Page 92 of Bittersweet Revenge

“Excuse me,” Caleb asked coldly after we’d ordered.

The waitress approached the table warily. She didn’t need to know who we were to be careful. We all breathed money with Rolexes, Prada bags, and huge diamond engagement rings we hated. Caleb's authoritative presence clearly didn't help either.

“I’d like to speak with the owner right now.”

“Sir–”

“I said right now!”

I looked down. I knew it was all an act, but I also felt ashamed because she didn't know that, and somehow I was not sure it was an act for Caleb. I was sure it was who he was most of the time.I tt was something still hard for me to swallow.

“Of course.” She rushed behind the counter before reappearing with a man I recognized as David Phang, although he was older than the image we’d seen.

“How may I help you?” he asked as he reached our table.

“We ordered fifteen minutes ago and we’re still waiting. Do you know who we are?” Caleb asked.

“You’re David Phang, aren’t you?” Archie asked.

The man looked at Archie and his eyes widened in recognition. No matter how much he hated it, Archie was his father’s son.

Archie looked around. “This is quite a restaurant you have. I didn't know being a deputy paid that much. You left the force a few months after my mother’s death to open this place. Just what? A few years in the force and you could afford to buy this in the heart of Chinatown?”

Caleb and Taylor looked at me with incredulity. Oh yeah, that man was as subtle as an elephant in a crystal store.

“I... Yes, indeed.” He chuckled nervously. “I’m sorry for the delay in the order. The meal will be complementary. I– Yes. I will check the kitchen now.”

He left as if his ass was on fire. I was pretty sure we would not see him for the rest of the evening.

As we ate, we talked about our mutual plan for the next day, all silently hoping that our plan had worked. If David didn’t take the bait, it wouldn’t be good. We would be losing our only real lead. And then what?

“Hey, what’s up with you? You’ve been awfully silent since we met Phang,” Caleb said as we exited the limousine, now back at the hotel.

“What if it doesn’t work?”

“It will work,” Archie scoffed, nudging me. “Did you see the man’s face? He almost shit his pants.”

“When will we know?” I asked, turning to look at Antoine who was walking a few steps behind us, hand in hand with Taylor.

“A couple of days?” He shrugged. “Maybe a bit more. I’m tracking his calls, not listening to them. It would have raised questions from my father to do that, but don’t worry, I'm sure it will work. And I agree with Archibald. He looked terrified. He will act.”

I sighed, leaning against Caleb and trying to concentrate on the positives. We had a fantastic room with an amazing view and a killer bathtub. We needed to make the most of it.

“Do you guys want to go grab a drink in the private lounge?” I asked, praying they would say no. But they were taking risks for Archie and I, so I didn’t want them to feel dismissed.

Antoine looked at Taylor, who gave me a little cheeky smile. I hadn’t fooled her. “Nah, have fun with your lover boy. We need to look at our schedules for tomorrow. It's quite a busy day, but thanks.”

I turned to Archie. He glanced at his watch. “I would, but I’ve got a guest coming soon and I want to freshen up.”

I crinkled my nose at the idea of my brother with a prostitute, but it was not my place to comment. “Okay, you guys have fun. See you tomorrow.”

“Three o’clock in the lobby. Don’t be late!” Caleb called as they exited the lift. “We’ll leave without you if you’re not back.”

“We wouldn’t!” I shouted just as the doors closed.

“He is a grown man, you know,” Caleb added as we resumed our ride up. “He knows what he is doing.”

I shook my head. “I’d rather not think about that. I’d much rather focus on tonight.”

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