Chapter 222: Preparations

Judd walked up the street to Coffee Plantation, a coffee shop and bakery housed in a small white Victorian house with a wrap-around porch. A tall, dark-haired man was already seated at a small bistro table at the far end of the porch. Judd nodded to him and went inside to order. Minutes later, he emerged with a steaming cup of dark roast and made his way to the man’s table.

“Mateo, how are you, man?” Judd proffered his hand.

The other man stood, shaking Judd’s hand heartily. He was as tall as Judd, 6’4”, with shoulder-length black hair, dark brown eyes, and a neat black beard and mustache. He flashed a bright white smile.

“Judd, it’s been too long.” He spoke with a soft Spanish accent.

“I know,” Judd admitted as he sank into his chair. “I’ve been busy, with work and…” Jessi flashed through his mind, “well, other things.”

“But you’ll be at the club tonight? How long has it been?”