Page 159 of Ready to Cash Out

“Of course.” Lawrence popped up to stand beside the mayor. “I’ll get the waiter over here right away.”

Trev really did not like that guy.

“Everything here is delicious,” Edgar said with a big grin. “I highly recommend the eggplant parm. They make their own garlic bread too, you know!”

“Excellent. Thank you.” Cold nodded.

“Oh, but if you like chicken, their chicken alfredo is good too…”

Trev took a few moments to digest Cold’s generous offer while Edgar continued to ramble about the food, wondering if it was a trick of some kind. It was strange for Cold to tell him now with the mayor here, but perhaps he’d waited to make sure Trev would have more motivation to remain quiet and behave himself.

He wouldn’t put it past Cold to bribe him.

And a trip to a tropical island in the Caribbean was very persuasive.

The waiter approached them to take their drink orders and pass out the menus, and Trev asked for water. He couldn’t think of anything else, his mind occupied as he scanned over the restaurant to look for any sign of trouble.

Jules was relaxed, though his eyes were focused on the back of the restaurant.

Was he looking for the waiter? Or something else?

The majority of the security detail remained clustered near the front door, while a few wandered around looking lost.

Cold was calm as he perused the menu items, seemingly not having a care in the world.

Trev picked at the silverware and fought the urge to grab the knife.

Everything was going to be fine.

It was fine.

It was?—

Squealing tires drew Trev’s attention to the windows.

A white van barreled down the street and rammed into the truck. The crash was deafening, an alarm instantly sounding.

The security detail tensed and Edgar nearly jumped out of his seat.

Cold didn’t even blink.

Neither did Jules.

So this was expected.

Great.

Trev grabbed the knife.

Whatever stupid plan Cold had, Trev hoped it would be over quickly.

Horns honked away as the wreck blocked traffic, and voices shouted frantically. The air had grown tense, and Trev didn’t miss how Edgar squirmed in his seat. There was definitely something about to happen.

But what?

What was?—

The waiter came toward their table, Cold barely glancing his way.

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