Page 70 of Beneath the Light of the Moon
“No.”
“Of course. But I also think you’re getting into a habit—a bad one might I mention—of keeping things from me.”
“I’m not doing that.”
“But it makes sense since your kinkisbeing lonely n’ all.”
“That’s not even real–I don’t have—”
“Ah, ah, ah, never say never. You’d be surprised what’s out there.” Mikko huffed tiredly into his shot glass as his friend continued. “Besides, I’ve known you for too long not to know something is bothering you.”
Another eye roll only encouraged Cristiano’s behavior. “At least tell me you’re texting other people…ones whoaren’twork related, “Cristiano quickly added. “Perhaps a single lady? Are you finally tryin’ out dating apps like I told you too? That would explain the look of disdain that’s always on your face,” his friend rambled on while Mikko locked his phone and put it away, done commanding Levi for now.
“Hell, I wouldn’t even care if you were chattin’ it up with a man,” Cristiano continued.
Pinching the bridge of his nose, Mikko didn’t say anything for a moment as Cristiano trailed off.
Then, “While I appreciate yourfervor,no, I’m not talking to a woman.”
“So it’s a man then?”
“Yes, but not like that. You know men aren’t my preference.”
“Speak for yourself, although this Ivan conspiracy is taking up precious time in my personal life. EvenIcan’t get any di—”
Their waiter returned then, preventing the men from saying anything more. The man refilled their waters and took note of theirdwindling alcoholic beverages before promising to return with more.
The brisk silence gave Mikko time to collect his thoughts, mind wandering to the images and news on a repeated loop in his head. Both men had decided dinner might soothe their worries, a routine they’d formed long ago. Each week, either Mikko or Cristiano, would pick a restaurant and they’d spend the whole evening eating and drinking. It was a good time to catch up and blow off some steam from the week.
God knew they needed it now.
After the waiter was gone, Cristiano continued. “Anyway, let’s hope my stomach has calmed down when the food finally comes out. I’ve been cravin’ a steak for a while now.”
“You had one last week when we went out.” Mikko’s finger tapped the edge of his glass.
“I know”—he took a sip of his wine—“but that’s too much time in between for my liking. But that’s besides the point. Ivan. We got together to talk about Ivan. What the fuck is going on with all this?”
Mikko wished he had more vodka to sip on, anything to take the edge out of his voice. “You know the DNA sample I got back on the gum?” Cristiano nodded, his neon hair now faded to a light sea green. “Well, I think it’s time I told you about that lead.”
“I’m afraid to talk right now lest you stop, so go on…” his friend murmured.
Mikko continued on, unphased. “The profile is for a woman named Anika Simmons.”
“The same Anika whose name you let slip out the other day? The one you told me wasn’t a crush?” Cristiano asked.
“Yes, that’s the one.”
“So sheisa crush, then?”
“No, no that’s not the point of this.” Cris made a face that said he didn’t really believe Mikko’s words, but he’d keep listening. “Thepoint is she’s the same one who approached me atBubblegumand the same woman who toured the warehouse…”
“The same one Ivan ended up dead in,” Cristiano finished. “Do you think she’s behind it? Levi could also be a suspect. He’s the one who knows the lockbox code and has motives.”
“His motive is just misdirected envy and self-loathing. Everyone knows he wants my position one day—thinks I’m not good enough for it—therefore, he’d be dumb to start doing something like this.” Mikko explained as he continued tapping the rim of his shot glass.
Cristiano snorted humorlessly. “Exactly, heisdumb. Have you forgotten?”
“No, he makes it hard to forget, but Anika could have a motive too.”
