Page 21 of King of Justice

“I have a feeling that that wouldn’t be a problem for you.”

“You never know. Your people might win and put us all out of business.”

“As long as there’s people, there will always be a need for you.”

“And don’t you need company? New York is a big, bad city.”

She chuckled. “I’m a big girl.”

“Where are you staying?”

“At a friend’s. One of the volunteers. He lives near the center, so it’s convenient.”

He. Interesting. “I see. And did he also miss Christmas?”

“We didn’t miss Christmas. We, um… survived.”

I got off the treadmill and stood in front of the wall-wide window, my eyes following a single bird that kept floating in zig-zags and circles. “I like to think that I can do better than just survive, Sophie. We didn’t do it justice, don’t you agree?”

“What are you suggesting?”

“A do-over. Let’s pretend it’s still Christmas and celebrate it properly.”

“That’s nuts.” She replied, and I could picture her shaking her head.

“Why? It’s a free country. C’mon. You and me, my place.”

“Sounds like you’re hitting on me again.”

“I won’t pull anything funny, I promise. My house manager is also a spectacular chef. I can have him prepare whatever artery-blocking comfort food you want.”

“I’m not a child you can lure with candy!”

“But I can tell you that you can forget everything you know about cinnamon rolls, because that Swedish bastard makes the best Kanelbullar you’ll ever taste in your life.”

“What?”

“They’re fattening, they’re yummy, and they hug you from the inside. What more do you want?”

“A reason.”

“How about, I wanna thank you for feeding me and putting me in a good mood with your magic herb? Giving me the best two days without technology in… possibly ever? If I was alone back there, my head would’ve probably exploded.”

She chuckled. “Fine. What time did you have in mind?”

“Well, are you free tonight?”

“Tonight?”

“You can’t be working all day and night. Even noble volunteers gotta eat.”

She remained quiet for a moment before saying. “I can maybe… be done here around seven or eight?”

“And you’ll need maybe an hour? Nine p.m. okay?”

“Nine-thirty? I still don’t know where you live.”

“Don’t worry about it. I’ll send my driver to pick you up.”

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