Page 39 of Covert Mission
“Add a very nice tip for Charlie onto his bill. If he gives you any trouble over it, call my cell.” He handed the manager his card with his cell phone number scribbled on the back. “I might be out of pocket for a while and my schedule is pretty erratic, but I’ll see that he pays the bill.”
Stephano slipped the card into his shirt pocket. “I appreciate this more than you know. I’d love to comp your meals as a thank you.”
Seth shook his head. “That’s unnecessary. We like Charlie and were glad to step in.”
“How about comping dessert for the ladies? At least let me do that. You’re not taking advantage of Charlie’s mistreatment. I’m glad to offer this as a token of my appreciation for your help.”
“All right, but only for the ladies. Charlie really is an excellent server.”
“She’s the best we have.”
“I’m sure she’d appreciate knowing that.” Seth shook Stephano’s hand. “I’m going to check on my girlfriend. We’ll return to finish our meals.”
“Desserts will be delivered to your table soon,” the manager promised.
Seth tracked down his partner. Noah leaned against the wall across from the women’s restroom, his gaze fixed on the closed door.
“Any problems with Blankenship and his posse?” Noah asked.
“None. He wasn’t interested in tangling with two cops.”
“Too bad. Some days, we don’t get to have any fun.”
“Any word about how Charlie is doing?”
“Violet sent me to the SUV for her mike bag. They’ve been holed up in there ever since I delivered it to her.”
Five minutes later, Teagan opened the door and held it for Charlie and Violet to exit to the hallway.
“What’s the verdict?” Noah asked Violet.
“Sprained wrist. I iced it, wrapped it for support, and gave her some OTC medicine to help with the pain. She’s going to ice it after she goes home tonight. If it’s not any better, Charlie is going to the doctor tomorrow. Right, Charlie?”
“I don’t want to get into any trouble with my manager. I need this job to pay my school bill.”
“You’re not in trouble,” Seth said. “Stephano knows exactly what went down at that table. If something comes of the interaction with Blankenship, call Noah. We’ll set things straight.”
Noah handed the girl his business card. “My cell number is on the back. Use that number if you need us. Our schedule is weird.”
“Thank you for your help tonight. You were all so kind. I better go before Stephano worries.” She hurried off.
Noah took Violet’s mike bag and nudged her toward the dining room. “How long will it be before she recovers?”
“A few days. I told her to keep it wrapped while she’s working for the next couple of weeks. Her wrist will need the support when she’s delivering food and drinks to customers.”
“I don’t suppose the troublemaker and his pals are still here,” Teagan murmured.
Seth wrapped his hand around hers. “No. Sorry.”
“Too bad. I’d love to teach those jerks how to treat women.”
“Seth and I will bring you and Violet back to The Ranch before my membership runs out. If your luck holds, your friend Blankenship will be here again.”
Teagan inclined her head. “If we miss him, Violet and I might look him up later to have a chat.”
“I’m not hearing that, babe,” Seth murmured. “For the moment, I’m still a cop.”
“Being a rule breaker is so much more fun.” She winked at him.