"Where do they live?"
I knew the answer before Molly sighed. "Upstairs. Juanita swears up and down it's safe for them. The people in this neighborhood love the food too much to mess with them."
If she said so. I would reserve judgment until after I got to taste the food.
It took less than ten minutes for Maria to bring two steaming hot plates of food to us. The aroma alone had me salivating. If the food tasted half as good as it smelled, then I understood why the family had protection.
Sure enough, it was that good and more. One bite and flavor exploded on my tongue.
"Holy shit," I moaned. "You weren't kidding. No wonder this place is full."
Molly scooped up some of hers on a fork and brought it to my lips. Fuck, this was just as good.
"What the hell am I even eating?" I asked in desperation once I swallowed the second bite.
Molly lifted her shoulder and chuckled. "No idea. Juanita never names her dishes. She likes to keep her customers on their toes. It's just special one and two. Delicious, right?"
"That's the understatement of the year. I might just beg Juanita to come live with us. I could get used to this."
My wife shook her head. "Nah. That's what makes this place so special. It's the mystery. Will you get a table or not? Will there be enough food or not? The less you come, the better chance there is of having different dishes."
Maybe she was right, but damn it was hard to rationalize that when every bite I took just got better and better.
We shared both dishes and ate every morsel of food. I even considered licking the plate but stopped myself. I didn't want to look like a heathen even if the temptation was there.
I was just about to ask Maria for the bill when my phone rang. One glance at the caller ID, and I knew what was coming.
"It's Matthew. I have to take this." I hit the accept button and brought the phone up to my ear. "What's up?"
"Wheels up in two hours."
"Vegas?" It was a stupid question. That was the only assignment we were working at the moment.
"Yup." Matthew was a man of few words when he was in team leader mode.
"See you soon." I hung up before he could say anything more. He wouldn't have anyway.
"You have to go?" Worry laced Molly's face. I paid the bill and took her hand.
"I do. My flight leaves in two hours. I need to get you home so you can pack a bag."
Molly paused midstep. "Pack a bag? Why would I need to do that? I can't exactly come with you. I have work."
"We'll talk in the truck." I had to practically drag her out of the place. I didn't say anything again until we were driving away. "No, you're not coming with me, but I don't want you staying alone at your place either. Not until we know who tampered with your car. You're going to stay with Elle."
"Does Elle know this?" Molly crossed her arms and glared at the side of my head.
"She will in a moment."
I tapped Rhett's name on the screen and listened to the ringing come through on my truck speakers. "Yeah?"
"Hey. I'm taking Molly to pack a bag. She's going to stay at your place until we get back."
"No I'm not!" Molly screeched.
Rhett didn't bother to acknowledge her. "Figured as much. Elle's getting the guest bedroom set up now."
"Umm, excuse me. Don't I get a say in this?"
