“Never thought I’d see you on a date.” Gemi said, helping herself to Mitzy’s empty seat.

“Not a date if you have an angle.” Rainford replied. “What’s your business here?”

“Keeping an eye on you.”

“Jealous?”

“Curious. Besides, you can’t afford this place. Someone had to pick up the tab.”

Rainford swept his eyes over her low cut dress and red lipstick. He took a sip from his wine glass.“Have you been picking up anything else?”

Gemi squinted. She stood and walked to him, then leaned her face in. Rainford held his breath.

“Nice to know you don’t underestimate me.”she said.

She pulled something from her purse and tucked it into his front pocket. Rainford remembered to inhale.

“You better be worth my trouble, Rainford. Your men are starting to snoop. If I lose my job-”

“You won’t.” he said. “You’re good at it.”

She nodded. “So were you.”

He didn’t turn to watch her walk away, but he listened intently to her footsteps. He then took the cash from the bill and put it in his pocket.

Mitzy deserved it.