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Chapter49
POSH.
That was the word that occurred to Mars as he pulled to a stop in the parking lot of the Silver Oak Grill. He didn’t know what it used to be, but its old bones had been given new life. He looked around at the other cars parked there and saw a sprinkling of late-model expensive rides. There was even a Maserati convertible parked near the awninged entrance.
He walked in and looked around. The buildout here had definitely been expensive. Mars had learned about construction costs from investing in real estate in the D.C. market. Old beams, pricey stone flooring, an elaborately carved bar, expensive wallpaper, coexisting with contemporary seating.
The place was nearly full with folks having lunch, and there were three people ahead of Mars waiting to be seated.
“Melvin?”
He looked to his right and saw Rachel Katz waving to him from a table in the corner. He walked over and joined her.
She stood and had to rise up on her toes to give him a hug and a peck on the cheek. Then she took a moment to appraise his attire. Gray jacket, black turtleneck, charcoal slacks, and black loafers.
“Terrific outfit.”
“Thank you. You’re looking quite sharp yourself,” he said, noting her slacks, blouse, jacket, and flats.
“Well, I came straight from work.”
As they sat, he saw that she had nearly finished her cocktail.
“Drink?” she said.
He eyed the almost empty glass. “What are you having?”
“Dewar’s and water. I’m ready for a refill.”
“Hitting the hard stuff in the afternoon, are we?”
“We are.”
He grinned. “Sounds good to me.”
They ordered their drinks and sat back.
“When you called, I was surprised you wanted to see me again,” she said.
“Why’s that?”
“Well, we left things a little, I don’t know, flat.”
“I’m into long-range forecasting. Date to date doesn’t mean much.”
“I’m flattered you referred to it as a date.”
Their drinks arrived, and they tapped glasses.
Katz took a sip and said, “And I guess I’m also surprised that Decker is letting you see me. I mean, he is investigating, and despite all the facts to the contrary, I guess I remain a person of interest or something like that.”
“You know the lingo,” he said, grinning.
“I watch crime shows, what can I say?”
“Surprised you have the time what with work and all your other projects.”
She leaned forward. “What would you say if I told you that most nights, I go home, change into my PJs, eat a peanut butter and jelly sandwich with chips on top, and watch old movies?”
