Page 199 of Fury
She retrieved Jilly, followed the hostess to the horseshoe booth tucked in the back corner. After the server introduced herself, she asked who knew the owner.
“I do,” Slash replied. “He’s a close friend of my boy—my man. Whatever.”
Jilly and the server laughed.
“I don’t know what to call my boyfriend either,” said the server. “Mr. Jericho said that dinner is on the house. Can I start you off with a glass of wine or something from our bar?”
“I could use a shot of something,” Slash mumbled.
“Sure thing,” said the server.
“No, just a glass of sauvignon blanc.” Slash said.
“Chardonnay,” Jilly replied.
The server left, and Slash scanned the room. When her gaze fell on Jilly, her brow was knitted together.
“Not gonna lie, but you scared the crap out of me back there,” Jilly said.
“Run me through it again,” Slash said. “You got here first.”
“Yeah, I got here first.” Jilly leaned close. “What is up with you?”
“My gut says that guy has something to do with the missing dancers.”
Jilly stared at her for an extra beat. “Didn’t you warn me about someone?”
“Yes, after Deb went missing. White guy, wild hair, beard, mustache. Goes by Greg. What’s this guy’s name?”
“I don’t think he told me.”
“Did he want you to leave with him just now?”
Jilly swallowed. “He asked me if I was alone. When I told him I was meeting someone, he invited me for dinner tomorrow.”
That’s him. That’s Greg.
Her pulse kicked up speed. “What did you tell him?”
“I told him no,” Jilly replied. “Slash, I don’t go out with customers.”
“If you see him again,anywhere, text me. I don’t care what time it is,” Slash said. “Just because he tipped you five-hundred doesn’t mean you owe him a thing.”
“If there’s one thing I know for sure,” Jilly said, “I don’t owe any man anything.”
Slash breathed for the first time all evening. Jilly was safe. Jilly was smart, and Jilly was not going to be this monster’s next victim.
The server returned with their wines and four small appetizer plates. “Sorry for the wait. It’s crazy tonight.” She smiled. “But it’s always like this. Anyway, Mr. Jericho always makes sure his guests get these appetizers. Are you ready to order?”
“Ribs and Fries,” Slash said.
“Two,” Jilly agreed.
“And I need a large fry to go,” Slash said.
When the server left, Jilly said, “I didn’t know you had a boyfriend.”
“The relationship is new,” Slash said. “My first love has circled back around.”
