Page 7 of Burning Caine

He nodded, passing through the main studio toward his office.

I bowed my head, lowering my voice as I walked toward my own office. “Ciao, Victoria.”

“Hey, hot stuff.” Her voice, per usual for the last month, was a low purr. “I got your message. Change of plans for tonight?”

“Sì, I have a last-minute committee meeting tonight for the hospital gala and have to reschedule our dinner to tomorrow.”

There was no response on the other end, other than a slow inhale of breath.

“Victoria? Are you free tomorrow night?”

“That’s August first.” Gone was the purr, replaced by a sound akin to her normal voice, which grew in speed and pitch as she continued. “Are you serious? I made it into August? Oh my god, Mae’s never going to believe this! Wait until you see what I’m wearing to the gala!”

What was she talking about? Made it into August? “So, this is a yes?”

“Are you kidding? Of course! Text me the details!” She made a high-pitched squealing type noise as she hung up. For a grown woman, she reminded me far too much of a schoolgirl. Why was I going on another date with her?

Because my rule was three. Always three.

I sent her the reservation details and slipped the phone back into my pocket.

Lost Beneath the Starsstared back at me from the table under the mylar. In the painting, a rowboat crested a wave, three men huddled in the middle, no oars to be seen. The blue-green of the churning water reminded me of the officer’s eyes from Bobby’s house. They had popped against the dark soot covering her filthy face, practically glowing like the aurora. Tall for a woman, she moved with an athletic grace belied by the formless white coveralls she wore.

And she recognized my accent. Not just Italian, but she knew it was Roman. There was something about her. Something familiar I couldn’t put my finger on. Perhaps it was déjà vu or wishful thinking. I should have introduced myself, but she was gone before I had a chance.

Who was she?

Chapter 4

Samantha

Itextedmysisteras I sat in my truck outside the restaurant Saturday night.Cass, I can’t believe you talked me into this.

Have fun!she texted back.

I pulled down the visor mirror for a pre-date check. Hair was good, a loose ponytail draped over my shoulder to complement my blue one-shoulder top. Make-up was light but satisfactory. Teeth clean.

Cass had sent me enough information about him to get me to the restaurant for this stupid date. Cameron Parker. Kind of cute, short blond hair, artist. Dinner at Caruther’s in Lansing. I shook my head and rolled my shoulders. Why the hell was I doing this, other than because I loved her?

The hostess showed me to a booth, dropped off two menus, and let me know the server would be there soon. The lights in the restaurant were dim, and each table had a few small candles providing ambiance. Lots of oak furniture and walls decorated with hundreds of small black and white photos. The red cushioned booth was reasonably private and comfortable, so I sat back and waited.

The server arrived at 8:00, took my order for a glass of the house red, and poured water for the table. I let her know the rest of my party would be arriving any minute, so I would wait before ordering anything else.

When she got back at 8:05 with my wine, I thanked her and got out my phone. I texted Cass,Five minutes late.

She texted back.You or him?

Him, but the house red is pretty good.

LOL

I put my phone away and took the cutlery out of the napkin. I was about to place it on my lap but I’d be getting up to shake Cameron’s hand when he arrived, so I left it on the table.

8:10

You gave me the right date and time, right?

She didn’t text back right away. Hopefully she was double-checking.Yeah - Sat Aug 1 8pm Caruthers

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