“About three years ago.” Dan’s smile grew and his voice softened. “Her name’s Mia, and she’s…incredible.”
Alex shook his head in awe. “Damn. Never thought I’d see the day the great Romeo would fall.”
Dan chuckled. “Me, neither, to tell you the truth. ButI’ll be honest, I can’t imagine my life without her, now.”
“That’s really sweet,” Eden spoke up. “I’m sure she feels the same about you.” The visions she’d gotten told her as much.
The love and appreciation for his wife was unmistakable when he looked over at her and said confidently, “She does.”
Just then, a large, half-pepperoni, half-meat lover’s pie was brought to the table, and the three wasted no time digging in. Their conversation went back and forth between Dan sharing more with Alex about The Phoenix Agency and Alex sharing his frustrations with his case.
After a bit, Dan turned his attention to Eden. “So, what is it you do, Eden?”
Her chest tightened a bit. This was always the hardest part about meeting new people. The question of what to say always left her unsure of how to answer. Thankfully, Alex quickly picked up on her hesitation and answered for her.
“Eden’s a private consultant for the department.”
“Nice.” Dan nodded his head.
He looked like he wanted to ask for more but didn’t. Instead, he picked up another slice and took a big bite.
Eden noticed the way Alex was studying his friend and wondered if she’d missed something. A few seconds later, she realized what his look was all about.
“Okay, spill it.”
Dan swallowed his pizza. “Spill what?”
“What are you really doing here?”
“What do you mean?”
Alex didn’t bother trying to hide his frustration. “Come on, man. You know that shit doesn’t work with me. We haven’t seen each other in what, four years? Then, out of the blue you call and want to meet up for lunch, right as I’m leaving the station to grab a bite to eat?” With a shake of his head, he said, “Nope. Not buying it.”
Wiping his mouth, Dan wadded the thin, paper napkin into a ball and leaned his elbows on the table.
“What makes you think there’s anything to buy?”
“Again, I know you. You don’t do anything without purpose. Not to mention, you’re being vague as shit.”
Eden remained silent as she watched the odd exchange between friends. At first, she thought maybe Dan was going to keep arguing with Alex, but then the other man surprised them both by throwing his head back and laughing.
“Jesus, you haven’t changed a bit.”
Alex raised a brow. “That makes two of us.”
“Fair enough.” Dan tossed the napkin aside and linked his fingers loosely together. “All right, I’ll tell you. But before I do, I need you to promise you’ll keep an open mind.”
“Okay…” Alex trailed off.
“I’m serious.”
“Okay,” Alex repeated himself. “Shit, man. Just say whatever the hell it is you need to say.”
With a deep, cleansing breath, Dan looked straight at Alex and said, “I came to Chicago because my wife told me to.”
Alex looked back at his friend. “Why would your wife tell you to come here?”
Dan waited half a beat before dropping his unbelievable bomb.
