Scene 19: The Venetian Code

How Hektor Maille learned that one sings Neapolitan songs with gusto on American gondolas, too.

One Day in the Life of Odette Sissay

13.25: Port-Louis, Vieux Port, Aquarium

Odette remained silent.
«I mean, what have I done, what should I do. How can I convince you?»
Odette swung towards Godet and leaned against the pane of the aquarium. Positioned as she was before the pale light of the illuminated tank, her body was just a silhouette – and it looked as though the jellyfish were moving in and out of her body, as if she was pulling the transparent fish into herself at one point and releasing them at another. Watching her, Godet got the impression that a slight smile was playing about her lips.
«I can carry out a military manoeuvre for you or name a aircraft carrier after you», he said in an attempt to turn her small smile into a laugh. There was no armed force in Santa Lemusa and on the biggest ship of the Coast Guard even a model aircraft would not have been able to land securely. But Odette did not laugh. Godet's mobile tinkled. He cussed, pressed the stop button on the vibrating gadget roughly, a little to demonstrative, and switched it off with a firm click. Samson Godet felt a bit ridiculous and had to pluck up the courage to look at Odette.

continue