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part of her inherent nature to be observant, as well as cautious. After all,
she is a cop, and a damn good one from everything my brother has ever
Vendetta 125
told me.
Nic finished off the last of her quesadillas and pushed the plate
aside. The restaurant was mildly busy for a Monday evening, but
the table they were occupying was fairly isolated from the rest of
the restaurant s patrons. Nic noticed Carly was picking at her plate,
seemingly lost in thought. Don t you like them? Nic asked.
They re delicious, she replied, dipping a forkful into the
salsa. I guess I was just admiring the surroundings.
You look a little tired. Are you feeling all right?
I m fine, really, but yes, I am a bit tired. I was up rather early
this morning, and it s been a long day.
Nic idly played with the wooden napkin rings, twirling them
on her finger. I m sorry to hear that you didn t sleep well.
Oh, I slept fine. Your cat, on the other hand, decided that the
break of dawn was a perfect time to wake me up. Carly took in a
mouthful of the cheesy delight and chewed contentedly.
I should have warned you about that. Sorry. Nic shrugged
her shoulders nonchalantly.
Carly shook her fork at her friend. I ll get you for that.
Nic caught sight of the restaurant s owner, a stocky little man
in his fifties, with a full, round face and a thick, black mustache.
Waving his hand at her, he approached the table with a purposeful
stride. Nicolita, it is so good to see you again.
Hello, Manuel. Nic smiled as she offered her cheek.
Leaning over, he placed a kiss on her cheek then gave an
approving glance to Nic s dinner companion. And who is your
lovely friend?
Manuel Garcia, Carly Jamison. Carly smiled and lifted her
hand, which, to her surprise, the man grasped and brought to his
lips.
It is a pleasure to meet you, the man said, his black eyes
twinkling in the candlelight.
Likewise, Carly responded.
The man straightened and turned to Nicole. Now, why is it
you have not been here in such a long while, Nicolita?
It hasn t been that long, Manuel.
That is where you are wrong, my friend. Every day that
passes is like an eternity. He realized that their glasses were
empty, so he clapped his hands twice and instantly the waiter
appeared. Get them another drink, and there is no charge for their
dinners, either.
Manuel... Nic groaned. We ve talked about this before.
He waved his hand at Nic. I know, Nicolita, but I cannot
allow you to pay for dinner. Do not argue with me, por favor. His
eyes implored her to cooperate.
126 D. L. Pawlowski
Carly sat there and watched them. The man was very charming
and obviously taken with Nic, though who could blame him. Nic
looked at Carly and smiled. This is the last time. Do you hear me,
Manuel?
Si, I hear you. He wiggled his eyebrows at her. Now, enjoy
your evening, please. He bowed to them then walked away.
Wow. What was that all about? Carly asked.
Oh...I was in here last year when a disgruntled employee
burst in and threatened everyone with a gun. I took care of it, that s
all. The waiter arrived with two new drinks in hand. Nic thanked
him and took a sip of hers. The wide-eyed stare she was getting
from Carly almost made her spit her drink out.
That s all? I d say that s quite a lot. How did you do it?
It really wasn t as bad as it sounds. Body language and eye
contact can mean the world when you re trying to defuse a situa-
tion like that. Then it s just a matter of getting close enough to dis-
arm the perp.
With a dumbfounded expression, Carly stated, It s no wonder
he adores you. Hell, I adore you, and I barely know you. Carly
almost swallowed her tongue when she realized she had said the
last part out loud.
Huh? What did you just say? Nic put her glass down and
searched the green eyes across from her.
I said that you probably floored him...with your abilities and
all.
Nic shook her head slowly. That s not what I thought I
heard.
Carly dropped her eyes and stared at the table. I...umm...I
said that...I...adore...you. Carly had to tug the words out. She was
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