Chapter 3

“Sol, don’t say things like that. I know you’re joking, but things like that are what come back to bite you on the ass, maybe in twenty years, maybe when you’re running for president. Hey, it could happen.”

“Crap. I hate the system we live in, but I think you’re right.”

“Sorry to rain on your parade. I’ll do the press conference today.”

“Thanks again. Seriously, I value your contributions to this office.”

* * * *

At seven P.M. that same day, James dressed in casual but upscale attire and gave himself a splash of his favorite cologne. Then he headed to the upscale restaurant, A Taste of Italy, that sat atop the bank building in downtown San Jose. From there, you could see to the south and west. Sunsets were awesome.

He waited in the lounge area and had a rum and coke drink, limiting himself to one, so he nursed it. He checked his watch. The man from the dating site he was supposed to meet was over thirty minutes late.

“Screw it. I’m here. Might as well have dinner.”