Page 127 of Trace of Doubt
“John—” Marissa pointed to me—“take Shelby’s wine. She doesn’t want it, right?” She smiled at Feng. “Is that okay?”
“Yes, but not more.”
I set the glass in front of John. His glassy eyes indicated his advanced alcohol level.
The server disappeared with Marissa and Feng. Rudder moved his chair closer to me. “For an ex-con, you steal the show.”
I feigned a smile. “I assume that’s a compliment.”
“Always. I’ve been with the best. Makes me wonder what it would have been like to share a cell bunk.”
“I’m sure we’d have kept the guards occupied.” I paused. “Who told you about prison?”
“Feng. You pulled the trigger on Marissa’s husband, but she didn’t mind.”
I tilted my head. “True.”
“Dangerous women intrigue me.”
I propped my chin in my hand. “Are you a dangerous man?”
“Some think so.” He leaned over and brushed a kiss across my lips.
I despised what I was doing. But I’d made a vow and I’d play the part.
“Do you really never drink?”
“Learned the hard way when I was younger. I want to be aware of what’s happening at all times.”
“Your preference could be a plus.” He pointed to my wine. “You really don’t want this?” He slurred his words. “I hate to see it go to waste.”
“It’s all yours.”
He took a sip. “What are you doing later?”
“John, I’m picky. Very picky.”
“What’s not to like about me?”
“I’m worth more than another name on a long list.”
He smirked. “We’ll see. Marissa trusts you. She never brings anyone to a business meeting.”
“She has good reasons. I saved her rear.”
“She owes you?”
“She’s my sister. Nothing’s owed.” I assumed a bug recorded our conversation, another one of Marissa’s tests.
“Are you in favor of the business expansion?”
“Depends on what’s in it for me.”
“Heroin sales are up, and I’m Liu’s biggest client.” He downed the wine. “Love what’s inside those boxes of spark plugs and washer blades. What’s more important than money?”
“Who’s managing it and where it’s invested.”
The door opened, and Marissa and Feng returned. Maybe now I’d learn what they planned together. Feng closed the door, and the two joined us at the table.
