"The owner wishes me to convey that everyone here tonight is an honored guest."
He paused.
"Your bill has been waived. Compliments of the house."
I gave a small, satisfied nod. The owner of Pinecrest Pavilion certainly knew how to play the game. A single meal to curry favor with the son of Harbor City's wealthiest man? A bargain, really.
"Please thank your boss for his generosity. Tell him—"
Alberta's hand shot up, cutting me off.
"Excuse me?" She shouldered past me. "Who asked you to speak?"
She positioned herself in front of Chester, chin lifted.
"The owner obviously did this for my husband's sake. Francis Pruitt? You've heard of him." She tossed her hair. "So stop acting like you matter here."
She snatched a glass from the table and raised it toward Chester.
"I'll thank Mr. Cross on my husband's behalf. This one's for him."
She drained the glass in one go.
"Once Francis finishes up his business this week, we'll personally pay Mr. Cross a visit to express our gratitude."
As Alberta set down the empty glass, a strange expression crept across Chester Bell's face.
Confusion. Then something close to pity.
He opened his mouth to say something, but a single look from me shut him down.