Soon, the caravan of black SUVs parked in the lot at the side of Sophie’s Diner. The operatives exited their vehicles and walked into the establishment. A handful of people were already in the restaurant, scattered around the dining room.
The hostess’ eyes widened when she saw Elias with nine people. “Uh, Mr. Knight. It’s great to see you. How many are in your party this morning?”
“Ten.”
“Do you want to sit in your normal spot?”
“Yes, please. Thanks, Molly.” Elias’ hand pressed against Iona’s lower back as the hostess led the operatives to the back corner of the restaurant. The men pushed three tables together and rearranged the chairs.
After they sat down, Molly distributed the menus, promising their server would be with them soon.
Less than a minute later, a teenage girl hurried to their table. “Hi, I’m Jenny. What can I get you to drink this morning?”
After they gave the teen their orders, Elias smiled at her. “How are your parents, Jenny?”
“They’re doing well, Mr. Knight.”
“And your baby sister?”
She grinned. “Great, thanks to you.”
Elias held up a hand. He hadn’t wanted a pat on the back, especially not with his teammates near at hand to hear the discussion. However, he wanted to know what was happening with the little girl, if today was the last time he saw Jenny. “No thanks needed. All I did was connect your family to the best specialist I know in that field. I’m glad everything worked out for your sister’s benefit.”
Jenny backed away from the table. “I’ll return in a minute with your drinks and to take your order.”
Iona leaned close. “What’s the story?”
“Exactly what I said. I introduced Jenny’s parents to a specialist in childhood cancer. Seems like it paid off.”
“How did you meet the specialist?”
“Matt Dempsey’s mother was murdered in Ardmore. Grant and I investigated the case and nailed the killer. Dempsey vowed to repay us someday. We told him if he really wanted to repay us, to give us an IOU. I just collected on mine.”
“Helping a sick child was a sweet thing to do.”
He shrugged his good shoulder. “It was just a phone call. Trust me, Matt was glad to repay me.”
Jenny returned carrying a large tray filled with various cold drinks and two coffee pots. After distributing drinks and pouring coffee into mugs, the teen grabbed her notepad and pen. “Are you ready to order now? I recommend the pancakes. The cook does a great job with them, and they’re endless. You eat as much as you want. I’ll keep bringing platters of pancakes until you tell me you’re finished.”
Seth glanced around the table. “Is that okay with everyone?” When no one objected, he smiled at Jenny. “You talked us into it. Ten orders of pancakes, and keep them coming.”
“Great! I’ll put your orders in. It won’t take long. Promise.” She hurried off.
Within fifteen minutes, Jenny had brought the first round of pancakes and several orders of bacon to the table.
Near the end of their meal, their conversation petered off to nothing as the operatives noticed a deep rumble outside the diner, growing louder by the minute.
Elias gripped his coffee mug tighter. He knew that sound, had grown up with it. Motorcycles. A lot of them.
He motioned the teenager over to their table. “Is it time for you to take a break?”
She nodded.
“Take it in the kitchen, all right? Don’t come back out here until the MC is gone.”
“But Shaylah can’t handle all the tables by herself.”
“Let her figure out who can help her, but it can’t be you, Jenny. Go.”
