Jason took a sip of his water, and set it back in the pool of condensation ruining his menu. “One thing I didn’t mention last night . . . “ He waited until Knox met his eyes. “Eric said he was planning on reinstating Allie for active duty if the doctor gives her the all-clear tomorrow.”
Knox’s brows inched up. “I knew the doctor was going to reassess her tomorrow. But I didn’t know Eric wanted to call her back in so quickly. She might need more rest.”
“Maybe,” Jason said. “But, that’s not our call.”
Knox’s expression did not agree.
Jason lifted one eyebrow. “Is it?”
Knox huffed. “That’s up to Allie. And the doctor. And, I guess Eric, but I don’t want him pushing her into too much too soon. She’s been through—”
Jason raised a hand to quell the irritation in his friend’s voice. “I know. And I’m not saying you shouldn’t offer your input on the matter, but step lightly.”
“What does that mean?”
Jason shrugged. “I get the feeling Allie is ready to get back to work. And I think you’ll regret it if you try to sideline her. “
Their waiter appeared, and Knox sounded less enthusiastic about his pancakes than he did a few minutes ago. Though their conversation hadn’t lessened his appetite.
“And could I get a double side of sausage, some toast, and two eggs? Over easy.”
“Of course, sir,” the waiter said. He looked at Jason. “And you, sir?”
“The vegetable omelet with a side of bacon. And coffee, please.”
“Of course, sir. Can I get you anything else? Are you still expecting a third person?”
Jason looked up to see Frederick hurrying over.
“My apologies,” Frederick said to Jason as he approached the table. He then assured the waiter he didn’t plan on ordering food, but ordered a cappuccino.
One glance at Frederick Kost told Jason a few things. The man was well-groomed and fit—not like he could handle himself in a fight—more like he spent time in the gym to look good in his tailored clothes. Late thirties, short blonde hair, unnaturally white teeth. And eager.
Frederick took his seat and watched the waiter walk away, supposedly to confirm he was out of earshot before he started speaking again. When the waiter entered the kitchen, Frederick looked relieved. “Thank you for meeting with me. And again, I apologize for my tardiness. It couldn’t be helped.”
Jason gave a slight chin lift. “Not a problem. Now, tell us what’s on your mind.”
“Of course.” Confidence danced on his face.
Jason was intrigued. What could this guy possibly have?
“I have Gus Branch’s cell phone,” Frederick declared in a quiet, proud voice, his chest puffing out—not unlike a peacock.
Okay. That’s interesting.
Jason answered the questioning look on Knox’s face. “We didn’t find his phone. It seemed likely it had fallen into the ocean, given the . . . circumstances of how we found Gus’s body.”
Knox nodded.
Jason turned back to Frederick. “And how did you acquire the personal cell phone of a murder victim?”
“Hey there, don’t sound all accusatory about it. I didn’t kill him.”
“How do we know that?” Knox asked.
Frederick looked a little scared, and a little annoyed. “Well, for one, there’s no way I’d come talking to you guys if I’d murdered him. I’m not that stupid.”
Jason sat back and steepled his fingers. “How is it that you know who we are?”
