Kris deflated. “Seriously?”
“Have to be there when the boats come in for the fish. Then it’s on to the other markets to pick up the goods.”
“Uh, okay, maybe not so cool. I thought they were open all day for people to go do their shopping.”
Ishmael laughed. “The best stuff is sold early, first thing. Commercial customers usually have an order already in and they also pick over the offerings for anything else they fancy. I tell you what, you’ll be wanting some specialty things, won’t you? Okay, new offer. Wait until Sunday and I will take you to Chinatown. There are some great Asian supermarkets there and you can pick up whatever you want. Anything they don’t have, write down and I’ll have it ordered in for you.”
“Deal.” Kris rejoiced. He was going to get something fun to do other than sit on his butt all day and watch TV or read plus get to go out. “Will I get to see Chinatown, you know, like sightsee or is this going to be straight to the shops and back out?”
Ishmael gave him a warm smile, one that reached his eyes this time. “Oh, we’ll see the sights. I bet your younger sisters will love getting to see the pictures.”
“I was going to buy one of them a lucky cat, as Chinatown had actually been on my list of places I wanted to see.”
“Then we shall make sure tog et her one.”
Their server reappeared. “May I take away your dishes for you?”
“Yes, thank you,” Ishmael said.
“And would you like to order dessert?”
“Oh, I’m too full,” Kris said.
“None for me, either. I’m afraid I was right, and I don’t have the time for any.”
“Very well, then, sir,” the man said, whisking away their empty dishes.
Ishmael finished the last of his wine and stood up. “I’m afraid I have to get back to work now. Ollie has ordered dinner for you tonight, it’ll be delivered around seven.’
“You won’t be home tonight?”
“I’m afraid not. I have to be at the club tonight.”
“Oh, right, of course.” Kris mentally kicked himself. The man had just lost his bar manager, of course he’d have to go help oversee the management of his club until they had a trained replacement.
Idiot. Besides, if he’s not home, he can’t do that stuff to you.
Kris pushed back his chair and stood, then allowed himself to be led out of the restaurant, Ishmael’s hand at the small of his back guiding him along.
“See, there’s Bob,” Rafe said cheerfully.
“Yeah? Where else would I be?” Bob asked mystified.
“The kid heard you were bitten and imagined a great calamity.”
“Nah, she just got my sleeve wet is all. They ended up taking her in, though. They think she might’ve been high as well as drunk. Her pupils were all blown and shit.”
Kris’ mouth fell open.
Drugs? Seriously?He shook his head. “Wow, I’d have never guessed.”
“I’m sure they’ll find out when they do a tox screen,” Ishmael said. “Make sure Ollie is kept informed. He’ll need to let her bosses at Triborr know.”
“Yes, sir,” Bob replied.
Ishmael turned to look at Rafe. “I had a message cross my desk about the handrails on the stairwell. Let’s walk down them. I want to look at them first hand.” He turned and pressed his lips gently against Kris’, pressing their foreheads together when he pulled back. “Don’t wait up for me, but be naked in bed.”
Kris stared after him.Naked? Are we going to…to…?He couldn’t bring himself to complete the thought.
