Bow Down(9)
“How?” she asked.
“Jean-Luc is a friend.”
“Still. Getting him to close for the night just for you?”
“He’s not doing it for free. But he also owed me a few favors.”
“You cashed them in for me?”
“I did.”
“You could have used this to impress some disgustingly wealthy donor.”
“I could have.”
“But you didn’t.” She smiled and leaned forward. “Interesting.”
“I knew you’d be interested.” I sipped my wine. “But now I want to talk about something that interests me.”
“By all means.” Her smile was coy and alluring.
“Your business proposal.”
“Of course.” She sipped her wine. “That’s delicious.”
“Thank Jean-Luc.”
“I will.” She leaned back in her chair, smiling at me. “What do you want to know?”
“How about we begin with what I already know.”
“Go ahead,” she said.
“I know your name”
“Of course you do.”
“No,” I said slowly. “Your real name. You weren’t easy to track down, Louisa Barone.”
That had the desired effect. She seemed very surprised that I knew exactly who she was, and I was hoping it put her a little off balance.
“I was careful,” she said.
“You were. But Ethan is very good at his job.”
“Well then. My congratulations to Ethan.”
“I’ll pass them along.”
“So you know who I am.”
“I do, and I know who your father is, and what his organization does.”
“Of course you do.”
“Is this meeting because of him?”
“No,” she said seriously. “I have nothing to do with my father.”
I raised an eyebrow. “I’ve heard about you,” I said. “I heard you don’t leave your room.”
“An old story. One that clearly isn’t true.”
“Clearly.” I paused. “If you have nothing to do with your father, what is this about?”
Just then, the waiter returned with the first course. It was a decadent platter of smoked meats, fishes, and cheeses. He quickly walked us through what each thing was before excusing himself professionally.
I took a bite, letting her stew for a moment. She sighed and sipped her drink then stared at me.
“It’s about my own organization.”
“What sort of organization?”
“Wyatt, have you heard of the Spiders?”
I narrowed my eyes at her. The Spiders were mainly a rumor that circulated all over the city. They were supposedly a group of people that attacked and killed mafia men, though nobody knew why or who they were. The Spiders were dangerous, that was for certain.
“I’ve heard things,” I said.
“Most of it is true,” she said. “And I’m in charge of them.”
That shocked me. “I can’t say I believe that.”
“It’s hard, I know. But it’s the truth.”
“So then you’re at war with your father?”
“That’s right.”
I sighed. “You’re putting me in an awkward position.”
She smiled, leaning forward. “Good.”
I glanced around, suddenly unsure of who was listening. “How hungry are you?” I asked her.
“Not starving.”
I stood up. “Jean-Luc,” I called out.
He appeared at the kitchen door. “What, Wyatt? I’m busy.”
“We’re going for a walk.”
His face fell. “We’re nearly ready.”
“Wait. We’ll be back soon.”
“Whatever you say, boss.”
He was clearly annoyed, but he’d get over it. I’d make it up to him soon.
I took Louisa’s hand, helping her out, and we left the restaurant. A couple of blocks over, there was a small park, dimly lit and probably dangerous. It was perfect.
“We shouldn’t talk in there,” I said. “I don’t know who we can trust.”
She laughed. “You’re paranoid.”
“I’m a politician and a lawyer. I’m careful.”
“If you’re so careful and so law abiding, why speak with someone like me?”
I smiled at her. “I find people like you very useful.”
“Why?”
“For example, your father likes to give me nice, fat bribes.”
She scowled. “You have business with my father?”
“I have business with everyone, Louisa. Which is why this puts me in an awkward position.”
“Forget my father, Wyatt. The Spiders are better trained and more powerful than his people, and it’s only a matter of time before we destroy them.”