by Mary Abshire
“Even if we tried, which would be stupid and crazy, it would take too long to get near the lawyer. We’ve been following him for days and he’s never came here. He probably just lets them do whatever. He doesn’t care as long as he gets paid,” Andrew said.
Emily slid the straw into her cup. “Well, we learned a little bit more about the lawyer. This wasn’t a total waste.” She sipped the water.
He chewed and nodded. “And the food isn’t that bad.”
“I’d give it two stars, max. And that’s being generous. I probably just donated to the mafia.”
Her appetite dwindled. She pushed her plate with the slice away from her. She hadn’t expected to learn much, but what she had discovered didn’t sit well with her. At least Andrew was able to eat what she’d paid for.
After she took a napkin from the holder, she wiped her hands. “I’m thinking we shouldn’t waste our time visiting the spa. If it’s another establishment for hiding illegal actions, then it doesn’t help us.”
Andrew took a sip of his water. “I agree. It seems our best shot is to go to the club and watch him.”
“Let’s hope we find a way to get close to him at the club, because right now things are not looking good.”
“Don’t worry. It will all work out. I’ll get him.”
She admired his faith and confidence. It boosted hers. And while they hadn’t gained anything of value to help them, at least they got to have a nice lunch together.
Chapter Four
Andrew watched Emily stare at her phone and tear off pieces from the crust of her pizza while he finished his slice. She hadn’t eaten much, but then she seldom did unless she was very hungry. In the short time they’d spent together, he’d noticed Italian food was her favorite, including anything with bread or pasta. She liked to eat spinach salads and vegetables too. He’d also learned she preferred darker colors, such as black and shades of purple and blue. He knew basics about her and wanted to learn more, especially since they would be working together for a while. He found it interesting she enjoyed reading paranormal romances. The rough and tough woman had romantic side he never knew about. She hid it well.
“If we leave soon we can make the next train to New York.” She lifted her head, shifting her attention from the cell to him. “It leaves in twenty-five minutes.”
He tugged a few napkins from the fifties-style metal holder. The bits of rust and scratches everywhere led him to believe he it was from the era. Everything in the restaurant looked of poor or cheap quality. Whatever small amount of funds the demon donated to the shop wasn’t enough or well spent.
Andrew wiped his hands and face. “I’m ready to go when you are.”
Their visit to the pizzeria hadn’t provided him with anything useful to help him get close to the demon. He’d suspected as much before they’d arrived. Although they’d spent close to a week following the demon, he hadn’t been by the pizza shop or spa at all. Maybe they hadn’t spent enough time watching the demon, but Andrew doubted the man would venture so far from his home and office to stop by the two establishments he owned. Both were out of the way. EC was the only place the demon frequented outside his condo and job.
“I’m going to use the bathroom real quick.” She dropped her phone into her bag, sitting on the table. “Do you need to go?”
“No, I’m fine.”
“Watch my purse for me?”
“I’ll guard it from the roaches.”
She wrinkled her nose. “Did you have to mention roaches after we just ate?”
“I was kidding.”
“Be back in a few.” She passed him and continued toward the hall.
Andrew scooted her paper plate with the pizza on top of his empty one. He folded the slice and took a bite from it. The food tasted bland, but his stomach hadn’t told him to stop eating yet. He knew she wouldn’t mind him finishing her meal. Although she hadn’t said she worried about their task, her comments indicated her concern. Maybe her unease had taken away her appetite.
He’d learned early in their relationship that Emily was the type of person who liked to plan things. She did it well, so he let her take charge. Her efforts had paid off in Pittsburgh and he’d been able to destroy the first demon. Sure, there were small obstacles they had to deal with, but her planning had paid off. This demon was different and every plan she’d come up with fell short. The inability to create a working scheme had to be gnawing away at her. Andrew tried to encourage her to stay positive. He believed they would find a way to get close to the demon. They simply hadn’t figured out how yet. His reassurances seemed to help her, so he’d continue to feed them to her.
The chatter of male voices from behind him gathered his attention. Andrew set the remains of the pizza down before he glanced over his shoulder. The two men dressed in casual clothes were leaving the kitchen. Emily stepped from the restroom and came close to bumping into them. She offered an apology. The man with the big nose gestured for her to go first. She gave them a smile and took her opportunity to walk ahead of them.
Andrew wiped his fingers on the napkin closest to him. He regretted eating part of her food since it contained mostly carbs. If they made it back to the apartment early, he might go for another short jog before their evening out at the club.
Emily returned to the seat across from him. “Let’s wait a minute.”
“I didn’t see any roaches try to get into your purse, or flies for that matter.”
“Ick, enough with the disgusting bugs.”
The two men said their farewells to the cashier on their way out of the restaurant.
“I actually got a little nervous standing next to that guy,” she said.
“Why? He wouldn’t do anything here to you.”
“Yeah, but being that close to someone in the mafia is a bit daunting.”
“What kind of crimes was he involved with on that show you watched?”
“The recent ones were money laundering and assault. I think he was tried for murder, but there wasn’t enough evidence or something.”
“That’s not so bad. Imagine if his name was the one listed on my arm instead of the lawyer. Our problems would be much bigger.”
Her lips twitched, hinting at a grin. She slid her arms through the straps of her purse. “I’m ready if you are.”
They left their plates and cups on the table before they headed for the exit. Emily had been accurate with her two-star review of the restaurant. He had no intentions of ever returning.
The loud noises from the garage at the corner made his head ache within seconds. He clenched his jaw and tried to ignore the drilling sound. Emily’s quick pace helped.
“Are we in a hurry?” he asked as he walked next to her.
“I’m guessing we have twenty minutes left before the train leaves. It could take us that long to get to the subway if the stoplights don’t work in our favor.”
They reached the first intersection. Cars went flying down the street. They paused briefly for the light to change. Once it did, they continued to the other side.
“I may go for another jog since we’ll have time before we go to the club,” Andrew said.
“I wish there was a gym by the apartment. I’d love to work out at one. I miss it.”
“We could work out in the apartment if you want. I know a few moves.”
She shifted her attention to him. “Are you flirting with me again?”
It took him a few seconds to realize she’d probably thought he’d meant the sexual kind of exercise. His intentions had been pure that time, for a change, but he wouldn’t pass on the opportunity for any type of workout with her.
“I’m open to anything. We could probably show each other something new,” he said.
She chuckled as she kept her gaze on him. “So you think I could show you something, huh?”
“I’m sure of it,” he said as they approached the next street to cross.
“Well, I like a hard work out,” she said. “I always feel better
afterward.”
“Working hard is good for the body.”
She stepped from the curb and proceeded to walk across the street. The screeching of tires stole his attention. A car raced toward them. Without another thought, he wrapped his arms around her. He lifted her off the ground and he spun back to the curb. His heart thudded as he set her feet on the ground.
“Fucking asshole,” she blurted, her gaze directed at the car turning the corner. She twisted in his arms to face Andrew. “Him not you.”
He held onto her waist, keeping her close. In a matter of seconds she could’ve ended up dead. The thought scared him. He couldn’t lose her.
“I said I’d fight to get you into heaven, but you’re going to have hold off on dying until I get back there,” he said.
“I forgot this was one of the streets where the signal doesn’t work.” She remained close to him, her body touching his. “I’m sorry. I should really pay more attention.”
“Please do. I don’t mind saving you, but that was a little too close.” His heart began to slow. She felt good in his grasp. He wanted to keep her pressed to him.
“I owe you a huge thank you.”
His cock came alive while he held her and stared at her soft pink lips. “I can think of many ways for you to thank me.” A kiss would be nice. Her mouth pressed to his and a little playful tongue activity would be a good start to reflect her gratefulness.
A grin emerged on her face. She placed a palm on his chest and took a step back. “We have to get going if we’re going to make the train.”
Right. The train. He slid his hands away and breathed in deeply. The brief closeness had given him a hard-on. He wouldn’t be able get the thought of kissing her out of his head for a while. He suspected he’d have to take a cold shower instead of a jog when they reached the apartment.
Emily gazed down the street as she took hesitant steps to cross the road. He stayed at her side, arm stretched close to her back, but not touching. He watched and was ready to save her again if he had to. The near deathblow she’d almost taken had scared him and made him realize how much he cared for her. Emily’s life was precious. She wasn’t some woman helping him destroy demons. She was special in more ways than he could count. He needed her as if she were the force behind his beating heart. He wanted her as if she were the only woman who could satisfy his desires. They had a complicated relationship and partnership, but one thing he knew for sure, he would do everything necessary to stay with her.
Chapter Five
Emily stood in line with Andrew. They’d spent the last half hour waiting to get into the club. Most of the females standing around wore dresses and high heels. Emily opted for small two-inch heeled shoes. The ankle she’d twisted when she’d fought the demon in Pittsburgh had mended, but she wasn’t about to put too much strain on the bone so soon. Men were dressed in nice casual clothes. Many wore dark pants, but some had on jeans. Andrew fit in well with his jeans and long-sleeved gray shirt. His pecs stood out slightly along with the muscles in his arms. Ladies nearby couldn’t take their gazes off of him.
She remembered the feel of his solid chest when she’d touched him earlier. His heart had been beating fast. He’d saved her from the speeding car. Had he not been quick, she would’ve been roadkill. She owed him her life, but it seemed clear he was willing to accept other methods of gratitude. She’d almost kissed him, but she knew if she had, their lips wouldn’t have parted for several minutes and they would’ve missed the train. The man tempted her again and again. If he wanted to finish his tasks without being forced to spend an extra year on Earth, then he needed to stop flirting and persuading her hormones to take action. Somehow she doubted he’d quit.
“Did you bring your ID?” she asked.
He stood inches behind her. “Back pocket with the phone,” he said, his hands hidden in the front slots of his pants.
“I’m glad it arrived today. Good timing.” She’d checked the mail while Andrew had been taking another long shower. The credentials Troy had sent were in the mailbox. Andrew was now set with a driver’s license, birth certificate, social security number, and passport.
“Me too, but I was surprised he chose Reynolds for my surname,” Andrew said.
Emily had thought it was a joke at first, but then she understood why Troy used her fake last name. “It gives us options. We could be married, or we could be brother and sister. Of course, we could say it’s a coincidence. That works too.”
“I prefer to play the role of husband.” He gave her a slanted grin.
She snickered. “Of course you do, Spencer.”
“Hey, it’s a good name.”
She rolled her eyes. Andrew had chosen Spencer as his alias in Ohio. He’d said he used to visit a shop in the 1980s with the same name. If she’d had a chance to select one for him, she would’ve chosen a strong name to match his physique. Spencer just didn’t seem fitting.
Moving forward, she clutched the wristlet carrying her phone, identification, and cash. The line to get inside the club extended around the building and into an alley. Business was booming for EC.
Emily eyed the bouncer at the door. He had a wider frame compared to Andrew and wore a white button-down tucked inside black pants. A plug in one of his ears connected to a tablet in his hand. Three ladies near the door were trying to flirt with him.
“You’re staring again,” Andrew whispered in her ear. “My wife shouldn’t stare at other men.”
Emily twisted to face him. “Don’t worry, he’s not my type.”
“And what is?”
The question stumped her. She’d dated several men, all different sizes and personalities. So what kind of man was she looking for?
“I don’t get hung up on looks, but I like healthy men. I’m pretty active, so any man I date will have to be able to keep up with me. I prefer someone smart, brave, and challenging, someone who will do what’s right even if it’s wrong. And he has to have a sense of humor. Life isn’t peaches and cream.”
“That’s a somewhat vague description,” he said as they continued a few steps.
“You asked. I answered. What about you?”
“I’m looking at her,” he said without any delay.
She chuckled. “Yeah, I’m your type all right. As long as I have tits and a vagina.”
From what he’d told her, he’d had plenty of women in his first life and in heaven. The man didn’t seem to discriminate. That didn’t bother her, but she took offense that he would consider her to be like any other chick he could have.
“I won’t deny that I enjoyed the variety, but things are different now,” he said.
They were different all right. He couldn’t partake in his quest for more women because of his punishment from heaven. That had to be difficult for him, hence the frequent showers.
Music vibrated from the walls of the club. The beat was fast and energizing. She tapped her foot in rhythm of the tune.
“I’m not interested in bopping every woman that flirts with me. It takes more than a pretty face and body to capture my attention,” he said.
She couldn’t believe him. Men like him didn’t change. And she’d confirm her belief in the club.
“You’re a twenty-six-year-old man in a body women desire. Good luck trying to control yourself,” she said as the headed for the entrance.
“ID please,” the bouncer said.
She lifted her wristlet. After she dug her license out, she handed it to him. The bouncer checked her ID and then glanced at Andrew’s.
“Go ahead,” the large man said.
She tucked her license back inside the small purse while Andrew opened the door for her. The loud music spilled outside. She walked into the dim club and headed straight for bar. It was easy to find since it took up a large portion of the center of the room and customers crowded around it. She continued to the square-shaped bar with servers working on each side. The club extended to the back with a stage at the very end. Two tables were set up on the st
age and a man wearing headphones stood behind one of them. A few people stood and chatted on the outskirts of the dance floor, but the majority in the center swayed to the music. In an hour or so, Emily suspected gyrating bodies would pack the floor.
Andrew placed his hand on her back and pointed up. A balcony overlooked the main floor. A few guests were looking down. “Let’s go check it out,” he said close to her ear.
She nodded and scanned for the stairs. Finding them in a place between the heart of the dance floor and the bar, she headed toward the staircase.
Andrew walked beside her as they ascended the steps. They reached a landing and had a choice to go either left or right. Emily continued left so she could look down at the bar.
Two men dressed in black pants and white shirts sat on stools at the top of the steps. One gave her a nod as she passed by. The upper floor looked more of a socializing area. There were three bars, one on each side and in the center. Groups of couches, benches, and chairs surrounded coffee tables in a variety of sizes. The furniture appeared comfortable for lounging with friends, which was what several clusters of customers were doing. Emily stopped at a spot where she could see the entrance and the bar.
“Not bad, huh?” Andrew asked.
“Yeah, it’s not too different from ones in Chicago.”
“Do you want something to drink?”
“Yeah, a screwdriver or something fruity.”
“Don’t go anywhere,” he said before he headed for the bar in the back.
She leaned over the side and scanned the crowd for Michael Lazzari. His usual time of arrival occurred between ten and eleven. Since they’d spent so long in line, the current time had to be past ten. She didn’t bother tugging her cell from her wristlet to find out. Glancing around, the club appeared in decent condition. Customers swamped the bar on the main level. The club had to be pulling in a profit. So why did the lawyer spend so much time in EC, and where did his money go? She suspected his funds went for drugs or whores instead of operating expenses.
“The bartender said we couldn’t drink near the ledge,” Andrew said from her side.
