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Cassie stepped out of her car and slammed the door loud enough to get Viotto’s attention. When he turned, she gave him a little wave and headed in his direction. He leaned against the hood of his black sedan and watched her approach. He looked confused but intrigued.
She was off to a good start.
She stopped a foot or two away from him. “Hey.”
“Hi.” A pause. “I’m sorry, have we met before?”
“No.” She stuck her hand out. “My name is Cassie.”
“Cassie.” She liked the way he said her name. His accent hinted that he was from somewhere up north. “I didn’t think so. What can I do for you?”
“I was wondering if I could buy you lunch.”
“Are you asking me on a date?”
She smirked. “No.”
“Too bad. I would’ve said yes.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.” Cassie let her mind wander for a moment before pulling herself back to reality. “I have some information about the arrest you made this morning.”
“Anthony Lewis?” He pushed himself off the hood of his car. “What kind of information?”
“I don’t think he did it.” Cassie let that hang in the air for a moment. “And I don’t think you do either.”
She had definitely caught Viotto’s attention. “What makes you think he didn’t do it?”
“The answer to that question is complicated. Which is why I was hoping I could buy you lunch?”
“Should I get my partner?”
“It might be easier if we talk first. Have you had any barbeque yet?” When his eyes lit up, she had her answer. “I’ll buy you some brisket if you’ll listen to what I have to say. After that, I’ll leave you alone. I just want to help.”
Viotto looked from Cassie to the building and back again. Was he debating on whether he should bring her in for questioning? Was he considering grabbing his partner, anyway? When he turned back to her, she could see the interest in his eyes.
“You’ve got a deal. Mind if I drive?”
“Not at all.” Cassie got into the passenger seat with a sigh of relief. His car smelled like mint and vanilla with a hint of cigarette smoke underneath. “Rental?”
“How could you tell?”
She pointed to the three car deodorizers hanging from the rearview mirror. “These things can only do so much.”
“You should’ve smelled it a few days ago.”
“I’m surprised the FBI didn’t spring for something better.”
“Money’s tight and my partner is cheap.” He laughed. “I’m Chris, by the way.”
“Agent Viotto. I saw you on TV.”
He hung his head. “A lot of people did, apparently. Mannis chewed me out for that.”
“It’s the only reason I’m here right now.”
He kept his eyes on the road, but there was good humor in his voice. “At least there’s a silver lining, then.”
Cassie directed him across town, then down East 10th to Central Ave to Midwood. It was too chilly for the outdoor seating, so they found a table in the back. Cassie inhaled the sweet and spicy aroma of some of the best barbeque she’d ever had in her life and sighed.
