Page 33 of Great White
I don't return the gesture. I just look away, sweeping my eyes back up to Stefania. When I return to scanning the room, the man is gone. A strange feeling tickles my gut.
The lunch goes on for nearly three hours, and I don't see the man again.
Stefania says her goodbyes to the buyer inside as I wait for the car.
“So, how did it go?” I ask once safely inside the Tahoe.
“Spectacularly. We are expanding. Moving right up the Midwest and due east.”
“You’re a force to be reckoned with.”
“I have my moments.” Stefania reapplies some pink lip gloss while holding up a pocket mirror. “Can you go to the club tonight and check in on Dove? I’ll need you to give her some updates, too.”
“Sure. You’re not coming with?”
“No. Not tonight. I have a date with the spa.”
“A date? Should I be jealous?”
“Si…” she exaggerates. “Ronaldo is a genius with his hands. His deep-tissue massages are legendary.”
“I can’t compete with that.” I spy on her through the rearview mirror.
“Guapo, don’t worry. You’re a genius with other things besides your hands,” she purrs.
“I accept that compliment.” I grin salaciously.
After Stefania gives me all the details to relay to Dove, I leave her to her spa date with Ronaldo.
I probably shouldn’t be, but I’m looking forward to seeing Dove. She’s been extra icy ever since Stefania and I hooked up. I don’t know if that’s because it bothers her, or if she’s relieved she doesn’t have to bother with me. It’s impossible to tell what she’s thinking — and aggravating to boot.
Blue and red lights flash in my rearview.
“Puta,” I curse as I pull over to the side of the road. An unmarked car parks behind me, and a man in a black suit with salt-and-pepper hair steps out. “Son of a bitch.” I pullout my license and grab the registration. We are on a moderately deserted road. Not much car traffic or foot traffic.
“License and registration,” the man asks. I hand it over, and he inspects the documents outside of the car. I stare straight ahead.
“Mr. Donovan, you missed your last check-in.”
I grip the steering wheel, and the leather creaks. “I was a little preoccupied. It wasn't safe to check in.”
“I’ve become aware. Must be challenging to do your job surrounded by so many beautiful women.”
“I do what I have to.” I smirk.
“Do you have anything to report?”
“Not much more than last time. There’s a new buyer.”
“Is that who Ms. Deltoro was meeting with today?”
“Yes.”
“We ran his facials. He didn’t come up in any databases.”
“I think he’s new. Carving a new path up north and leading east.”
“I see. You have a name?”
