Page 34 of Wild Sentinel

"Judging by his cell phone history, he's there a lot. I'm going to say he waits tables. His phone also spends a lot of time at an apartment in Hollywood. The unit is in Claire Forrester's name. I'm assuming that's his girlfriend, and he lives with her.”

"Thank you, you're the best."

"I know. And you're welcome. But don't get sidetracked."

"I won't. But I’ve got to do this favor for Joel. Would you mind looking into this?”

She said she’d be in touch and ended the call.

Jack called Scarlett.

"Enjoying my car?"

"I am,” JD said with a smile. “I might not give it back.”

"You can afford to buy your own.”

"I just might do that. You want to meet us for lunch at the Neon Lotus?”

"Look at you getting all fancy. Are you looking to spot celebrities? You'll see them there. It's all the rage right now.”

"Great. We’re about 20 minutes out, give or take. Depending on traffic.”

"I'll see you there.”

Jack ended the call and grinned. His foot grew heavy and we left the track behind.

21

Full of pride, Jack said to the hostess, "Table for three. My daughter, Scarlett Nicole, will be joining us."

The name instantly changed her demeanor. She was about to tell us there was a 45-minute wait. Which there was. I heard her tell it to the party before us. The place was packed, and non-celebrities congregated in the waiting area.

"I can get you a great table where you can be seen, or if you would like some privacy, I can give you a secluded booth in the back.”

"I think a secluded booth would be preferable."

"Certainly."

"By the way, is Kai Mason working today?”

"Yes," she said, looking across the restaurant. "Would you like me to put you in his section?"

"No. Actually, anyone but Kai.”

“Oh, I’m sorry. Did you have a previous experience with Kai that was less than excellent?”

“No.”

If we started asking him a bunch of questions about Vivian’s murder, he might be inclined to spit in our food. I figured we’d talk to him on the way out.

Scarlett's bodyguard pulled up a moment later in her jet-black Porsche Macan GTS. The valet grabbed her door, and she hopped out. Vincent escorted her inside.

The hostess beamed a bright smile, and all heads turned to look at Scarlett. "It's great to see you again, Miss Nicole. Right this way." With menus in hand, she escorted us across the restaurant to a cozy booth in the back.

Chill, down-tempo music spilled from speakers. Forks clinked against plates. The decor was elegant and minimal with an Asian influence. The place was bringing back the ’80s with neon accents.

We slipped into the comfy leather seats of the booth, and the hostess dealt out menus. “Your waitress will be with you shortly," she said, before returning to her post.