Page 13 of Lake's Legacy

“Not yet, but I will. I don’t want what happened to Talia and Marcia to happen to you or others. So be vigilant.”

Joyce nods as we leave her standing by the nurse’s lounge.

“Maybe I should tell security what happened,” I muse.

“Let’s talk to the guys first,” Delphine says. “You can always call security later and tell them what happened.”

“Why not now?”

“Because they might be in on it,” Cleo says. “If they know you suspect your attackers tampered with your car here or were responsible for hiding your phone, then they might erase the camera footage.”

I nod at her reasoning. A few days won’t matter, right?

I sure hope not.

“Did you find your phone?” Lake asks when we join the men.

I hold it up so he can see it. “Found it in the laundry cart. But I know I didn’t drop it in there.”

He nods. “Whoever took it didn’t want anyone to find it on their person. They likely dropped it in there to hide it; if the cops found it, it would appear like you accidentally dropped it. Smart.”

“I told a nurse I work with about the attack. I hope that’s okay. I just wanted to warn her in case the assholes try again. I should tell security, but Cleo suggested they might be in on it. Looking the other way when they tamper with the car.”

“She might be right. Whoever the fuck these guys are probably need someone in security to watch their backs. If Pirate gains access to their network, he can search the video, see who was on security then, and run him.”

“Are we headed back to the clubhouse now?”

“We’re stopping for lunch first. Pirate wants to double-check his access before we get back there.”

The restaurant we stop at is only a few blocks from the hospital. It’s charming and has a French Quarter feel. A wrought-iron fence surrounds a pretty outdoor seating area, and diners fill most tables even in cooler weather. We follow Cleo and Hex inside the restaurant. Cleo glances around as if looking for someone.

“Cleo, my beautiful angel, you’ve been away far too long!” The man who approaches us is tall and almost painfully thin.He wears his long dark hair pulled back into a sleek tail that falls down his back. His eyes are a clear blue. He’s wearing a silk suit the color of smoke, a shirt that matches his eyes, and a maroon tie. He sweeps Cleo up into a hug and swings her around. He puts her on her feet seconds after Hex's loud growl. Hex pulls Cleo back into his arms and glowers at the man. Hex’s reaction makes the man chuckle. “I see you’ve found yourself a caveman—good for you, Princess Cleo. You deserve someone who appreciates you. Do not worry, Mr. Caveman. Cleo is like the daughter I never had. My name is Francois, and I own this restaurant.”

Hex shakes Francois’ hand reluctantly. Francois beams at him before glancing at our group. “Nine for lunch? Outside, or would you like to stay in where it is warmer?”

“You know I always eat outside,” Cleo says. “You wouldn’t happen to have…”

“Your favorite spot? Of course. I save it only for the people I like. Therefore, it is almost always available.”

Cleo laughs as Francois leads us outside the restaurant onto the patio. However, he doesn't stop until he reaches a section hidden from view behind a wrought-iron fence covered in magnolias and wisteria. We pass through an archway before he stops at the single table large enough to accommodate our group.

“Here is the menu, but I hope you will let me choose for you,” Francois says once we’re seated.

“You choose, Francois. You’ve never let me down.”

CHAPTER NINE: LAKE

I chuckle at Hex’s expression when Cleo compliments Francois. We’re all jealous fuckers when it comes to our women. We don’t like them noticing other men exist, much less complimenting them.

“I’ll place your order,” Francois says, smirking at Hex’s obvious irritation. “I hear little Nora is close to graduating. Michael will be sad to see her leave.”

“How do you know Nora?” Abra asks, glaring at Francois.

“My husband Michael is her teacher at the culinary school. He feels like a father to that little girl. I’ve offered her a position here once she graduates.”

I frown at his comment. Only this morning did we discuss setting up a restaurant for Nora as another source of income for the club. None of us considered she might have other options that she’s pursuing. I glance at Dixie and nod. If we want to keep Nora, we should talk to her soon.

“We’re very proud of her, too,” Delphine tells Francois. “We’re also very grateful to have been her taste testers.”

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