Page 114 of Rugger: The Huntress

She placed the platter of sauces and butters in the center of the table.

“Another martini and a Vodka on the rocks for you, sir.”

“Thank you,” Solomon responded, accepting his drink.

He sipped the clear liquid and placed the glass back on the table. His anguished eyes rested on my face. I waited for him to continue.

“There’s no need to beat around the bush, Gazelle. Tell me about my son. And, tell me everything. Don’t leave out a detail. I’m not sure how much time you have, but I have all night to hear about Sonnie Boy.”

“Did you give him that name?”

“No. His mother.”

“He prefers it,” I told him, releasing the second detail.

Their resemblance was the first.

“Figures,” he chuckled with a nod. “Figures. He loved his mother dearly.”

His smile faded.

“He still does.”

“Good. Good. So what’s he like? Does he still get out there on the court?”

He’s in the field, Mr. Santoro. He’s the furthest from the court.

“I haven’t had the pleasure of seeing him play, but I haven’t been around long.”

“For a living– what does he do?”

He’s a killer. He hunts.

“He’s a tech guy. Computers are his thing.”

“And that keeps him from his old man?”

Murdering does.

“His level of clearance doesn’t allow him to communicate with people he loves. It puts them in harm’s way.”

“Then, why are you the exception?”

He grabbed the knife and began cutting into his steak.

I am harm, Mr. Santoro.

“Our meeting was accidental. We met at work. I have the same clearance.”

Same kills. Same contracts. Same assignments.

“Hm. Most of them are.”

“Meetings?”

“Yes.”

I watched him dip his steak in the house steak sauce. The meat disappeared in his mouth after a few seconds. He sipped from the water and looked up at me.

---