21 Days in October Read Online Free PDF Page A

has just glimpsed a large black cape hidden among a group at the back of the room. Without thinking, he edges his way closer.
    It’s her all right, the girl he met Saturday on the church steps. She stands out from the crowd with her short hair and enormous earrings. She still hasn’t noticed him, and he sneaks glances at her from a distance. She listens to the speeches attentively, nodding in agreement or shaking her head in disapproval, alternately applauding or booing the speaker. Her eyes sparkle.
    Gaétan wants to approach her, but he can sense that it’s not the right time. The speaker ends his speech to thunderous applause.
    â€œ
Vive le Québec libre!”
    â€œ
Le Québec aux Québécois!”
    â€œ
Le FLQ vaincra!”
    At these last words, the crowd’s single focus is shattered. Some begin to chant the FLQ slogan while others whistle. Many stand up to show their disapproval. There are shouts:
    â€œWe can’t support murderers!”
    It’s complete chaos.
    A young man with curly hair takes the stage and tries to restore the calm.
    â€œI’d just like to explain the position the Parti Québécois has taken regarding these tragic events.”
    â€œCollaborator!”
    â€œBe quiet, he’s got the right to speak! This is a democracy!”
    â€œIndependence!”
    Microphone in hand, he walks towards the front of the stage and begins to speak. Little by little, the crowd calms down.
    Gaétan approves of his moderate remarks, reminding the audience that René Lévesque publicly condemned all acts of violence during his latest press conference. He attacked those responsible for the cold, deliberate execution of Mr. Laporte, an act that has sullied the reputation of all Quebecers.
    The crowd quiets down; all ears turn attentively towards the speaker. The respected politician’s words seem to reach the audience. He concludes:
    â€œNever let the cause, whatever it be, lead to murder, so long as we are free to move forward democratically.”
    An ovation. The crowd is unanimous once again. Gaétan applauds wildly. He shoots a glance over at the girl, who doesn’t seem to quite share his enthusiasm. Her eyes sweep the crowd, and she meets his gaze. She stares at him for a moment. He gives a small wave with his hand.
    She flashes a magnificent smile.
    â€œLouise, look who’s here,” says one of her friends, taking her arm.
    She turns and throws herself into the arms of the young man who has just arrived. They seem happy to see each other.
    Gaétan looks at his watch, slightly disappointed.
    â€œI’d better leave anyway if I want to make it to the shop on time,” he says to himself. “I’ve heard enough.”
    As he makes his way out, he thinks that at least now he knows her name. She must study here, but did she recognize him? Something tells him the answer is yes.
    He finds himself alone in the cold. It’s dark. It takes all his courage to walk down Sanguinet to the Berri-de-Montigny station. The metro seems sinister tonight.

6
Tuesday, October 20
    â€ H ave you gone back over there?” Mme Maheu asks him.
    â€œNo, not since they took him in,” Gaétan answers, surprised by the question.
    â€œLast night, I wanted to go clean up his apartment but I saw some lights on,” she says. “I didn’t dare go up. At first, I thought he’d come back. But there were two of ’em, a guy and a girl. I didn’t want it to look like I was a snoop, so I left right away.”
    â€œThat’s strange… Who could be living at Luc’s?” Gaétan wonders.
    Every day after his shift, the boy stops by to see Mme Maheu and ask about his friend. But she still hasn’t heard anything, despite all the time she spends outside of Parthenais.
    â€œThe man I saw was shorter and stockier than Luc. And he was smokin’ a pipe. Who d’you think he could be? I’m worried. Do