“Shannon, your driver, found it amusing.”
“I didn’t know you employed women.”
“Of course I do. I have several on staff. A couple have even been in the school with you. Women make great security detail. They are capable, smart, agile, and, frankly, lethal if needed. And to be honest, unexpected, which throws people off.”
“Huh,” I replied. “Are any of them ex-Hidden Justice?”
“No, but there are women operatives there as well.”
“Well, I guess you learn something new every day.”
He winked as he opened the lid of the pizza box. “Leo was listening. He was shocked at your behavior. Shocked.”
I began to laugh. “Does that mean I need to bake some cookies?”
“Yes.” He grinned. “But pizza first. Frank makes a great pie.”
“Okay.”
He looked around, noticing the new window and the cleanliness. “Egan says you scrubbed all day.”
“I clean when I’m upset.”
“No need to be upset, but the place is spotless. Did you do anything else but clean?”
“I talked to Egan. Oh, and Deb called and asked if we’d do dinner with her and Stewart on Monday. He has a reservation at Rustic Alley.”
“I hear that’s good. Eclectic.” He shrugged. “I’m game. What time?”
“Seven.”
He nodded. “We’ll get there a little early so I can scope the place out.”
I texted Deb to say we’d go. She replied with a smiley face.
Deb:See you there!
We began to eat, Damien polishing off his first piece quickly.
“Did you not eat today?” I laughed.
“No. I wasn’t hungry.”
“Me either.”
“Looking forward to dinner Monday?” he asked after his second slice.
“I suppose.”
“You don’t seem very enthused.”
“Deb really likes this guy.” I paused.
“But you don’t?”
I shrugged. “I don’t know him. He gave me a bit of a weird vibe when Deb and I ran into him.”
He paused between bites. “How so?”