Chapter 21
Full of pride, Jack said to the hostess, "Table for three. My daughter, Scarlett Nicole, will be joining us."
"I can get you a great table where you can be seen, or if you would like some privacy, I can give you a secluded booth in the back.”
"I think a secluded booth would be preferable."
"Certainly."
"By the way, is Kai Mason working today?”
"Yes," she said, looking across the restaurant. "Would you like me to put you in his section?"
"No. Actually, anyone but Kai.”
“Oh, I’m sorry. Did you have a previous experience with Kai that was less than excellent?”
“No.”
If we started asking him a bunch of questions about Vivian’s murder, he might be inclined to spit in our food. I figured we’d talk to him on the way out.
Scarlett's bodyguard pulled up a moment later in her jet-black Porsche Macan GTS. The valet grabbed her door, and she hopped out. Vincent escorted her inside.
The hostess beamed a bright smile, and all heads turned to look at Scarlett. "It's great to see you again, Miss Nicole. Right this way." With menus in hand, she escorted us across the restaurant to a cozy booth in the back.
Chill, down-tempo music spilled from speakers. Forks clinked against plates. The decor was elegant and minimal with an Asian influence. The place was bringing back the ’80s with neon accents.
We slipped into the comfy leather seats of the booth, and the hostess dealt out menus. “Your waitress will be with you shortly," she said, before returning to her post.
Vincent hovered nearby, keeping an eye on things.
It wasn't uncommon to see celebrity bodyguards loitering around. Many of them knew each other and would congregate near the bar and shoot the breeze while keeping an eye on their clients. They’d exchange gossip, dishing the latest dirt in order to report it all back to their employers. Loose lips sink ships, and staff talks.
"How did you find out about this place?" Scarlett asked Jack.
He feigned offense. "I know everywhere that's cool."
She rolled her eyes.
We ordered California rolls, zesty wraps, and plenty of fresh sushi. We shot the breeze with Scarlett and caught her up to speed on our morning.
"I'm telling you, why don't you just stay at my house. There's no need for you to spend money on a hotel."
"Food for thought," Jack said.
He neglected to tell her we had just been shot at the day before. No need to trouble her.
Plenty of recognizable faces occupied tables. This was definitely the place to be if you wanted to see a celebrity in person.
Scarlett spotted someone a few tables over. "Oh, there's Irving. I need to talk to him. Would you excuse me for a second?"
"Roth?" I asked.
“Yes. Do you two know each other?”
"No, but we need to talk."
Her eyes narrowed at me. "About what?”
"Vivian.”
She frowned. "I know. Terrible. I really liked her.” Her brow wrinkled. "But I don't understand. Why are you guys looking into that? Didn't the police already wrap that case?"
"Joel asked us to look into it.”
"He didn't say anything to me about it."
"Well, maybe he didn't want to worry you."
She started putting all the pieces together. "Is Irving a suspect?”
I shrugged.
Scarlett's face grew tense. "No.” She shook her head. “You're not going to harass him here.”
"We’re trying to solve a murder."
She leaned in and spoke in a hushed tone. "You realize that's the most powerful man in Hollywood. He can make or break careers. If you piss him off, that could be bad for me."
"What if he killed Vivian?”
She frowned, then took a deep breath. "Okay. There has to be a way you can be diplomatic about it.”
I smiled. "Relax. I’m a professional. I'll handle it. You two stay here and enjoy your lunch. If things go south. Just act like you don't know me."
Scarlett gave me a grave look. "Tyson, be careful. You work in this town, too."