Author's note: This chapter will be told from Claude's point of view.
After speaking to the Private Investigator, he had told me that my father was living in Champs Le Sim's in a nice little cottage close to the town centre. He seemed very frail, so I want to take the opportunity to visit him while I still have the chance. I explained everything to Jenna and immediately saw understanding and acceptance in her eyes, and knew that she and the girl's would be OK without me for a while.
I told her that I had spoken to Goodwin and he has allowed me as much time off work as I needed, so I am able to get on the next flight available. I checked with the airline and they said that a flight was leaving for Champs Le Sim's tomorrow morning at 9:45am. I booked my ticket and started packing, and placed my bags by the door so I was ready to leave first thing.
When I woke Jenna and the girl's were already up making me a goodbye breakfast. I am so lucky to have the support of my family. I ate my waffles, which were delicious, and said goodbye to my three angels. Hopefully it won't be too long until I am back with the people I know will be here waiting for my return.
After a long tiring flight I arrived in Champs Le Sim's. I felt a massive surge of homesickness as I saw a couple embrace in the terminal. I hailed a taxi to take me to the hotel, as it was getting late, I decided to make an early start tomorrow. I had quick bite to eat, a shower and then collapsed on my bed, the exhaustion of jet lag offering me no option other than to give in to sleep.
I arose early the next morning, and got myself ready. I decided at first that I would do my own detective work, although I wanted nothing more than to ask the questions I so desperately needed answers to. I decided that I would spend the day observing, to see what kind of life my father was leading with my own eyes. I headed into town for some breakfast and to purchase a map. While I was there I spoke to the waitress, to see if she knew a man named Billy Clementine, I told her that he had helped me some years ago and I wished to repay the favour. Not wanting to arouse the suspicions of the helpful, if slightly aloof locals.
The waitress said that she had only recently moved to the area, so wasn't much help. I thanked her and went to the local store for a map. I asked the owner of the store the same question and he said that Billy was a good customer of his, who always pops in regularly for his camping supplies. He told me his cottage wasn't far from the town centre, and gave me directions.
As I approached the cottage I had a flutter in my stomach, I ignored it not wanting to consciously acknowledge the feelings that were bubbling inside. As I walked past the cottage that the store owner had directed me to, I saw a man who I instantly recognised to be my Father. All thoughts of observational plans disappeared from my mind, as soon as I saw his face the things I needed to know needed answers now, it could not wait. He looked every inch the man I expected, he was obviously once a powerfully built man. I could picture him at my age with a tall muscular build, striking features, but here, now, not ten feet from me was a man whose strong athletic build had been replaced by someone who was on the loosing side of a terminal fight.
As our eyes met I saw no glimmer of recognition, just mild curiosity and indifference to the twenty something tourist walking past his garden. My heart caught in my throat as the sentence formed in my mind and I knew that once I had asked this question both the lives of myself and this withered husk of the Father I had wanted for so long, would be changed forever.
I looked towards him and tried to keep my voice as level as possible as I said "My name is Claude Clementine and I think you're my Father"
Find out what happens in chapter 7 :)
