Eye of the Abductor Read Online Free PDF Page A

water.”
    Allison returned with a full
pitcher of cold water.
    “I hope you don’t expect any kind
of gratuity after the stunt you pulled with my pasta,” Linda said.
    "That's enough, Linda,"
Brance stated harshly. "I apologize. The service has been excellent."
    "My ten year old niece
could've done better."
    Allison’s eyes narrowed, and she
resembled a female fire-breathing dragon about to incinerate the village.
    She lifted the pitcher.
    Tilted it.
    The cold water splattered into
Linda’s lap.
    Brance choked. Shit!
    Linda gasped and stood. “This is a
Ralph Lauren dress!” She glared at Allison. “It’s ruined!”
    “Send me the bill,” Allison said,
with a hint of pride in her voice. She stood in a defiant stance with a daring
smile curling her lips.
    Brance winked at Allison. “We're
ready for our check.”
    “I’d be delighted to get it.”
Allison walked away. Before she’d gone very far, the owner stopped her. He appeared
angry. Apparently he’d seen the incident with the water. Instead of returning
with the check, Allison removed her apron, handed it to her boss, and left.
    The owner walked to their table.
“I apologize for what happened.”
    “It was an accident," Brance
stated. "The pitcher slipped from her hand." He knew damn well it had
been deliberate. He cast Linda a warning look to keep quiet.
    "No charge for the
dinner," Mr. Ramono said.
    "The food and service were
fine. I insist on paying."
    Maybe now Allison wouldn't be in
as much trouble.
    Once in his jeep, Brance paused a
few moments to harness the fury flaming inside him before speaking. “Lady,
you’ve got a problem. I’m talking mental here.”
    She scowled so hard he expected
her face to crumble. “I was a little unreasonable, but it’s clear she’s interested
in you.”
    “I’ve already asked her out. She
turned me down flat. Like I said, you imagined it.”
    “Well, I didn’t imagine your eyes
glued to her ass all evening.”
    “That’s not her fault. She
probably got docked a night’s wages because of you.”
    He started the jeep, backed out,
and drove as fast as a pizza delivery man to get Linda home. Despite his hostilities,
he waited until she was safely inside.
    Driving home, he regretted Allison
had been reprimanded. Before going up to his apartment, he tapped on her door.
    She cracked it open. “What do you
want now?”
    “You left before I gave you
the gratuity you deserved for putting up with my date.”
    “I was fired.”
    “Fired? Damn, Allison. I’m sorry.
I'll go back and speak with your boss.”
    “It wouldn't matter. I’ve already
admitted to deliberately pouring the water on her.” She sighed. “Look, keep
your money. What do I owe for her dress?”
    “Nothing.” He admired Allison’s
spunk. The woman had earned his respect and then some. Linda had gotten what
she deserved. “Can you find another job?”
    “With so many restaurants around,
I should. It’s just that Ramono’s worked around my day job.”
    “You weren’t kidding when you said
you’re busy.”
    She didn’t answer him. Instead,
she changed the subject. “It’s late. And I have church tomorrow.”
    He rubbed the back of his neck,
wishing there was a way to make it up to her. He considered what had happened
his fault. He should’ve put a stop to Linda's hostilities from the start.
    “My mother’s been on me to attend
church,” he said, actually looking for a reason to prolong the conversation.
“Maybe I’ll surprise her in the morning and meet her there.”
    “I’m sure she’d like that. I
really need to go.”
    “Again, I’m truly sorry.”
    “It’ll work out.”
    “Well, goodnight.” He compelled
himself to step back from the door. She closed and locked it, then turned off
the outside light, leaving him in the dark.
    A gold Chrysler sedan with its
headlights on was parked along the curb. He’d seen it there before but never at
night. The car pulled away and left the parking lot.
    Brance trudged up the