Heads rotated back to nutrition when Milo shot the room a George Patton scowl.
Before our butts hit the chairs, the woman was pouring us spiced iced tea and leaving the pitcher on the table. A jog to the kitchen and back produced naan bread, crisp chili-laced wheat crackers and dip bowls of chutney, hot pepper sauce, and cilantro with garlic.
As Milo tucked a napkin under his chin, she said, “There’s lobster and lamb, both are extremely fresh.”
“Can’t refuse that—you?”
I said, “The same.”
“Excellent! I bring a platter.”
She brought creamed spinach with homemade paneer cheese first. And butter chicken.Andthree varieties of kebab.
Four types of lentil.
As the table filled, Milo’s eyebrows climbed.
“Appetizers, Captain.”
“Lieutenant.”
“You will be captain one day. Then general.”
When she left, he said, “She doesn’t realize she just hexed me.”
We began eating.
Six minutes later, with lobster and lamb yet to arrive, Moe Reed phoned.
“They’re on the move, L.T.! Left the house in the Rolls, drove to Sunset, and are heading east. I’m two lengths behind.”
Milo ripped off the napkin. “Damn, both Alicia and Sean are in transit. Any idea how close they are?”
“I called them first, they’re both in traffic. Alicia’s at Beverly and Western, Sean’s on Santa Monica near La Brea. Waze says at least twenty for both of them. I figured they should both hold till we know if the Kiersteads are going downtown or stopping somewhere else.”
“Good thinking, Moses. For the time being, have them pull over and stay ready. Tailing the Rolls any problem? Not the tac band, I don’t trust it, let’s keep it cellular, everyone on conference.”
“Got it, L.T. Finally something happens.”
—
We stood and put cash on the table. Milo scooped up my contribution and stashed it in the breast pocket of my jacket. His payment was three times the cost of a lavish feast.
The woman emerged with a family-sized bowl of salad. “No! Lobster is almost ready!”
“Emergency, sorry.”
“I will pack it up for you.”
“Thanks, but no time.” He eyed one of the plainclothes cops. “Bill, just got a Code Two, would you mind taking whatever she gives you and putting it in the big fridge?”
Bill said, “Sure, but I might kype some.”
The woman said, “No need, sir, I’ll put in extra for you. For assistinghim.” She scurried off.
Bill said, “You some sort of god? Maybe the one with the elephant head?”
“Blasphemy,” said Milo as we rushed out. He paused at the door. “The name is Ganesha.”
