Page 169 of Power
As he kissed her, his lips lifted in a smile.
She liked that… she liked that a lot.
20
EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED
SIMONE
At six-twenty that evening, Simone and Luciano entered Carole Jean’s restaurant.
“I’m meeting Jerod De Clerq,” she said to the maître d’. “Six-thirty reservation.”
“Yes, ma’am, I can bring you right in.” The maître d’ tipped his head to Luciano. “Good to see you, Mr. Santini. May I seat the lady first, then escort you to the elevator?”
“I got this,” Luciano replied.
“You’ll need the elevator code,” the maître d’ said.
“Jericho texted it to me.” Luciano regarded Simone. “I’ll see you shortly.” He kissed one cheek, then the other before taking off toward the elevator.
“Ma’am.” As the maître d’ escorted Simone, she soaked up the décor. Soft-glowing chandeliers set the romantic tone. Charcoal-colored walls complemented the light black table cloths. Servers dressed in black flitted silently around the large room attending to their diners. Each table boasted a small vasewith a bouquet of freshly-cut, short-stemmed roses, a vibrant display of beauty in the popular, Michelin-starred restaurant.
Simone spotted Jerod sitting beside a brunette, their backs to her. As the maître d’ pulled to a stop at their table, Jerod’s gaze jumped to her. With an exuberant smile, he stood, offered her a warm hug.
After Simone sat, the maître d’ handed her a menu. “We have just received our third Michelin star.” He beamed. “We’re celebrating with a complimentary glass of champagne. May we bring them to you?”
Yeses all around. With a slight bow, the attendant wished them, “Bon appétit,” and left.
“It’s good to meet you,” Becca said. “Jerod said he’s stoked you’re friends again.”
Simone smiled. “Same.”
“I’m a little nervous,” Becca confessed. “He said you didn’t like his last girlfriend and he broke up with her.”
“Jerod. Not helpful,” Simone scolded.
He laughed. “I love you, Becca, and I didn’t end things because Simone didn’t like her.”
After they looked at their menus, the friendly banter continued. Their server brought their bubbly, mentioned the specials, and took their orders. After she left, they toasted, and sipped the chilled champagne.
“I hate to talk shop, but I promise it’ll only be for a few minutes,” Jerod said.
“Perfect timing.” Becca glanced around the room. “Be right back.”
After Becca left, Jerod said, “Someone in my department has a reliable source who said Frederica’s deathwasn’tfrom a gas leak explosion,” Jerod leaned across the table toward Simone. “It was The BM.”
Simone wasn’t surprised word had gotten out. People talked, especially about someone who’d harmed so many. Years earlier, when The Bomb Maker decimated government buildings in four metropolitan cities, he’d claimed responsibility for his heinous crimes, then taunted law enforcement. But after her failed mission, he’d done the opposite, by going silent for years.
She shook her head. “No, Frederica left law enforcement,” she lied.
“Red, it’s me you’re talking to,” Jerod pushed back. “Look, I wanted you to know the truth, but I don’t want to ruin our fun vibe.”
Too late.
Her heart ached at the mention of Frederica, the festive mood squelched. But hehadstarted the conversation, so she’d follow the white rabbit and see where it led.
“Did your agent verify the source?”
