“Hello?”
“Hey, I forgot to tell you I bought tickets for us at the Capital Sunday night. They're showing Chaos on the Crossroads, you said you wanted to see it.”
“Oh. That's wonderful. Okay.” She fisted her hands to keep from shaking.
“Are you okay?”
“I'm fine. Just busy. We are down a waiter and I get to bus tables this afternoon.” She cleared her throat. “I'd love to go to the Capital. I'll buy the popcorn.”
“Nope, my date, the popcorn is on me. Hang on a second.”
Brianna heard Brody's voice in the background telling Ryker they were ready to brief. “All right, give me five minutes. Have everyone involved in conference room one and make sure Lieutenant Theron is there, too.”
“Sounds like you're busy, too.” Brie drew another breath in and let it out slowly. The shakes had abated some.
“Unbelievably busy.”
“A continuing case?” She unclenched her hand and sat the shoes down on the floor, slipping off her boots.
“Yeah. Peña. Again.”
“That means it will involve Fenton. I'm so sorry. Is there anything I can do to help?”
There was a long, tired sigh. “Come to my house tonight? Things are better with you in my arms. I forget the darkness of my job when you're with me.”
She closed her eyes. He dealt with so much. She could remember her father coming home, drained and just standing, holding her mom. What these men and women dealt with daily would wreck lesser people. She smiled as she spoke, “I'll be there. I like to snuggle in your arms. I'll bring dinner and wine and we'll curl up in your corner on the couch.”
“Good. That thought will keep me sane until tonight.”
“Please be careful. I'll see you tonight.” She hung up and closed her eyes. God, the thought of him holding her made her feel safe. She shook her head. When had she become that woman? The one that needed a man to protect her? She'd never let a man take care of her, but Ryker was different. He was strong but let her be her own woman. They were on equal footing, both successful and both career-minded. They just fit together. She wasn't joking when she told her mother it terrified her the bubble would burst.
Those two assholes in the alley had really spooked her. Maybe that was why she was thinking about how safe she felt with Ryker. She ran her hands through her hair. Her brothers would have a field day with her getting a fright from two lowlifes. Her brothers’ alpha male, 'me have club, me protect' mentality got old quickly. She'd taken self-defense classes and could protect herself. She even had a concealed carry permit. At her father's insistence, she’d learned how to handle, care for, and shoot a weapon. He’d wanted her to have protection when dropping off night deposits after the restaurant closed. Not that she routinely carried her gun, but she could if she ever felt the need. A chill went down her spine at the thought of that man's sneer. Perhaps she'd take a half-hour this afternoon and pop home, grab some clean clothes for tomorrow, and take her gun from the lockbox. If she had time.
Lunch service was always insane. The constant influx of new diners kept her running, and she once again learned to appreciate what her people did daily. “Boss, Councilman Davis is at table fourteen, he's almost done eating. I'm sorry I forgot to tell you when he came in.” Lola darted back to the hostess stand. Brie finished bussing two tables before she stashed her bin and table cleaner. A quick hand wash and she was threading her way through the seating area.
“Councilman. Nice of you to join us today.” She stood beside his table and smiled at him.
“Short on help today, Ms. King?”
“One of my waiters is out today. Childcare issues. May I?” She pointed to the vacant chair across from him.
“The apron is a pleasant touch.” He nodded to the chair.
She glanced down and shrugged. It wasn't dirty. She pulled the chair out and smiled. “Have you heard of anything about the ordinance change?”
The man took his time buttering a baguette. “Things like this take time, Ms. King. Greasing wheels and changing minds.”
She blinked at him. “This ordinance change is for the good of the city.”
He took a bite of his bread and settled back against his seat. After he finished what was in his mouth, he took a drink. She narrowed her eyes at him. The bastard was making her wait. Finally, he cleared his throat and spoke slowly as if she was three years old, “Ms. King, I regret to inform you that not everyone is in favor of changing the ordinance. There are many who do not want the homeless population catered to as it could draw more vagrants to our city.”
“What?” She couldn't believe what she just heard.
“It is a simple truth. However, there are ways to make things go easier, to convince those who don't approve.” He shrugged and stared through the large front window.
“What do I need to do to get this changed? I'm throwing away food every night. Food that could feed people. I'm not asking to open a casino.”
Councilman Davis smiled; well, rather, he smirked. “No, I'm sure you'd have less difficulty with that.” He turned to face her. “Money talks.”
She leaned in, “Are you asking me for money to push this through?”
“That would be unethical.” He stared at her. “What I am telling you is that your ordinance is not on the docket for the next meeting. I don't think there are any other motions to discuss. Such a shame, but as I said, money talks.” He wiped his mouth and placed his cloth napkin down on the tablecloth. “Once again, lunch has been wonderful. Thank you.” He stood up, adjusted his cuffs and jacket, and walked out of the restaurant.
“Hey,
