.CHAPTER 9.

A THICK BLANKET of silence engulfed them both and Xaver knew something was wrong. He hadn't seen anything odd from his research but the melancholic tone with which she'd voiced the last few words sparked an unsatisfactory feeling in his gut. It was the kind of feeling you get when you're missing an interlocking piece of a jigsaw puzzle.

Much sooner than later, the lady who had first shown them to their seats walked up to them. As Head waiter (waitress in this case), formally referred to as the Maitre de Hotel, she was to receive complaints from guests and answer them. Behind her, the chef de rang, demi chef de rang, commis de rangs (commonly known as waiters or busboys), the debarasseur and the Sommelier (wine butler/wine waiter) followed.

Chef de rangs and demi chef de rangs don't actually cook. In point of fact, they're station waiters that ensure efficient and speedy service. Working as a team with the Station head waiter who can also b