Page 63 of Samson

Samson took another sip, then another while Ito watched. After he finished, he set the cup down. When Ito lifted the bottle again, Samson placed his hand over the cup. “That’s enough for me.”

Ito frowned. “If you insist.”

“I don’t like to drink while I’m working.”

“That’s not what I hear. Please. One more. Otherwise I’ll be offended.”

“I’m afraid I must decline.”

“Very well. To business. I have a shipment coming in shortly.”

“I’m going to assume there’s nothing illegal?”

“Of course not.”

“If I speak to my federal contact, am I going to find out anything I don’t like?”

Ito laughed. “No. Feel free to check up on me if you must.”

“I will.”

“This shipment is very valuable to me, and I need to make sure no one is going to make an attempt to rob me.”

“That’s where I come in?”

“Yes. I have a few enemies. I need you to make sure they’re behaving themselves. Just until the shipment is safely in my possession.”

“Sounds simple enough. Do you have details on those you suspect?”

“I do, but I’d also like you to use your contacts to make sure there’s nothing unexpected.”

“I will. Is that everything?”

“Everything you need to know. Are you interested?”

Samson nodded, his head buzzing with the movement. He hadn’t had enoughsaketo make him heady like that. But Ito had drunk from the same bottle and looked okay.

“Are you well?” Ito said.

“Yeah. Do you have a file I can take with me tonight?”

Ito snapped his finger, and one of the bodyguards brought the folder. “If there’s anything else you need, don’t hesitate to contact me.”

“Thank you for the drink.” Samson stood.

“Do you have a few extra minutes?”

“For what?”

“I have a small museum at the back of the restaurant. I’m very proud of it, and I’d love to show it off if you have time.”

“Yeah, sure.”

“Wonderful. If you’d like to follow me.”

Samson followed Ito through a curtain and then into a large room with lights highlighting various pieces around the room.

“This is impressive.” He approached a line of samurai armor covered in lacquered leather plates. Each of the helmets was different. One had horns that, sitting atop the armor, nearly touched the ceiling, while another reminded him of Darth Vader.

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