Bryn shrugged. “Stock up on Tylenol. It’s doable.”
“I wasn’t sure…I don’t want you to get hurt.”
Bryn perched on the edge of Emmett’s desk. “Don’t worry about it. I’m not that fragile. Do we have time for lunch?”
“First people are due in an hour.”
“Time for some of my patented chicken sandwiches,” Gunnar said, cracking his knuckles as if he were preparing for a fight. “Watch and learn, boys. Watch and learn.” He beckoned them to follow and marched to the kitchen. “Sit. Do not speak. Warm up your taste buds for a gastronomic orgasm.”
“Sounds…interesting,” Bryn muttered.
“Wolves like food. Lots of food. I can guarantee you’ve not tasted a chicken sandwich as good as this.” Gunnar held up a finger to halt any questions. “Judgment by taste only.” Bryn and Emmett exchanged a look, which Gunnar ignored.
“If I’d had more time to prepare, I’d have taken the chicken thighs out of the fridge to sit at room temperature for a while because they get crispier when you fry them, but life ain’t perfect.” Gunnar gathered the ingredients and equipment he needed. He whisked an egg in a bowl then in another stirred together panko crumbs, flour and salt. “Double dipping is the secret.” He dunked pieces of chicken in the egg then coated them in the flour mixture.
“Double dipping sounds kinda fun,” Emmett commented, drawing Bryn’s gaze. “What?”
“Should I be worried about you?”
Emmett ducked his head. “Of course not.”
“Riiight.”
“Are you two concentrating? You need a good, deep skillet.” Gunnar brandished a pan before splashing in some vegetable oil to heat. Sizzling sounds filled the kitchen as he laid the chicken pieces in the oil. “These take five minutes so while they’re frying, we can prep the sides. Bryn, you can shred the cabbage and cilantro. Emmett, slice the brioche buns and spread them with yum yum sauce.” He handed out the ingredients then supervised as his recently recruited kitchen assistants did as they were told. Once everything was ready to his satisfaction, Gunnar assembled four sandwiches. “Two for me. One each for you lightweights. Okay, eat.” He pushed plates toward Bryn and Emmett, then waited for their reactions.
“I vote for Gunnar making lunch every day from now on,” Emmett said around a mouthful of sandwich.
“Seconded.” Bryn grinned. “This is fantastic.”
“You’re spoiling us,” Emmett added.
“Ain’t that the truth,” Gunnar agreed. “The upside is I get to eat them too.” He’d already finished onesandwich and started on the next. “Hungry wolves are unhappy wolves.”
“You won’t believe the amount he eats, Emmett,” Bryn said.
“I have a friend who’s a wolf,” Emmett replied. “He once ate an entire lasagna, by himself. He still had dessert.”
Gunnar grunted his approval. “Of course. Talking of, there’s a pint of butter pecan in the freezer.”
Bryn and Emmett both declined, citing full bellies, so Gunnar fetched the ice cream and a spoon. It wasn’t long before he’d finished the whole tub.
“You done?” Bryn asked.
“That’ll tide me through ’til dinner.” Gunnar rubbed his flat belly. “You ready to go deal with these jurors?”
Bryn shrugged. “Whatever.”
“Your enthusiasm is inspiring. Emmett, can you track down the cashier and arrange for us to see her as a priority?”
“Sure. I’ll get right onto it. After I’ve cleaned up in here.”
“You don’t have to do that.”
“I don’t mind. You cooked after all, and you guys have to go work. It won’t take long.”
“Don’t argue with the man, Gunnar.” Bryn grabbed Gunnar’s arm and towed him from the room. “I like washing pans even less than truth reading jurors.”
Chapter Eight
