Stirring Up Trouble(61)
The critic’s face scrunched as if he’d eaten a sour lemon. “I don’t usually . . . It’s unusual . . . oh, I don’t see why not,” he finally relented.
Greek music sounded throughout the room, and Ryan’s parents got up, moved to the floor in front of the stage, and began dancing. Soon, other couples joined them.
A cold breeze signaled the front door had opened, and Jon walked in as if he owned the place. He wore a long winter coat, but his legs were bare. What was he wearing?
Portia muttered something under her breath which sounded like “here we go,” but Braden couldn’t make it out.
“Jon, you came!” Lola’s face lit up and she flew into Jon’s waiting arms.
Braden wanted to tear her away from Jon and punch the guy in the face and toss him outside. But he remembered Lola’s request that he trust her, and even if it killed him, he’d prove to her that he did.
The two spoke in hushed tones. Her gaze wandered to Braden, then slowly moved to one of their waiters, a guy named Marcus. When her eyes narrowed on the server, Braden realized she’d uncovered their mole.
Jon handed Lola his jacket, unveiling his ridiculous costume underneath. The man wore a toga, complete with a golden sash at his waist.
“Excuse me,” the food critic said, staring at Jon. “Who is that man? Is he part of the entertainment?”
Before Braden could explain, Portia jumped in with an answer. “Oh, no. He chose to dress that way. That’s the owner of Grecian Taverna. Maybe he thinks it’s appropriate, but no one in Greece would wear a toga unless they were going to a costume party.”
Lola whispered in Jon’s ear then left him with his tongue hanging out as she headed to the kitchen. Braden sure hoped she knew what she was doing.
Walking toward the stage, Jon sneered at Braden. He picked up an empty plate in each hand and started to dance. Jon threw the plates on the ground, smashing them into tiny pieces. The music stopped and everyone in the restaurant stared.
Jon smiled triumphantly at Braden and stalked off into the kitchen. Braden wanted to follow him, but he’d let the plan unfold. He had no doubt Lola would steer him in the right direction.
“I’m terribly sorry for that odd interruption. Stephan will refill your ouzo while I clean up the mess.” Braden motioned to his bartender to bring the critic more liquor.
The front door opened once again. Judging by the clipboard in the woman’s hands, Braden wagered it was the county health inspector.
He strolled to meet her just inside the door. “Can I help you?”
“Nora Theodore. I’m with the health inspector’s office. Would you mind telling me why you don’t have the lights on in here?”
“We lost our electricity this morning.”
Her brows furrowed together to become a unibrow. “And you’re open? I’m afraid that’s—”
He gestured to the entrance. “As you probably saw when you came in, we placed a sign on the door that we’re closed for a private party. Everyone in here is a friend or family member, with the exception of the food critic from the paper. We’re serving foods which don’t require cooking and can be served at room temperature. I assure you, this was an emergency situation.”
“Still, I don’t see how I can audit you without electricity. I’m sorry, but we’ll have to reschedule.” She pivoted on her worn winter boots.
He caught her by the sleeve. “But we can’t. I mean, you understand this was a condition of a Will. You are welcome to come back and audit again whenever you want, but we still need you to test Ms. Dubrovsky today. Please.”
She sighed and turned back to him. “Where is Ms. Dubrovsky?”
Lola sidled up and saluted. “Right here, Your Honor.”
The inspector didn’t crack a smile. “I’m not a judge. You can call me Nora.”
Lola dipped her hand into her cleavage and pulled out her phone. “I have something for you to hear.” She fiddled with the cell until it made a crackling noise.
Jon’s voice came through loud and clear. “I had Marcus cut the power line to the building. He used to work for the electric company so he knew exactly how to keep Acropolis from getting their power fixed in time for the inspections. Did I do good or what?”
“How long have you had Marcus working for you and feeding you information about Acropolis?” Lola asked on the recording.
Braden looked at her, but she kept her gaze on Nora.
“For the last year,” Jon revealed. “He finally came through for me when that waitress took off her clothes. I called the cops and Marcus took the video of it on his phone. I told Braden I’d release it to the liquor licensing commission unless he closes up Acropolis and stays out of the Greek restaurant business.”