Chapter 21

“There’s a new restaurant a couple of blocks from the gallery which is supposed to be good, and it stays open until two.”

“Who told you?” Merrick asked tightly.

“I work at a restaurant. There’s always talk about our competition. Damn, Merrick. Stop acting like you’re jealous or something.” Ryan looked at him. “There’s no reason to be.”

Merrick nodded. “I know. Sorry.” He smiled. “Okay, where’s this restaurant?”

“Turn right then right again onto Third Street. It should be a couple of blocks down on, well, one side or the other.”

“So specific.” Merrick winked then did as Ryan had said. A couple of minutes later they were pulling into the restaurant’s parking lot. By the time they were inside, it was just after one A.M. The hostess greeted them, asking how many.

“Two, and we’d like a table away from the crowd.”