Chapter Twenty-Five
The Steak Knife was famous for all its infamous patrons. Those who didn’t personally know the owner always had to wait six months for a reservation, but they waited because for one night it didn’t matter if they were accountants or podiatrists—they could sit next to someone they read about all the time. These were the people who, no matter what, never followed the rules.
The owner stood by the host stand, a smile breaking across his face as Lou held the door open for Emma and Cain.
“You finally decided to grace me with the company of this beautiful woman,” he said to Cain as he held both of Emma’s hands and kissed her cheeks. “Welcome back, bella Emma.”
“Thank you, I missed you,” Emma returned his welcome. “And we brought friends.” She stepped aside so he could see Dallas and Remi.
“One of these days you two are going to have to share your secret for finding beautiful women,” he said, kissing Dallas hello. Four waiters stood behind him ready to escort them to their table and start bringing out drinks. “But let me feed you first.”
“Do you all come here often?” Dallas asked. The whispers and the not-too-discreet finger-pointing had begun as they made their way to the table.
“Not enough to raise our cholesterol,” Remi said as she pulled Dallas’s chair. “This is one of those places that’s like family. It doesn’t matter how often you come, they’re just glad you’re here.”
“Then for once the whispering might not be about me. How long did it take you to get used to this, Emma?” Dallas asked. “Going somewhere with Remi is like realizing I’m the only person in the city who didn’t know her.”
“Part of me will forever be a dairy farmer’s daughter who won’t get used to the attention, but for the most part I’m so in love it doesn’t bother me. I just enjoy my life and the interesting people in it because of Cain.” She ran her fingers through Cain’s hair. “Given your career choice, being noticed must be commonplace.”
“It’s not something you really ever get used to,” Dallas said, clicking her mouth shut so quickly Emma figured she had more to say on the subject.
She’d stopped when Lou rose from the next table and stood behind Cain so he could whisper in her ear. “Katlin called from outside. It’s about to get crowded in here.”
Cain didn’t need to ask who, since she could see Nunzio Luca making small talk with the owner, and Rodolfo and Juan Luis hanging back and scanning the room. Juan’s face held signs of his recent run-in with her, with a bruise around his mouth and one over his eye.
“This might answer how long Nunzio was willing to wait,” Cain said, cocking her head in the direction of the door so Remi would turn around. “The mountain has come to us, Mohammad.”
“Too bad he brought the trash with him,” Remi said. “It looks like Juan either pissed somebody off or hit a brick wall with his face.”
Emma put her ice water down and laughed. “Maybe a little of both, but you have to admit my brick wall is cute.” She smiled at Cain.
“Cain—Remi.” Nunzio stopped at their table. “I was hoping to run into you when I got to town. Lady Luck’s on my side.”
“Or maybe you called my office on the off chance someone would tell you where I was,” Cain said. She wiggled her fingers in Juan’s direction and smiled.
“You really should warn them about that,” Nunzio said, stepping in front of Juan. “You never know who’s calling.”
“Your concern is touching, but I’m sure you’d rather enjoy the menu here than worry about my employee disclosures.” Cain picked up her drink and took a sip.
“Before I head back, I’d like to meet with all the parties involved in our deal. It’s time you spoke to me directly about this issue with employee problems before we have any more misunderstandings.” Nunzio nodded, and Kim led Juan and Rodolfo away. “Is tomorrow good for the two of you?”
“I’ll talk it over with my father,” Remi said, “but I’m afraid we might search out new options. Of course, I’m only speaking for my family, though I’m confident Cain will join us on this venture.”
“Remi, I’ve never known you to be hasty.” Nunzio was leaning over trying to keep their talk private, but it was difficult in such close quarters. “Why not give me a chance to negotiate?”
“I know Ramon seldom does business on Sundays,” Cain said, glancing at Remi, who nodded once in return. “So make it Tuesday at my office. We’ll have one of our guys pick you up and drive you. No sense in giving the feds any more clues, right?”
“You want me to come alone?”
“I actually don’t want you to come at all,” Cain said, and Emma laughed. “You’re the one who wants to meet.”
“Until Tuesday, then.” Nunzio’s smile appeared forced. “Ladies, it was a pleasure,” he said to Emma and Dallas.
As he walked away Dallas shivered so noticeably Cain couldn’t help but ask, “Are you all right?”
“He reminds me of someone I used to know. The same dead eyes.” Dallas shivered again and rubbed her arms as if she were really cold. “Sorry. Remi, I’m sure you and Cain have some stuff to talk over. Do you need us to head to the ladies’ room?”
“Let’s not give them a choice,” Emma said. When she rose, Lou stood up with her. “Merrick?” She looked at her guard.
