Contents
20. Orly Flight
Overview
Marly confronts Paco’s surveillance after finding Alain dead and asserts her independence by forcing him to let her out. She then arranges immediate travel, paying cash from money lifted from Paco, to the destination indicated on Alain’s Gauloise wrapper. This marks a decisive break from Virek’s control and moves her quest forward.
Summary
Paco speeds Marly through Paris while interrogating her about the scene of Alain’s death. He reveals he surveilled her with a parabolic microphone and presses her on why she said, “Don’t do this to me,” while alone with Alain’s body. Marly deflects, suggesting Alain’s death itself was the burden, then demands to be let out and ends the ride.
Marly goes to a small, obscure travel agency run by Mr Paleologos. As he tries to sell her resort packages and asks odd, personal questions, Marly insists she must leave immediately for the destination written on a Gauloise wrapper.
To avoid electronic traces and Paco’s oversight, Marly pays in cash using New Yen she took from Paco’s bag while he examined Alain’s apartment. She presses for speed, and Mr Paleologos begins booking, asking for the name under which she wishes to travel.
Who Appears
- Marly KrushkhovaAsserts independence from Paco, rejects surveillance, and secretly buys a cash ticket to pursue the Gauloise-wrapper lead.
- PacoVirek’s handler; confronts Marly about monitored audio, then loses control when she exits the car.
- Mr PaleologosObscure travel agent who pitches packages; arranges Marly’s immediate, cash-paid travel.
- AlainMarly’s contact, recently found murdered; his death prompts Marly’s urgent, independent move.