Part 15 (1/2)

Joey Ketrousie was the one who had sent her to New York. Did that mean he was the killer? Her mind raced with questions. And she didn't have good answers to any of them.

After a few minutes, a young man in a leather jacket walked in. She listened as he ordered coffee. Megan loved his New York accent, and his jet black, wavy hair. He sat down at a table across the room from her, and almost immediately began to stare at her.

She was flattered at first. But what if he was there to kill her?

Megan pretended her cell phone was vibrating. ”Hey, Baby...okay, I'll be right out.” She put her phone away, and rushed out of the coffee shop, leaving her half-full coffee cup sitting on the table.

As she walked down the corridor, she thought she heard somebody calling out from behind her.

”Hey, Lady.”

Megan walked faster. It sounded like the guy from the coffee shop. But maybe all New York men sounded that way.

”Lady.” He caught up with her.

She stopped walking and turned around. It was him. ”What?” Her first thought was to kick him in the b.a.l.l.s and run. But she froze.

”Back at the coffee shop-you left this on the table.” He handed her some dollar bills and coins.

”Oh. My change from the coffee. Thank you so much.” She wished she could get to know him and his deep blue eyes. Then she saw his wedding ring.

”No problem.” He smiled. ”Have a nice day.”

She resumed her trek to the pa.s.senger pickup area. Megan hoped Gabby's uncle was going to be there. She tried to remember everything Gabby had told her. His name was Melvin. He was in his seventies. He'd be wearing a Dallas Mavericks cap-a brand new one.

And there he was, plain as day-standing right next to a man holding up a sign with her name on it. ”s.h.i.+t.”

Megan approached from the side, and spoke softly. ”Are you Melvin?”

”That's me,” he said loud enough for fifty people to hear him. ”Are you Megan?”

She shushed him, and nodded.

”Okay. Let's go.”

The man with the sign stayed put. But she saw him glance at her as they were leaving.

She tried to hurry Melvin, but he explained that his arthritis wouldn't let him move any faster. Megan wished she could put him on a luggage cart and roll him out.

They got into Melvin's old car and left the airport. Megan kept looking back. But there were too many cars for her to judge whether anybody was following them.

CHAPTER 22 - Tuesday, 5:55 p.m.

”Reservation for G.G.”

The maitre d' studied the man before him in the navy business suit, long-sleeved white s.h.i.+rt, and maroon and navy silk tie. He checked his reservation book. ”I'm sorry, Sir. I don't see...”

He leaned in and whispered, ”It's me. Gabby.”

A smile of delight spread across his face. ”What are you doing?”

”Just play along, Arnie. Please.”

”Oh. Here it is. Enjoy your evening, Sir.”

”Thank you.” Gabby winked at him.

If Gabby's friend, Arnie, had not been working tonight, he might have been turned away. Or worse yet-exposed. The guy who was filling in for Arnie the night before had gushed over Gabby. He surely would have given away his ident.i.ty tonight.

Those years in the high school drama department had given Gabby no experience in acting. All he ever did was create costumes. But tonight he would prove he had acting talent. Suppressing his natural effeminate demeanor, he would become the most macho guy in the room.

Gabby had a wad of cash in his pocket, and he was ready to get up close and personal with a hot, young waitress. If she'd rub up against his arm with her bare a.s.s, he'd stuff her string with fifties.

His own thoughts made him cringe. Sure, he was only playing a character, but...he could never treat women that way. Dammit! He had to stop thinking it to death. Tonight he was an actor.

As the hostess led him to his table, he pointed to a particularly busty waitress. ”I'd like one of those...with cherries on top. And some whipped cream-so I can lick it off.”

The hostess stopped in front of an empty table. ”Sir, we don't allow that type of behavior here at the Cafe Nue.”

Gabby laughed. ”Oh, I know that. I was just s.c.r.e.w.i.n.g with you.”

”Here's your table, Sir. Your waitress will be right with you.”

His eyes followed her as she walked away. Such a cute bouncy b.u.t.t-dancing cheek to cheek.

Gabby hoped he didn't get the same waitress as last night. But there she was-walking toward his table.

”Good evening, Sir. My name is Cotton Candy, and I will be your waitress.” She handed him a menu. ”Would you like to start with a gla.s.s of wine?”

He didn't bother to open the menu. ”No. I'll have a Bud Light and a cheeseburger. No fries.”

”Very good, Sir. Thank you.” She took his menu and walked away. She did not appear to have recognized him.

Gabby spotted Rebecca on the far side of the room, carrying a large tray of food. He hoped she would see him and come by his table.

After she delivered the food to her table, she walked around to see Gabby. ”Don't look at my body.”

He checked her out, head to toe, and grinned. ”You are smoking, Babe.”

”Quit looking. They named me b.o.o.bsicles.”

Gabby laughed.