Sway: I’m over today. It’s been a mess and weird. So. How was your day?

Brian: Long, boring

Sway: No kicking in doors?

Brian: Nope. Just staring at the same door for the past three hours. Lurking and watching.

Sway: Ohhh, naughty... Take a picture of that.

Brian huffed a laugh at the camera and winking emoji Sway sent with his message. Sway was hilarious when he was tired. Brian checked his watch. Sway would be getting off in an hour. It was almost closing time for him as well. After dark, he’d see if there was any activity in the otherwise quiet home. He didn’t know why he kept coming to the suspect’s house, where the wife still lived. It would be ridiculous for their jumper to show up there, it was the first place a recovery agent would look, but Brian had a suspicion that he would and soon. Ford and Dana were watching the parents’ home. Ford had one suspicion and Brian had another. May the best brother win.

Brian: I’ll take a picture of something else.

Brian waited. He and Sway had gotten a lot more comfortable with their flirting over the past week. He didn’t want to admit it—especially so soon—but he’d missed him these past several days.

Sway: I think I’d prefer the real thing.

Brian: Then come get it.

Brian was smiling and enjoying the teasing so much that he hadn’t noticed the dark Buick slowly pull to a stop a couple of houses down. The phone buzzed in his lap again, but he had to ignore it. The fine hairs on the back of his neck rose and his fingers tingled. Brian reached over and picked up his camera. That fast, he had the vehicle’s license plate, make and model memorized but he hurried to snap some photos of the figure inside. Brian couldn’t advance, he didn’t know who was in the car, but he would soon. The car sat for about ten minutes, then pulled away from the curb. The person inside was eyeing their suspect’s house so hard, they hadn’t even noticed Brian’s vehicle on the other side one block up. He hoped he got a good enough photo to run some facial recognition because that wasn’t their suspect, but appeared to be a person of interest. Brian waited until the car turned the corner before he put his into gear and proceeded to tail him. When Brian was stuck at a long stop light, he picked up his cell and shot Duke and his team a quick text to let them know what he was doing in case he needed assistance, then he pulled up Sway’s last text.

Sway: That does sound better. I’m feeling bold and adventurous tonight.

Brian grinned again at the ‘hmmm’ emoji. Emojis, Brian huffed. He thought only high school kids used those, but Sway sure seemed to find them entertaining. He even tried to make Brian decode one of his texts where he used only emojis… like now. Brian shook his head at the image of an old movie projector and a dinner plate with a fork and spoon. Brian checked the light was still red before he responded.

Brian: Are you wildly suggesting, dinner and movie? You rebel. You are being bold tonight!

Brian hit send, he didn’t do emojis no matter how much Sway tried to convince him. He didn’t get to see Sway’s response until he’d followed the Buick to their destination which ended up being the Whitley off Peachtree Road. A ritzy four-star hotel. Brian had a pretty good suspicion who was staying there. He’d get Ford right on it. Robert Clarkson probably wasn’t staying there under his own name, but once they acquired the registry they’d deduce who was helping their jumper.

He checked Sway’s last message.

Sway: See you at your place at seven. Be there, or be… okay, I’m shutting up, I’m tired.

Brian stifled another laugh. He’d take care of his overworked nurse tonight. With lightness in his chest, Brian realized his evening had just gotten a helluva lot better. But, first, duty called. He parked his Mustang at the back in the visitors’ parking and got out. He buttoned his coat and walked around the building, taking pictures with a device that resembled an ink pen. If they were going to do a recovery here, Duke would want to know the most inconspicuous entrances and exits. Despite the noise they had to make sometimes, Duke didn’t like his face or his business’s name flashed across the news. As soon as Brian stepped through the double doors into the lobby, he stood out like a sore thumb. Men were dressed in business suits, even the ones who were milling about were dressed for success. Strong jawlines and power executive-style haircuts. The women looked just as regal in their fine clothing and designer cashmere coats. Maybe they all knew his leather coat was hand-me-down and over six years old. He wasn’t sure, but they sneered at him the same way they did Julia Roberts’ character when she’d tried to shop on Rodeo Drive in her hooker clothes.

Walking tall as if he belonged there, Brian moved through the lavish lobby, towards an upscale restaurant. It was pretty empty, but it was also nearing five. Business was probably about to pick up any minute. Brian was led to a secluded four-top in the back and sat facing the door. He wasn’t expecting to find anyone, he just needed a few pictures for his references. He didn’t always rely on Google Earth, they weren’t always accurate. Call it the ex-spy in him, but his intelligence had to be one hundred percent accurate, his team relied on it.

“Good evening. Welcome to LaRoy’s. My name is Gene, I’ll be your server. May I start you off with a cocktail, sir?”

Brian glanced up at the young waiter with the long ponytail twisted up at his nape. He set down a single page menu with dishes on it that Brian had never heard of. What the hell was a De Jaeger, Sashimi, or Fregola in a salad? Brian shook his head.

The waiter tilted his head in confusion. “We have a variety of beverages. Is there something you’re in the mood for? The food is exquisite. Our chef studied in France and is considered one of the best in Atlanta. You sure you wouldn’t like to maybe sample something? Or would you like to see the wine list?”

Brian sometimes forgot how pushy really nice places could be about satisfying the customer. Brian wasn’t done scoping the hotel, but he didn’t want to draw attention to himself by sitting there without even a glass of water. Instead of shaking his head again, he nodded and pointed to the seared lamb with Israeli couscous. Lamb he knew. The other dishes were more eccentric than the one he chose. But his palette reveled trying new flavors.

The waiter smiled broadly and noted. “Ah. Good choice. That was just added to the menu last weekend and we sold out before the dinner service was over. You’ll love it.” The guy was so happy to have a customer that it seemed he hadn’t paid attention to the fact that Brian wasn’t speaking. “I’ll be right back with some warm rolls and some water to start?”

Brian nodded again then sat back and got comfortable. If the restaurant didn’t get too busy, this might be a good exit route. Brian snapped a couple of pictures of the emergency door that would result in an alarm sounding if it was opened, and a few shots of the patio.

The waiter brought out a wicker-type basket of rolls and softened honey-butter spread. He robotically turned over one of the water goblets and filled it with chilled water from a large bottle labeled Evian. Brian quirked a brow. Significant difference from the tap water he was probably served at the diners he frequented. Regardless, he was going to act as if he was used to this treatment. When the waiter finished pouring his water, he took the white cloth napkin that was draped over his right arm and swathed it neatly around the bottle, tying a neat knot directly over the logo and sat it in a metal ice bucket that’d been promptly placed there by another young waiter.

“My assistant, Maria is available if you don’t see me in the dining room.” The waiter waved in the woman’s direction, where she stood beside a swinging door that must have led to the kitchen.

Brian nodded again. The waiter gave him a polite smile before he left. Brian took out his cell phone and re-read some of his and Sway’s texts over the past week. They were really funny. Most of it starting when Sway had gotten home and his mom and that crazy nurse of hers had started inquiring about Sway’s day… or the mysterious boyfriend they’d yet to meet.

Sway: They think I made you up now. To stop their nagging for me to get a life. Now when I mention Brian…. They say… Brian who? Or ‘never heard of him’.

There was a bunch of mean-faced, and steam-blowing emojis before Sway had typed an all-caps REALLY?

Brian was still scrolling through and reading when a steaming plate of food was placed in front of him. The meat was slightly pink in the center with seared edges. Brian stared at the small yellow kernels of couscous that had been mixed with various green vegetables and carrots. Not bad. Smells great. Brian gave the waiter a nod and proceeded to dig in.

When the waiter’s assistant came over and refilled his water, then placed it neatly in its pail; her voice was whisper-soft when she spoke as if her mere presence and tone was a distraction to the customers. “Do you require anything else, sir?”

Brian almost asked for some Texas Pete hot sauce but figured she’d probably stare at him dumbly, then burst out in laughter at his—had-to-be—joke. In fine restaurants, he knew not to alter the meal with offensive condiments like hot sauce or steak sauce. That would have been preposterous.

Brian shook his head and put his knife back to the tender meat when he saw a tall man with a wrinkled suit and stress lines etched deep into his forehead and the corners of his eyes enter the restaurant and make a beeline for the bar. His physique was what had Brian pausing.

Is that him? It could have been the man from the dark Buick. Brian hadn’t been able to see him clearly through the tinted windows but what he had seen matched this guy’s long neck, and narrow face. Also, he was the only person he’d seen who looked more out-of-place than him. Brian lifted his cell to appear as if he was sending a text and discreetly took some pictures of mystery man, sending them to the office. If Ford was there he could get started on this right away. Shit, if they got this bounty, Duke would probably let him sit the next couple of cases out. This was going to be a big payday once Brian got this jumper. After that, he’d take his time to put in some work on the biggest case of his life.

Sway.

Brian watched the guy order a drink and drop onto the stool with a dramatic display of exhaustion. When the bartender set the double shot in front of him, the man downed it so fast, even the bartender was surprised. Mystery man gestured for another as Brian watched silently. His large phone beeped with a message from his brother.

Ford: That’s Max Q. Wright. Thirty-one years old. He was a financial manager at Queenshorough Bank until he was asked to resign two months ago because of his family’s connection with this case. He’s our jumper’s business partner’s nephew.

Brian frowned. Why the hell is he scoping out my jumper’s home? This was getting crazy and it was throwing too many liabilities or potential collateral damage into the mix. Brian typed Ford another message.

Brian: Is he registered at this hotel?

Brian only had to wait a few minutes for his brother’s reply. Hacking into the hotel’s system would be as easy as logging in to their own emails. Not a challenge for them.

Ford: If he is, he’s not registered under his name. Give me some time to weed through these. The hotel is pretty full for the weekend.

Brian’s annoyance rumbled in his chest. Time. Great. He checked his watch. Sway was already off work. Hell!

The way the guy was putting those shots of vodka back, Brian had a feeling he wasn’t leaving anytime soon, definitely not driving anywhere else tonight. Brian was about to—illegally—make his life a whole lot easier.

Brian: I’m gonna low-jack Max Wright’s vehicle. Can you monitor it tonight?

Ford: Yeah. I got you.

Brian signaled for the server when he walked by but he must’ve missed it. When Brian turned his head around the server’s assistant was waiting.

“How can I help you?” She said just as softly as before.

Brian almost rolled his eyes. This place was too much for him. He’d stick to his chain restaurants and dives where he had to damn near clang his fork and knife on the table to get a refill. Oh yeah, his kinda place. He gave the signal for ‘check please’ and she nodded briskly and hurried away. Brian watched his point-of-interest with one eye while he shot Sway a message.

Brian: I may be a little late. There’s a key inside the first stone in the flowerbed.

Brian chewed on his lip before he finally pressed send. It wasn’t a big deal for Sway to be at his house waiting for him when he finished with work, but deep down, Brian was buzzing with hope. That’s something he’s wanted all his life. He hoped Sway didn’t see it as a step they weren’t quite ready for. His phone buzzed against the table but for some reason Brian hesitated to pick it up. What if Sway said, never mind, some other time, then? He didn’t want to admit how much that would sting. Not only because of the reality of it, but because he really wanted, needed, to see Sway tonight.

Brian was still pondering when he saw his server come out the back with a man in a stark white chef’s coat and black baggy pants. He had trendy stubble that matched his spiky hairdo. When he got close enough to Brian’s table he noticed the man was rather tall and had striking blue eyes.

“Evening. I’m John LaRoy. Was everything all right with your meal, sir?” The man asked cautiously, but with a pleasant smile.

Brian glanced down and noticed he’d left quite a bit of food on his plate. That was rare, but it was because he’d been working, not there for a true dining experience. Of course, he couldn’t say that. He nodded, hoping that would suffice but it didn’t—the chef still appeared unconvinced. He stared at the barely eaten food as if Brian had offended him. “Would you like to try something different, perhaps?”

The waiter’s assistant moved quickly to retrieve another menu but Brian halted her as well.

Dammit. Brian opened his app and typed. “It’s delicious. I’ll take this to go.”

The chef did what everyone did when Brian spoke through a computerized voice app. They stared in confusion, then surprise, then they looked sorry for him. And right on cue, there went the pity in the chef’s beautiful eyes. Eyes that were bluer than the sky were now dark with storm clouds. Brian sighed inwardly and typed again. “May I have the check, please? I really need to go.”

“I’m sorry you didn’t enjoy your dinner.” The chef pulled a card out of his coat pocket and a pen. He began scribbling something on the back and handed it to Brian; a glimpse of something appearing now. “There’s no bill to pay. I hate for anyone to leave my restaurant unsatisfied.”

I said it was delicious. What’s with these people?

Two free entrees of your choice, was written on the thick card stock with the chef’s name scribbled illegibly at the bottom. On the front of the card was the restaurant’s information and logo. Classy. “Your next meal is on me. Let the hostess know you’re here. I’ll prepare you something I’m sure you’ll love, if you like lamb.” The chef gave Brian an appreciative once-over. “Maybe bring your significant other?”

Brian didn’t take the bait. Instead he gave a curt smile and stood, towering over the chef. He glanced up, surprised at Brian’s height but maintained his composure. Brian put a generous tip on the table and took his food from the assistant, she’d wrapped for him in foil shaped like a swan. Brian didn’t spare a glance at the man at the bar, not wanting him to make eye contact. He’d see him soon enough. The chef walked Brian to the front of the restaurant, out of either politeness, or he wanted to watch Brian leave.

“Hope to see you again soon.” He said boldly, standing in front of his establishment.

Brian didn’t respond. He doubted he’d be back. Unless he was decked out in all black and leather. The chef may have found him attractive, interesting even. Brian was an intriguing experiment gone wrong that men liked to investigate. There was only one man that had yet to run after knowing Brian for more than two weeks. Sway. The pushy chef couldn’t hold a candle to his compassionate nurse…who was hopefully at his house waiting for him.