Chapter 9

“Give me a chance to prove it,” Reid said, his look open and sincere.

“Dinner? Nothing more?”

“Absolutely.”

“All right. I have a couple of things I have to do first.”

“Fine. How about I pick you up around six?”

“How about I meet you…wherever?”

“That works, too.” Reid thought for a moment. “Do you know Aiden’s?”

“I know of it. I haven’t been there.”

“Then tonight will be a first for you.” Reid pushed off the railing. “I’ll see you there at six?”

With a nod, Michael said, “Yes.” He wasn’t certain he’d actually show up, but by agreeing, he at least got Reid out of his hair for the time being.3

“You did come,” Reid said when Michael joined him outside the restaurant early Sunday evening. “I figured it was fifty-fifty that you would.”

Michael smiled. “Seventy-thirty on my part that I wouldn’t. But then I decided what the hell. It’s a free meal.”