Chapter 32

“If that is the best you can offer…” The man beside him shrugged.

Donnelly brought the glass of red wine. “That’ll be four fifty.”

“I’ll get it!” Matthew pushed one of the fives he’d received in change across the bar.

“Thank you.” The man reached for his glass. “To your…good health.” He barely seemed to touch the rim to his lips. “I was sorry to hear of Noah Crist’s passing.”

“You…you knew Grandfather?”

“Rather, let us say I knew ofhim. He was a dedicated man.”

“Yes. He was. He shouldn’t have died.”

“No, he should not.” The Spaniard looked around. “I believe I will have a seat at a booth. It is so much more comfortable than these stools. Will you join me?”

“Uh…sure.” Matthew followed him to a booth toward the back. It was getting late, and there weren’t many people in that area of the bar, so they had their choice. He slid into the seat facing the back, while the man sat opposite him. “This is much better. Larry was starting to be a wet blanket.”