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As I heard the clinking of silverware, I focused my attention on the brunette in front of me. I didn’t remember the last time I saw her wearing these kinds of clothes. She looked marvelous in the hugging-curves black dress. I matched her to the best of my abilities. I chose one of my best pairs of black slacks to go with my also black buttoned-down shirt, the sleeves rolled up to my elbow. Added to that black belt and black shoes, it wasn’t very creative, but I knew I looked good.
The situation called for that.
She gazed at everything around us, her big brown eyes away from my hazel ones and unimpressed by the flashy decoration.
“You look beautiful.”
And she did. Her black hair was tied in some kind of knot, her bangs falling to one side of her face, down her right eyebrow. Her fair complexion was shadowed by dim lights, which also served to attenuate the scar on her left eyebrow. And for that I was grateful. I had enough guilt already to last me a lifetime.
She scoffed, her diselegance such a contrast to her attire, but not surprising if you’d met her before. “That’s how you intend to get into my pants today?” Her voice was a little louder than the place required, drawing the attention of a couple of patrons near us.
“I was just trying to be nice.”
She mumbled something in disgust. When I didn’t respond, she did it louder, “I bet Sheryl looked beautiful.”
I sighed deeply. “For the last time, I didn’t sleep with her.”
“You know what?” She glanced briefly at somewhere behind me and leaned closer over what was supposed to be a romantic table. I mirrored her stance, bringing our faces closer as she whispered, “The Train has arrived, and the Passenger is on board.”
She shifted her body back, and we looked at the menu, more intently than was necessary. “How many people? Do you have visuals?” I heard Zach’s voice in my ear, and I knew Mia had heard it, too. I leaned over again, pretending to show her something on the menu, and answered quietly. “I’m seated with my back to them, facing the front door. I have no idea where they came from.”
She pointed at the menu, and anyone would think we were in a deep conversation about the options this place overcharged us for. “They came from the back. I see the Train, the Passenger, and a woman. I’m not sure who she is, but I think I’ve seen her before.”
“Where are they seated?” We could hear Danny’s fingers working on the computer over his voice.
“At a table in the corner. It’s not exactly secluded, but it gives them some privacy,” she clarified.
“Not enough if you’re able to see them.” Zach’s counter was valid.
“Oh, big brother, I see it all,” she sassed. “And I don’t think they want to go unnoticed. He’s being way too flashy to be inconspicuous. Who wears a shiny purple three-piece suit?” Another unladylike snort. “I’ll get closer, wait a bit.”
“Be careful.” He never failed to worry about her.
She turned to me. “I’ll be right back, Boo.” If her sweet voice was any indication, theSheryldebacle was forgotten.
She sauntered away and headed to the toilet, taking the longest route possible and passing by their table. I could see some male patrons (and some female) following her with their eyes, and I smiled, knowing they never could stand a chance.
Not because of me. They just didn’t. I highly doubted there was a man—or woman—worthy of her.
Using it as an excuse to look around, I searched for a waiter and motioned to him to place our orders. After a few minutes, she came back. Her features were neutral, but I recognized her eyes were sharp.
She sat down, grabbed my hand, and whispered, “I couldn’t overhear much, but they were talking about horses. If that was code for anything, I’m not sure. But whatever that means, if real horses or not, they’re planning on bringing them close by.”
“Heroine?” I suggested.
“Maybe.” She wasn’t fully convinced. “Danny, there’s a hidden camera behind the bar, I think you’ll get a good visual of them.”
“I’m on it.” His fingers tapped even faster.
My roaming eyes brought some results as well. “There are two men outside the restaurant. One is standing in front of the clothing shop, the other one is inside a car parked in front of it. They seem too attentive to what goes on inside here to be just passers-by.”
“They’re probably his security detail.” Zach voiced my assumption.
“Part of it, I think. If they came from behind, this place might be surrounded.” Mia was always one step ahead of us.
“It’s okay, we’re just here to gather intel. We’re not supposed to do anything.” Zach paused. “Did you all hear that? We’re not doing anything tonight.” With no response, Zach sighed in frustration. “I’m talking to you, Mia.”
“Why me?” she rebutted indignantly.
