The atmosphere out there was relaxed, but with a hint of tension that was probably just me. It was palpable, pulled tighter than a guitar string.
Forcing a few deep breaths in and out, I started to make the pasta. Naturally everything was fresh. That's what my guests were paying for; a special evening of good food and good company. With the proceeds going to a shelter down the street from us.
They could eat well and be seen helping out other people, how better to soothe people's egos, while making Getzoff vulnerable?
If Cass sent the right message, Hypnos and Zeus would know exactly where he was tonight, and roughly what time he'd be walking down the street, possibly alone. It was one time where his whereabouts could be pinpointed.
Whether or not they'd act on it remained to be seen.
CHAPTER 20
HARLOW
My nerves were on edge all the way through the dinner service and into dessert. They didn't let up when guests started to rise and make their way out the door onto the street, most talking and laughing, full of wine and good company.
Judge Cross and Kevin Lotz-Moore were amongst the last to leave. Getzoff, and the men beside him, remaining at one table. Boner and a couple of people at another.
"I can't tell if this is anticlimactic or if things are about to get real," Cass said. He twisted his lips and thought about it but shook his head, coming to no conclusions one way or the other. He'd spent the whole evening in the kitchen, out of sight. His attention on work, and his phone for any updates to the information he'd put out there. If our enemies saw it, there was no indication.
Yet.
"I don't know either," I admitted. I leaned against him for a moment, my head on his shoulder, before I reluctantly stepped away. "I'm going to see if anyone wants coffee."
Making sure my jacket was straight, I stepped out into the sitting area and forced a smile as I headed over to Getzoff’s table.
"Detective, I hope you had a nice time tonight," I said.
He looked up at me and smiled. "Thank you. I can't tell you how much I've enjoyed myself. It's been a while since I've eaten so well and in such good company." He nodded to the man beside him.
"That's good," I said, trying to sound sincere. "I was wondering if you'd like a cup of coffee.
"I'd love one," he said. "On one condition."
If I wasn't already on edge, that would have put me right there.
"What's that?" I asked carefully.
"You've been working hard all night," he said. "Sit down and join us."
"Don't mind if I do." Boner plopped down into a chair opposite him, grinning at all of us. "Edward Bonegard." He offered his hand to Getzoff.
Getzoff shook it politely and looked back at me. Apparently he was serious with his request.
"I could sit down for a while," I said, grateful Boner would be there too. His table mates had already left, so him joining us now didn't look too suspicious.
I hoped.
"Excellent," Getzoff said.
"Yeah." I backed away and returned to the kitchen, where Cass already started the coffee machine.
"It might be safe for you to sit out with us now," I said to Archer, who was peering around the doorframe at Getzoff.
Very unsubtle, if I’m honest.
"Yeah, now most of the people have gone," he agreed. He slipped his phone into his pocket; the battery must have been almost dead by now. It hadn't left his hand all night.
He took a couple of cups of coffee Cass handed him and carried them out, placing one in front of Boner before sitting with him.
