Free Murder.com by David Deutsch Page B

Imogen and I arrived around 7:30
in order to grab a quick drink at the bar.
    I ordered a glass of Sauvignon
Blanc and Imogen had a glass of Pinot Noir. I stared out of the
window facing 20th Street. There was a definite late autumnal nip
in the air tonight. The passersby were bundled a bit more than
usual.
    "Why did he call?" Imogen asked,
and took a sip of her drink.
    "I think it's more along the lines
of why did he invite us out to dinner?" I said.
    "Maybe he has something to tell
us?"
    "Maybe he just wanted another
opportunity to impress us with his knowledge of Latin. Or maybe
he's also a detective in his spare time, looking for clues, and is
going to pump us for information."
    "I was thinking that maybe he'll
tell us how he murdered Ted."
    "I'm sure he'll divulge that even
before the appetizers arrive."
    Imogen smirked at me disconcertingly and then
disapprovingly while she sipped her red wine. We chatted a while
and then decided to check in and be seated. The hostess walked us
over to our table, where Ginny and I proceeded to order another
drink while we waited for Mr. Miller to arrive.
    Around 8:20 p.m., Mike arrived. He
walked over to the table with a woman I had never seen before. She
was short, petite, cute, and was dressed understated but in an
outfit that must have cost $3,000. And that wasn't including the
diamond earrings that she had dangling off her lobes. Her short,
straight black hair helped to accentuate her light brown eyes, as
did her high cheekbones and fair skin.
    "Good evening, Max," Mike said as
he shook my hand. "I'm sorry that we're a little late. Kate had
quite a time getting into the city this evening."
    Mike formally introduced Kate to
Imogen and myself. Kate was Mike's wife that we didn't know would
be in attendance. We shook hands all around, and then everyone was
seated. I told Mike and Kate that their tardiness was certainly
excused and to not think about it any further. They expressed their
thanks, ordered a drink, and placed their napkins on their
laps.
    "I just love this place," Kate
said, and then went on to explain that was why she had decided to
join Mike out tonight. "I never can pass up a chance to eat
here."
    Gramercy Tavern was one of my favorite places as
well. I expressed that sentiment to Kate, and she smiled. Imogen as
well offered up her praise for the food and decor.
    "I'm glad that we have a chance to
get together and break bread tonight," Mike said, shifting the
conversation. "It was nice to see you the other week, Max, and to
meet you, Miss Whitehall."
    "Please, call me
Imogen."
    "Very well then, it was nice to
see you too, Imogen. I thought that you and Kate might hit it off,
so I am thrilled that you were able to make it tonight."
    "I'm flattered," Imogen lied with
convincing authenticity.
    "So what do you usually order?" I
asked Kate, trying to move this conversation along.
    "I simply must have the marinated
black sea bass. It is divine."
    "Sounds delicious," I responded,
looking at the menu while eyeing the braised lamb shoulder with
broccoli puree.
    We ordered dinner and engaged in some small talk
while we all sipped our wine and sized each other up. Mike was busy
making nice with Imogen, and Kate was busy looking around the
restaurant at everything but Mike. I was intently listening to Mike
and Imogen, although nothing of importance was said, while I
finished my wine and then promptly ordered another glass.
    Small talk was the common
denominator between the four of us while we enjoyed our dinner. The
changing weather, the city, shopping, and restaurants were all
riveting topics that were explored. Imogen looked bored. Kate
looked exasperated, and Mike always looked the same—intense. About
halfway through our meal, which was delicious, Imogen excused
herself to powder her nose. To my surprise, although it was an
extremely common occurrence, Kate excused herself as well and
joined Imogen.
    After excusing the ladies, I took a bite of my
braised lamb. It was fantastic.