And Carmine’s new accountant, Willow, receives the greatest ovation the club has ever given.
Afterward, backstage, Gwen says, “Nice call on the accountant strip thing.”
“Thanks,” Willow says. “It’s a good start.”
Gwen says, “I can’t wait till we own the place!”
Willow winks. “I’m working on it!”
EPILOGUE
AT PRECISELY FIVE-FORTY my limo pulls up to 99 East 52nd Street.
“Wish me well,” I say.
Callie kisses me. “Leave your phone on so I can hear. I’ll be close by in case you need me.”
“I doubt anyone would try to ambush me here, but-”
“But you never know. And anyway, I hate you being out of my sight, even for a couple of hours.”
“Thanks.”
“What if it’s two women he wants you to meet? What if they’re hookers and he’s got a big evening planned for the two of you?”
“What would you do if that happened?”
“Kill him.”
“You’d kill the man who saved your life?”
“I’ve already thanked him for that. Plus, he got to see me naked.”
“Good point.”
As I exit the car, Callie says, “If Rose is one of the guests, tell her I said hi.”
“Will do.”
I enter the door, climb the stairs that take me to a restaurant I haven’t been to in years.
The Four Seasons.
Dr. Box is waiting for me in the lounge area.
“Ready?” he says.
I look around, checking for anything that seems out of place.
If something is, they’ve done a hell of a job, because I can’t find it.
I follow Dr. Box into the Pool Room and scan the tables, but detect no one even remotely familiar to me. Eventually I see our destination is a table in the far corner. There’s a woman seated there, with her back to me, sitting with a little dark-haired girl.
“Ladies,” Dr. Box says as we approach, “I’d like to introduce you to my good friend, Donovan Creed.”
The lady stands, turns, and extends her hand.
“Hello, Donovan,” she says. “I’m so glad you could join us tonight. This is my daughter, Addie.”
I take a deep breath and say, “Hello, Kathleen.”
John Locke
