Page 5 of Eternal Kiss

“There are, but both exterior and interior cameras had been tampered with. Someone hacked the system so the feed shut down at precisely 4:42, and it came back online fifteen minutes later.”

“Do you think whoever was after him in Memphis found him?”

“No. Those responsible for the riot were either arrested or killed that night. Those who went to jail never made it out.”

I flipped the turn signal and eased into the parking lot of the restaurant. “Can we put aside talk of Doug’s murder while we eat? I would like to get to know you better without such sadness tainting our meal.”

“Yes, sorry. It’s just a lot to take in.”

“Believe me, I know.” I unbuckled and exited the car. When I opened Dinah’s door, I held out my hand. When our palms touched, I squeezed gently. I’d long ago learned to tamp down my strength. When she was on her feet, I studied her face. Eyes the color and shape of Doug’s stared back. I wanted to taste her plump lips, but I refrained. As I moved her away from the car to close the door, my skin prickled. Something was close by. Wrapping my arm around her waist, I steered her toward the entrance while scanning the area. I should have put her back in the car and driven away, but how did I explain I had a bad feeling? We were several yards from the door when my phone rang.

“I apologize, but I need to take this. Please have the hostess seat you, and I’ll be right in.”

Dinah agreed, and I reached in my pocket for my phone. It stopped ringing, so I tapped the screen to see my assistant’s name. I hit redial, but it rang several times before going to voicemail. What the hell? I tried a couple more times, but Arabella never answered. Maybe she had rung me by mistake. Ipocketed my phone, but instead of going inside, I walked around the building. I could sense another vamp in the area, but that wasn’t unusual. Not wanting to keep Dinah waiting further, I went inside.

Chapter Four

Dinah

I was annoyedat Luke for taking a call. It reminded me of Blake and how business always came first. Then again, Luke had promised to reopen the club at my request, so if his call had anything to do with that, I couldn’t be upset. I stepped up to the small desk to the right as soon as I entered the building. The interior was quaint with lit sconces flickering against dark paneling. A bar sat along the wall to the left where several patrons were having a drink.

The hostess appeared from around the wall behind the desk. “Good evening. Just one?”

“No, my date is right behind me. He had to take a phone call.”

“Would you like to wait or be seated?”

“Be seated, please.”

The pretty woman pulled two menus from underneath the desk. “Right this way.” I followed through the dining room and took the chair the hostess indicated. “Justine will be your server.”

“Thank you.” I opened the menu while I waited on Luke. He slid into the seat next to me a few minutes later. “Everything okay?”

Luke smiled, but it didn’t reach his eyes. “I’m not sure. My assistant called but hung up before I could answer. When I dialed her back, it went to voicemail. I’ll worry about her later.”

The server stepped up to our table. “Good evening. My name is Justine… Oh, hello, Mr. Bennett. What can I get you to drink?”

Luke gestured for me to go first. “I’ll have a gin and tonic with extra lime.”

“I’ll have my usual,” Luke ordered without looking at her.

“Coming right up.” Justine didn’t linger.

I smirked at Luke when he glanced my way. “So, Mr. Benett, I take it you come here often?”

Luke still seemed tense, so unlike the man I’d met earlier. “Often enough. Did you have a chance to look at the menu?”

“Not really.” I perused the dinner offerings, which were several steps up from jambalaya and crawfish étouffée. Some of it I’d never heard of, so I chose a red snapper and crab plate. By the time I decided, Justine was back with our drinks.

“Would you care for an appetizer?” she asked, not looking at Luke.

“None for me. It’ll spoil my main course. Luke?”

He declined, and we both ordered. I got the snapper, and he ordered the pithivier. It was one of the dishes I didn’t recognize, so I would be able to see what it was without asking. Justine took our menus, and I picked up my gin, holding it out toward Luke. He raised his Scotch, and I toasted, “To the beginning of a new partnership.” We clanked our glasses and each took a sip.

“Partnership, huh?” Luke asked, his head tilted. He scanned the restaurant before bringing his eyes back to me. He was clearly distracted.

“Yes. I’m counting on you to continue managing the club. From what I saw of the numbers, you’re quite good at it.”

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