Monday Evening
Ryan finished his drink at the Hi-Lite Bar and signaled the waitress to come over to his table.
“Another scotch?”
“Yes, but where is Mitch? You said he had stepped out for more supplies and wouldn’t be long.”
“He should be back soon.” She picked up the empty glass and shifted her hips. She noticed that, unlike the regulars, he was dressed up in a suit jacket. That meant there was a chance of a better tip. She also knew he was the owner of the bar, and it wouldn’t hurt to be on his good side. “I’ll get you another scotch. By the way, my name is Jill.” She walked away with a stride that was accented by her tight blue jeans.
Shortly later, Mitch arrived in the bar. The waitress pointed at Ryan, and he made his way over.
“Hi, Ryan. What brings you here?” The tall, slim man sat across from Ryan.
“A couple of things. One is our business relationship. From now on I want you to make the cash delivery. I don’t want a bunch of unknowns coming to me with an envelope full of bills. That’s not smart or secure.”
“I was busy. I have the bar to run.”
“Figure it out. You make those deliveries personally. Clear?”
“Alright, alright.”
“What’s the other thing?”
“You can cover my tab, then send that waitress back over here.”
A few minutes later, the waitress came back to his table. “Is everything okay?”
“Yup, just fine.” He put a twenty-dollar bill on the table. “Your tip. Tell me, do you model on the side? You have a pretty face and I’d like to have a few photos done of you.”
“Sometimes.” She gave him a smile.
He took her name and phone number, telling her he would call her soon. After she left, he listened to his voice messages, cursing as he listened to Rachel’s voice. “No way you’re walking away from me just like that.” He wanted to call her back right away but didn’t think she would answer a call from him if Joseph was nearby. Instead, he called Melisa.
“Hey, how about I pick you up in an hour?” He listened to her reply. “Sure, I’ll take you to a nice place.” He broke off the connection. “Damn, she’s getting to be high maintenance. And this bit about me getting a divorce so I can be with her? She ain’t that good in bed.”