Redemption (Amos Decker #5)(77)
*
As they got into their car Lancaster said, “Okay, I approve of your new ‘subtle’ nature, Decker. But you really closed out the interview fast. I thought it was just getting good.”
“It was just getting good. But you can also push someone too far.”
“She’s scared.”
“She is scared. Because she knows more than she’s telling us. And she’s very concerned that someone else will realize that too.”
“Are you saying she might be in danger?”
“Everyone connected with this case might be in danger, including you and me.”
“We’re cops, we signed up for that. Mitzi Gardiner didn’t.”
“Didn’t she?” said Decker as he put the car in drive.
Chapter 49
POSH.
That was the word that occurred to Mars as he pulled to a stop in the parking lot of the Silver Oak Grill. He didn’t know what it used to be, but its old bones had been given new life. He looked around at the other cars parked there and saw a sprinkling of late-model expensive rides. There was even a Maserati convertible parked near the awninged entrance.
He walked in and looked around. The buildout here had definitely been expensive. Mars had learned about construction costs from investing in real estate in the D.C. market. Old beams, pricey stone flooring, an elaborately carved bar, expensive wallpaper, coexisting with contemporary seating.
The place was nearly full with folks having lunch, and there were three people ahead of Mars waiting to be seated.
“Melvin?”
He looked to his right and saw Rachel Katz waving to him from a table in the corner. He walked over and joined her.
She stood and had to rise up on her toes to give him a hug and a peck on the cheek. Then she took a moment to appraise his attire. Gray jacket, black turtleneck, charcoal slacks, and black loafers.
“Terrific outfit.”
“Thank you. You’re looking quite sharp yourself,” he said, noting her slacks, blouse, jacket, and flats.
“Well, I came straight from work.”
As they sat, he saw that she had nearly finished her cocktail.
“Drink?” she said.
He eyed the almost empty glass. “What are you having?”
“Dewar’s and water. I’m ready for a refill.”
“Hitting the hard stuff in the afternoon, are we?”
“We are.”
He grinned. “Sounds good to me.”
They ordered their drinks and sat back.
“When you called, I was surprised you wanted to see me again,” she said.
“Why’s that?”
“Well, we left things a little, I don’t know, flat.”
“I’m into long-range forecasting. Date to date doesn’t mean much.”
“I’m flattered you referred to it as a date.”
Their drinks arrived, and they tapped glasses.
Katz took a sip and said, “And I guess I’m also surprised that Decker is letting you see me. I mean, he is investigating, and despite all the facts to the contrary, I guess I remain a person of interest or something like that.”
“You know the lingo,” he said, grinning.
“I watch crime shows, what can I say?”
“Surprised you have the time what with work and all your other projects.”
She leaned forward. “What would you say if I told you that most nights, I go home, change into my PJs, eat a peanut butter and jelly sandwich with chips on top, and watch old movies?”
He studied her. “I would believe that.” He quickly added, “Not because you don’t have options. I imagine you could have your pick of guys around here.”
She made a face. “Thing is, I don’t want the guys around here.”
“Which raises the question of why you don’t just move somewhere else. Chicago’s not that far away.”
“David and I were thinking of moving there. And then he died.”
“So you feel tied to this place?”
“In a way, I guess. He’s buried here. What he started to build is here.”
“Right.”
“You don’t believe me?” she said, her mouth creasing into a frown.
“No, I do believe you. Look at Decker. He doesn’t live here anymore, but he’s still tied to the place. Comes back to visit his family’s graves. Different people have different motivations. You want to stay here, you stay here. It’s your decision, no one else’s.”
She was about to say something but then took a quick sip of her drink instead. “You want to order? The salmon is really good, but I’m going for the tuna tartare.”
He glanced at the menu. “How’s the wagyu?”
“It’s great. We get it fresh every day.”
“We?”
She smiled. “I guess I didn’t tell you. I have an interest in this place too.”
“A lady with lots of interests. Makes the world go round.”
They ordered, and Mars looked around the place before resettling his gaze on Katz. “Lot of money in the parking lot and at these tables. Even saw a Maserati out there.”
“The Maserati belongs to that gentleman.” She pointed to a shortish man in his late sixties with thick gray hair. He wore a three-piece suit with no tie, crocodile skin loafers, and, despite the chilly weather, no socks. At his table were six other people. Four men and two women.