“And you’re late.”
He laughed, immediately determining it was acceptable to sit at my table. “Yes, I do apologize.”
Sighing, I looked away, shaking my head. “I’m a busy man. Every moment I spend away from my work is a loss of income and that’s unacceptable.”
“Ah, a man after my own heart.” He flagged down the waiter, deciding to stay, pointing to my glass. I was already annoyed by his attitude. “You came highly recommended by one of our long-standing members. He mentioned your particular proclivities are very much in the line of what we offer.”
“Hmmm…”
I’d passed the first test, but I already didn’t like the man. While I’d run his face through the databanks Raven Intel had established, I’d find nothing. He was nothing but an expendable prop.
When I said nothing, merely sitting back in my seat and shifting my glass back and forth, he studied me in a way that a detective would do with any criminal. It was easy to tell a lot about aperson by their clothes, their jewelry, and any nervous tics they might have.
Since I had none and I knew my attire would be considered acceptable, we would soon be down to specifics about my interests.
“What is your name?” I locked eyes with the man, easily able to see that my direct stare had made him uncomfortable.
“Does that really matter?”
“I don’t do business without knowing who I’m talking to.”
“Also wise. I’m Steven. Steven Powell.”
A false name and he waited for me to challenge him. I laughed instead. “Well, Steven, you can certainly tell Lucifer that while I appreciate the nod of having a meeting with someone who is likely nothing but a placeholder within this special… club, I only deal with those in charge. That’s how I’ve gotten to where I have in business. And in pleasure I might add.”
“Mr. Cavanaugh. With all due respect, as you might imagine, given the special conditions of our… club, certain provisions must be in place to ensure both privacy and protection for our members. I’m certain you can appreciate that.”
Still laughing, I leaned across the table. “I’m associated with these special conditions, Steven. That’s why the Privileged were recommended to me. Now, having said that, I also require certain provisions to be in place prior to my agreement to spend money. Given I was required to submit an application prior to this meeting, which included financials and what I consider to be privileged information, and I did so without reservation, Iwould think you’d be eager to accommodate someone of my caliber.”
Now he was uncomfortable.
Our drinks were brought by the waiter and I immediately handed the young man my credit card. And I didn’t blink while my guest brought the glass to his lips, taking the opportunity to determine how to proceed.
“We would very much value a member of the caliber of someone like you, Mr. Cavanaugh. While I certainly can appreciate that you’re a busy man and have your own set of rules to follow, you must realize that with something as special as membership into the most elite men’s club on the East Coast, we must be extremely diligent as to our membership.”
“As I must be diligent in who I choose to spend money with, Mr. Powell. My philosophy is such that I never make a decision on whether to purchase a piece of land or acquire another company without experiencing the products offered.”
I allowed him to experience my impatience by standing.
“Yes, that’s completely reasonable, which is why I’d like to extend you an invitation to be our guest for an evening. We have a special event tonight as a matter of fact, one that I think will pique your interests. Now, I will say there are some special instructions that must be followed, at least until Lucifer is comfortable that you’re a good fit for our community. Once that’s done, which I have no doubt will be after tonight, you’ll be invited to join and given full privileges to our club and all our benefits. Which I’m certain Catcher advised you is quite… pleasurable. I’m certain you can understand the precautions that are necessary.”
I continued the act, although I was already disgusted with the entitlement oozing from the man.
“I’ll consider the offer, Steven, but I won’t make any promises. Somehow, you’ve left a very bad taste in my mouth.” My card was returned, the receipt signed, and I rose to my feet. “Enjoy your drink, Mr. Powell.”
As soon as I left the restaurant, I could feel eyes on me. The man was nothing but a scout, a low-level player with no authority. A showman. I’d managed to grab a parking place close to the entrance.
I might as well use the location to my advantage.
As soon as I was close, I pressed the unlock on the key fob. Then I pulled out my sunglasses first, my phone after that, making a bogus call while standing just outside the Lamborghini.
And Steven was watching the entire time.
CHAPTER 5
Reese
“Get the fuck in there.”
