Page 173 of Power
“What’s that?” Jerod asked.
“I receive a surprise gift every month. One month it was a Santini Original cashmere scarf. The next, a bottle of Santini Whiskey, the next a man’s sweater. You benefitted from that. I gave you the sweater for your birthday.”
“Grazie,” Luciano said. “That’s a very popular club.”
Jerod pulled out his phone. “Excuse me, I’ve got to make a quick call.” He strode toward the front of the restaurant.
“He’s always working,” Becca said.
“Where does he work?” Luciano asked.
“ATF,” Becca answered. “He’s very dedicated to his group.”
“Have you been dating long?” Simone asked.
“A year, then he moved, and it’s been long distance ever since.” Becca rolled her eyes. “That put a strain on things, but I’m hoping we get back on track once I move here.”
“When are you looking to do that?” Simone asked.
“Right after Thanksgiving, which is crazy.” Becca pulled out her phone. “I won’t know anyone here but Jerod. Can we exchange numbers?”
“Absolutely.” Simone rattled off her number and Becca shot her a text.
Jerod returned. “Becca, I’m sorry, but I have a work thing. We need to leave.”
“But my dessert,” Becca protested.
“I asked our server to wrap it.” Jerod smiled at Simone. “Thanks for joining us. I’m sorry I have to bolt. I took care of the bill, but please stay and enjoy your coffee.” He extended his hand to Luciano. “I’ll have to try your whiskey.”
Luciano stood and shook Jerod’s hand.
Simone hugged Becca. “I’m glad we met.” Then, she hugged Jerod. “Thanks for inviting me.”
“So, you’re giving her a thumbs-up?” Jerod asked.
“Two thumbs-up,” Simone replied.
The server appeared with a small bag and a demitasse for Luciano. “Thank you for dining with us.”
Jerod took the bag, ushered Becca toward the door. After setting Luciano’s espresso on the table, the waiter left.
“How was your dinner meeting?” Simone asked.
“Productive. Did you like Carole Jean’s?”
“The food is delicious,” she replied. “Jerod bolted pretty fast.”
“What’s his story?”
“He’s with ATF. He was an agent, now he runs a department there.”
Luciano sipped the strong coffee. “Do you think he’s having an affair with Hirzog?”
“I asked how Peter felt about Becca.”
He cocked an eyebrow. “That had to get a reaction.”
“He turned super red.” She sighed. “Maybe they are, but how do they go from having an affair to being involved in a terror plot?”
