Scattered

19

"The Price of the Priceless Merlot."

It took less than two minutes for the car to come to a lulling stop. Strrom jumped out of the car and rounded to her side to open the door for her. Just as Olivia's vans touched the pavement, a sense of déjà vu hit her hard. She looked up at the name of the restaurant above the lavish windows.

Ebony.

Of course, the master of deception would turn her words against herself. It wouldn't be his first time, after all.

She sighed dejectedly as Strrom effectively locked the car and started moving towards the wide swing doors, leaving her no options. But she had to admit that Ebony was a much better option compared to his intimidating office or mansion. Olivia followed Strrom and came to stand beside him as he spoke to the maître d'. The man nodded, not before casting a curious glance at Olivia and led both Strrom and her into the luxurious interior.

Olivia glanced at the table where Jackson Shaw was murdered as they walked through. It remained unoccupied and sealed off with purple velvet rope.

She was going to get answers to everything today. Including Jackson Shaw.

She silently followed both the men who were striding past the hall where the regular customers had their ridiculously expensive lunch. Strrom opened a door in the far end and held it for Olivia to pass.

She subtly looked around; trying to absorb everything of another realm of luxury. The natural light was reduced to nothing as strategically placed spotlight made the interior look sleek and classy. There were fewer dining tables there, more so like dining rooms; they were closed off spaces that were occupied by unknown individuals who were dining in total privacy from the world.

'This way, sir. Ma'am.'

The maître d' ushered them towards a similar closed off space at the end. Olivia gently touched the silver engraftments on the dark marble, her mind flashing back to the card she received. The maître d' opened the door for Strrom and her and she stepped in hesitantly; expecting to meet the man himself.

'Sir will be with you in a moment.' He announced, 'Please make yourselves comfortable; the staff will cater to your every need.'

'Thank you, Silas.'

'My pleasure, sir.'

With that the maître d' who she had come to know now as Silas, left them with a soft click of the door.

Olivia looked around her.

There was an ostentatious dining table as the centerpiece of the room that was designed to fit about ten people. It was designed extravagantly with gaudy silver candle pieces and expensive silverware and glass adorning the table. A little off to the side there was a drinks bar and an expensive sofa set that was designed with diamante and faux fur. A chandelier hung above the showy table casting a dull, ethereal glow to the room since the windows were drawn together.