Dear readers, tonight with us is a young woman recovering from the death of her mother, and the mysterious French man she met on her way. They are here to speak about the unlikely circumstances that brought them together, and about making choices that could affect not only their own lives and families, but the future of the entire world.

Tell us a little about where you grew up. What was it like there?

Alison: Nothing special here. I was born and raised in New Haven, Connecticut, and I still live here with my dad. I haven’t traveled much—at least not yet—but I hope to in the near future.

Joseph: I was born in Carcassonne, France. I went to school in Scotland, Switzerland, Israel, and Paris. As a wee boy in Scotland, I learned my English the hard way. I’m now studying at Yale University here in New Haven.

Did you have any favourite toys as a child? Any cherished memories?

A: Sure, I had the usual toys—dolls and stuffed animals and such—and I loved horseback riding. I used to go riding all the time with my mom (she takes a moment to settle herself at the mention of her mother, who passed away a year ago). I need to get back into that.

J: I’ve always played football—uh, you call it soccer here—and I still play at Yale. I also like to ride (he looks fondly at Alison). Perhaps we should do this together one day soon.

What do you do now?

A: I took a year off school when my mom died, but now I’m at the University of New Haven in the psychology program.

J: I’m in my second year of international law at Yale. There was a fire in my house, so I’m currently refurnishing it (he pauses here and I feel he’s keeping something back). Alison was kind enough to invite me to stay with her and her father until my house is ready.

What can you tell us about your latest adventure?

A: (looks at Joseph). I’ll let you answer this one.

J: Ah, Dieu. Where to start? My best friend was killed, my house set on fire. I was kidnapped. I escaped and was hit by a car. This is how I met Alison (he smiles). These past months have been quite a trial for both of us.

What did you first think when you met?

J: Go ahead, please (nods at Alison)

A: Oh my God! First I thought he was a convict—a murderer, even—then I thought he was completely nuts. I mean, he was charming and all, but everything he told me sounded crazy… until I realized it was all true.

What was the scariest thing in your adventures?

A: It has to be a toss-up between watching Joseph almost bleed to death or me being kidnapped for ransom.

J: Yes, the bleeding almost to death was quite scary. Also when I woke up, I didn’t know at first if I was even still alive.

What is the worst thing about knowing things that most people have no idea about?

A: It’s got to be the having to be careful about what I say, so I don’t let anything slip.

J: (nodding) Yes, I agree. I’ve not made a lot of friends for this reason.

What is the best thing about it?

A: I feel special, like I’m a member of a special, private group of people.

J: There is money and privilege in being in a family of the sacred bloodline. I must admit this has some advantages. We at least can help people in need.

Tell us a little about your friends.

A: My best friend, Roxie, has been with me through thick and thin. I hate not being able to tell her who Joseph is and what’s going on with me.

J: As I said, I’ve not a lot of close friends. My best friend Philippe was killed by the men who kidnapped me. I feel responsible for his death. I don’t know how I will face his father, who is—or at least was—a second father to me.

Any romantic involvement?

A: Sure, I’ve had boyfriends—mostly guys who were no good for me—but I think with Joseph… Well, we’re going slow but it seems we have something special.

J: I was expected to marry my distant cousin Isobel, but after everything that has happened, this will not be possible. Now, as Alison says, I believe she and I have a special connection. We will see where it takes us…

Whom (or what) do you really hate?

A: Oh, that would be the goons who kidnapped Joseph and killed Philippe, not to mention the man who hired them, even if he was one of Joseph’s relatives.

J: I try to not hate anyone, but yes, I see that people will do evil things for their own benefit or the benefit of those who share their twisted beliefs. To be honest, this makes me sad rather than angry.

What’s your favourite drink, colour, and relaxing pastime?

(Both together) Chocolate! (Alison laughs)

A: Well, actually I’m not a finnicky eater and I admit I like junk food, pizza, and light beer.

J: I like good food and good wine, and anything cooked by my mother or grandmother, sitting with my family around the table. I like to walk in the old city of Carcassonne and as I said earlier, I play soccer. I like also to play chess and hope to teach this game to Alison.

What does the future hold for you?

J: I’ve invited Alison and her father to spend Christmas with my family in France. I hope that this will allow us to know each other better (he shakes his head). Her father doesn’t like me very much.

A: (Reaches over to give his hand a squeeze) Don’t worry, he’ll come around.

Can you share a secret with us, which you’ve never told anyone else?

A: Ever since my mom died, I’ve been going to the cemetery to talk to her. I tell her everything. I’ve never opened up like that to anyone, not even Roxie, until Joseph showed up in my life.

J: I’ve never believed in true love. The marriage between my mother and my father was arranged by the families. I was expected to marry my cousin for the sake of the bloodline. Now, perhaps, I begin to believe.

Donna Marie West has published over 500 short stories and non-fiction articles on a variety of subjects and two novels so far—The Mud Man (whose protagonist we have interviewed) and Next in Line. She loves the mysterious and unexplained, often finding ways to weave these themes into her stories. She spends her free time reading, doing research, or serving as a slave to her three kitties.

You can find Joseph and Alison on the pages of Next in Line.

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