautions. Sitting upright is a better position as long as your wounds, back and ribs aren’t giving you too much grief.”

“I’m fine.”

As an ex-pro cyclist, Burke understood injuries and the need to manage physical distress. He had suffered several broken bones during races and had been forced to cope while waiting to be rushed to hospital. A pro cyclist couldn’t afford to give into pain.

Gamez moved around to look once more at Burke’s back.

Burke turned to Tessier and grabbed the young man’s hand.

“Jules, you saved me,” Burke said. “I’m very grateful. If you hadn’t been there, I don’t know what would have happened.”

Tessier smiled.

“But how did you find me? The last time I saw you, you were in here with everyone.”

“I saw you go out the back door and I figured something had caught your attention,” Tessier said. “Or you were curious about what was happening outside. Madame Godard told us to stay in here, but I expected you were going to do what you wanted even if it wasn’t the smartest move.”

Burke nodded, spotting Godard listening carefully. “I tend to do that on occasion. So, you followed me?”

“I went outside and saw all those people gather you up and take you with them into the square. It didn’t look like you wanted to go with them, but you didn’t seem to have a choice.”

“That’s true.”

“When they went past, I went along the lane to see what was happening.”

“I don’t know how you spotted me. There were so many bodies jammed together and then the tear gas started to take control.”

“I didn’t see you for a few moments and then I noticed you getting punched by some people. It looked like you were in trouble.”

“I was.”

“So I rushed toward you. When everyone started to tumble over, I pushed my way in your direction.”

“Did you see who stabbed me?”

Tessier shook his head. “Too many bodies. Besides, everyone was flailing around.”

“Well, I’m glad you didn’t quit trying to help me,” Burke said.

Tessier nodded. “One for all and all that stuff.”

“But Jules, where did you learn to fight like that? I mean, you took care of several really big guys in just a second or two.”

“My father was in the French army and his job was teaching hand-to-hand combat. He did it for 20 years. When he wasn’t teaching soldiers, he was instructing me. I started learning how to defend myself when I was five and I’ve never stopped. I’ve got black belts in tae-kwon do and jiu-jitsu. Sort of my hobby.”

“So, you’re a lot more than a stats guy and a tech expert.”

“We all have our secrets.”

Burke saw Godard was open mouthed as she listened. She, too, had figured Tessier was just a quiet guy who preferred stats to people.

Then, out of the corner of his eye, Burke saw Nico Menard had joined the show, looking puzzled and a little concerned as he got closer.

“Is that blood on your shirt, Paul?” Menard asked.

Burke shrugged slightly. He was starting to feel pain building in his ribs, back and shoulders. It was going to get ugly soon and Burke knew he’d want pain meds in the next few minutes.

“Are you OK?” Menard asked.

“I’ll be fine. I just need some stitches here and there.”

Menard shook his head. “If there’s trouble anywhere, you have a knack for finding it.”

Burke couldn’t disagree.