“It’s nothing, really. I got worried about you and it made me wonder about me being a danger magnet. By the way, I am not but you unquestionably are.”
“I am an ex-Seal. There is no comparison, darlin’.” If I had a dime for every time we’ve had this conversation, I’d be a rich man.
“You’re trending number one on Twitter. I saw what happened.”
Well, no wonder her undies are all twisted up.“Wasn’t nothing.” The scene flashes in my mind’s eye. Hell, I never expected someone to be so bold. I had it all under control but it was a damn sight closer than I’d ever admit.
“Patten SUV’s are not rocket proof, Sebastian. You could’ve been killed.” Her voice hitches as if she’s about to cry and I feel bad for worrying her.
I wasn’t. That’s what counts.”
“Well, what if next time-”
“Next time I will be just as careful. What’s this all about, sugar?” I’m getting’ a mite insulted. I’m the best at what I do. Not only that, she knows I don’t like tempting fate. Talking about what-ifs is worse than painting a bullseye on my back.
“Nothing.” Now, if a woman says it’s nothin’, you can bet your sweet ass, it’s something. However, part of being happily married is to know when not to push so I change the subject and click the TV remote until I find the news channel.
Whoa. Whoever put the videos together did a damn fine job. My performance is Bruce-Willis-Worthy.
“How about you tell me what’s on your plate?”
“Petey’s calzone and I peeled a whole carrot.” She says this with great pride because I’ve been at her to eat healthier.
“Impressive. What’s the occasion?” In lieu of a baseball, I grab my socks, roll them into a ball and toss them up in the air with one eye on the TV screen.
“I’m starting my New Year’s resolution.”
“In April?”
“You gotta problem wid dat?” Her Brooklyn accent thickens which always tickles me but I’m not taking the bait. She’s stalling so I call her out. “I was not referring to your actual dinner dish, I was wondering about your workload.”
“I know. I was messin’ around with youz. I saw Mrs. Nardo at the drugstore and she asked us to work for her again.”
“Don’t tell me her cheating husband has risen from the dead. Glory be, we have a miracle.” I use my worst Irish accent and she giggles.
“Ha. Not even close. She found a new boyfriend online and wants us to do a background check. I’ll have her sign paperwork tomorrow. Last time, she neglected to pay.”
“I remember. She said he couldn’t cheat if he was dead.”
“Yeah, well, he wasn’t a stiff when she stiffed us. Other than that, Slate has me vetting new recruits. Because of January sixth, business is booming.”
“I heard. By the way, he told me about another case, if you’re interested.”
“Really? Shoot.”
“Don’t’ get your dander up but this rich couple went to your dad first and he sent them to Patten who in turn, pawned them off on us.” Her and her daddy don’t agree on her choice of profession, so I pull the phone away from my ear, just in case.
When she huffs out a sigh, I relax and picture her eye roll. “Of course, he did. God forbid NYPD’s chief of police trust his little girl with some serious investigative work.”
“Don’t let it bother you. sugar. The good news is, our new clients are rolling in dough and want to spread their wealth around, specifically with us.”
“That sounds great.” Her voice trails off again and I can’t help thinking there is something she is not telling me.
“Earlier, you said you were at a drugstore? Are you okay, babe?”
“Yup, yup. I was picking up a prescription for Nonna.” My wife cannot lie worth a damn, but why?
“Sam, are you absolutely sure there’s nothing you want to tell me?”
