Tell Tale Kiss

Chapter Thirteen

Since Jackson headed to TAO, he dressed to impress. Due to his muscular build, he couldn't just buy something off the rack, but thankfully his tailor had a suit ready that he hadn't picked up yet. Or he should say Evelyn never picked up, as she usually did that sort of thing for him.

Jackson added a few accessories of a designer belt, shoes, and cufflinks. Finally, he was ready and showed up at the downtown restaurant with five minutes to spare.

"Reservation for Jackson Brewer."

The hostess nodded. "Right this way, Mr. Brewer." She led him over to a table near the huge Quan-Yin statue that was the restaurant's centerpiece. This was one of Evelyn's favorite restaurants to dine in. She was a huge fan of restaurants with a fusion of tastes, and this Pan-Asian restaurant was known for its diverse fare.

Jackson fiddled with his napkin and silverware. He missed Evelyn. Perhaps it was because he always took for granted that she'd be here for him. Now that she wasn't, he felt... lost.

"Will Ms. Quinn be joining you?" the server asked Jackson, knowing he never dined alone.

"No, not tonight," Jackson said. He looked at his watch. His informant was late, and after making that crack about him, it grated on Jackson's last nerve.

He ordered some miso soup with tofu and manila clams and the wagyu rib-eye teppanyaki as his meal, along with some wine.

"Would you care for some fried rice?"

"No, I'd prefer the Cantonese cauliflower."

"As you wish." His server left to place his order.

Jackson received and ate his meal alone. He was never alone. If he did not have Evie by his side, there was always someone to take her place. Jackson felt miserable and furious. He called his informant. "Where are you?"

"I'm here. Dinner is too... intimate. Come to the club. You'll find me."

Jackson hung up and paid for his meal. TAO had a hidden gem, a nightclub that was separate from the restaurant that only served drinks. Being Jackson Brewer he had no problems getting in as the place often caters to VIPS and celebrities. He stood at the top tier and looked over the balcony, scanning the crowd for who he was looking for. The floor was packed with people either there to party or to dance. 

Of course, his snitch would want to meet him here. The dim lights and crowd would keep them from being noticed. There was a tap on his shoulder.

"Did you enjoy your meal?"

"You know I didn't."

"I do know. Just like I know the pictures taken tonight will make for a very sad story about how your fiancé took off to Missouri with her lover. Leaving you to dine in your favorite spot all alone, looking so miserable without her."

"Is this what you meant by a negative campaign?"

"Yes. If you want the world to love you, you'll need to crush the one you "supposedly" love."

"I do love, her."

"Please. You've done nothing but belittle and demean her. You've cheated on her, made her look like a fool so she couldn't succeed. I may be helping you spin a better story but don't think for one minute I believe my own bullshit. Decker is right. You don't deserve her."

Jackson growled in anger. "I decide what I deserve. You just keep doing your job, if you want what you asked for. You're betraying everyone's trust that works with you and you're going to stand there spouting virtues to me? What a joke."

"I'm doing what I have to do to succeed."

"Well, then it looks like we have a lot in common. So, tell me your idea."