Page 31 of Above ’N’ Beyond

Yeah, for laundering money. “I’m guessing she enjoys Lou’s cooking too much to give it up.”

Bella grunted. “That, and a few other things.”

Trying to appear only half interested, he adjusted the AC’s temperature knob. “Such as?”

“Such as taking over the Bistro for her special dinners any time she chooses.”

“Ah.” Jamie nodded. “That means no paying customers.”

“Exactly.” In the dim light, Bella made a frustrated motion with her arm. “She told me—not asked, which would be common courtesy—that next Monday, the only day of the week we’re closed, she wants a traditional Italian feast, at least eight courses. Now I have to tell all my staff their day off is canceled.”

Traditional Italian feasts were generally reserved for celebrations. “Someone getting married?” Still being careful not to show too much interest, Jamie adjusted the air vents.

One of the signs at the end of the exit ramp indicated the town of Nanuet was to the right and the Hudson Food Pantry to the left. At the stop sign, he turned left.

“There it is.” She pointed to a one-story building set back about a hundred feet from the road. Half the lights were still on. “Paola didn’t say much, and I’ve learned not to bother asking.” Again, it was impossible not to miss the note of frustration in her tone. “The only thing she said was that important people were coming, and she wanted everything upscale. Naturally, that means the most expensive food and wine we serve and even some we don’t normally offer.”

“Important people” could be anyone. Including high-ranking mobsters, possibly from the Palumbo crime syndicate. Tony hadn’t mentioned anything about that. Then again, as far as the Mancusos were concerned, Jamie was the newest and, therefore, the lowest guy on the roster and not completely in the inner circle. Jamie intended to change that.

“Can’t you just tell her no?” He pulled into a spot near the front door and shut off the engine.

Bella laughed again, tightly this time. “I wish, but since I only own forty-nine percent of the business, I have no say in the matter.”

Begging the question as to exactly what it was Bella didn’t approve of—booking an event on a night when the Bistro was closed or using the restaurant for illegal activity. Bella had to be a part of Paola’s operation. Didn’t she?

Jamie wasn’t so sure.

The FBI hadn’t known Paola owned the controlling share of the Bistro. His gut told him they could also be missing something critical about Bella’s role in all of this.

“Look,” Bella said, shaking her head. “I don’t know why I’m even telling you all this. I guess I just needed to vent. Forget I said anything. Okay?”

“Okay,” he lied. Nothing she said to him was off the record. “I can help out at this event, if you want. Bartending, clearing tables…you name it.” Whatever this celebration was, he needed to be there in whatever capacity he could wangle. “After all, I’m staying at your place rent-free.”

For a second or two, Bella looked at him skeptically. “Thanks. I’ll take you up on that.”

As they unbuckled their seat belts, Jax pranced back and forth on the passenger seat, expecting to go to work. Gnocchi yipped excitedly.

Bella reached behind her to pick up the puppy, then hooked on his leash. “Doug, the manager of this place, said there are a couple of women and their children staying here until they find better accommodations. They may not be up this late, but if they are, they’ll love Gnocchi. Is Jax good with small children?”

“The best.” Sometimes Jamie wondered if his dog was a reincarnated nanny.

Moments later, he carried the trays of food inside. Jax trotted obediently at his side, happy at not being left behind. Gnocchi tugged at his leash, barking the entire way to the door.

“Bella!” A burly giant of a man rose from a desk. “I didn’t think you’d make it tonight.”

“Hi, Doug. Sorry we’re late. This is Jimmy, and this”—she nodded to Jax and Gnocchi, both of whose tails whipped back and forth—“is Jax and Gnocchi. Jax is Jimmy’s dog. Gnocchi’s mine.”

“Nice to meet you, Jimmy.” Doug let Jax and Gnocchi sniff his hand. Instead, Jax lifted his paw and courteously placed it in Doug’s hand. “Nice to meet you, too, Jax. Bella, I didn’t know you had a dog. Where did this little guy come from?”

Gnocchi wiggled his body, excited at meeting someone new.

“We’re not sure where he came from. Lou found him stealing food from the kitchen, and I decided to keep him.”

Doug frowned. “I’m surprised Lou didn’t throw him in a pot of marinara sauce.”

Jamie snorted. “He nearly did.”

“You can bring the trays right into the kitchen.” Doug led the way down the hall.