‘Tout va bien, Louis. Laissez-la entrer.’
Louis didn’t look too sure about the whole situation, but then he relented. ‘Oui, Maitresse Ranya.’
Louis stepped back, forced a smile and with sweep of his arm said, ‘Welcome to Le Fouet Enroule.’
I almost darted past him, afraid that he might change his mind, in spite of what was ordered, but he didn’t say anything more. Within a few steps I stood next to ‘Mistress Ranya’, who still held me with that appraising look. When she spoke it was without a trace of any foreign accent. ‘So, madam. Your first time here?’
‘Ah, yes. Yes, I think so,’ I said and laughed nervously. ‘Uh, table for one?’
Mistress Ranya didn’t return the humor. ‘All our tables are at least for two or more. But you’re in luck, tonight there are a few people here in need of,
