Page 13 of Samson

“Thanks for getting that for me so quickly.” He noticed Luca’s eyes lingering on his date, who he’d nearly forgotten was there.

“Not a problem at all. I take it you’ve had a busy day.”

“Actually, yes. I took down a drug ring.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. They were working out of an abattoir of all places.”

“All in a day’s work for you, I guess. Does that mean you’re hungry? Or will it just be drinks tonight?”

“I’m starving. We will definitely be having dinner.”

“Excellent. Will you be needing menus, or would you like to give me your order now, and I can get it in?”

“We’ll have a look at some menus.”

“Then all that’s left is for you to come this way.”

As Samson followed Luca toward the back of the room, he turned to take one more look at the woman who’d given him the cold shoulder. She’d been interested enough to notice him. Maybe she didn’t like the date on his arm. He couldn’t fault her for that, but usually women fought for his attention. And now that he was off the clock, he didn’t mind a challenge of another kind.

“Hey Luca, who’s the young woman at the bar over there?”

Luca craned his neck. “You mean with the blue sweater?”

“Yeah.”

Samson’s date, Kerry—or at least that’s what he thought her name was—threaded her arm through his and leaned into him, making it known she was paying attention to the exchange.

“She’s a little underdressed for Carpi, isn’t she?” Kerry said. “Did she just wander in off the street?”

Luca frowned. “No. That’s my cousin Delilah. She’s a smart, sophisticated, accomplished woman.”

Samson nodded. “I think she suits the place.”

“I’m glad you think so because she’s going to be joining my waitstaff. Not because she has to, but as a favor to me.”

“She’s the help?” Kerry grimaced. “That explains it.”

Samson considered the benefit of vetting his future dates. He wasn’t the nicest guy himself, but he wasn’t pretentious. Kerry’s comments diminished her appeal. Not that he’d been interested in her personality when he’d invited her out tonight.

“I look forward to seeing her into the future then,” Samson said and pulled Kerry toward the table. Maybe it came from her insecurity, but he was regretting his choice of company tonight.

When they sat, Kerry leaned close and whispered in his ear. He raised his eyebrows. She was making an admirable attempt to keep his attention on her. But his thoughts still drifted back to the bar.

Luca returned with the menus. “Your waitress will be over shortly to get your order.”

“Thanks.” Samson looked over the menu. He already knew what he wanted, and his mind was wandering. He looked across the crowd, but he couldn’t see much of the bar. “I’ll be back in a minute.”

“Where are you going?”

“I’m getting us some drinks.”

“Why don’t you order them?”

“Because I’m thirsty now.”

“Oh, okay. I’ll have a white wine.” Kerry dropped her head back to the menu.