Chapter 36

He woke to find both Jones and Vincent in the kitchen. “Figured I’d drive into town as well,” Jones said. “You fellows forgot to get cigarettes, and I’d like to pick up a few magazines to read. Might even try out that restaurant you told me about. I’ll be back before dinner.”

Nikoloz couldn’t think of a convincing argument to keep the big man around. He closed the door on the trio with some trepidation. Margaret was ostensibly cleaning up after lunch, but she’d made cow-eyes at him all through the meal. He might have to be brutally honest with the girl and forget about “letting her down easy.”

“I must check on the video equipment,” he called. “Do not leave the house, please.”