Circles in the Snow by Patrick F. McManus

Author:Patrick F. McManus
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Skyhorse Publishing
Published: 2014-01-01T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter 15

Lester Cline, the headwaiter at Crabbs, broke into a beaming smile at the sight of Tully and Daisy walking through the restaurant’s front door. One of his aims in life seemed to be getting Bo and Daisy married. He swept two menus off the counter and rushed them over. “Oh, what a pleasure to see you two together once again. I’ll show you to your special table. I keep it reserved just for the two of you.”

“Thanks, Lester, but this is strictly a business luncheon. It’s Daisy’s turn and she’s paying.”

Daisy said, “It is not my turn, Lester, and I’m not paying. We’re here for a business lunch, as Bo says, so the county is paying.”

“Even better. The tip is always really good when the county pays.” He showed them to their table and spread a large linen napkin on each of their laps.

“What’s the special today?” Tully asked.

“You know what the special is today, Bo. It’s what the special is every day at Crabbs for lunch.”

“In that case, I’ll take the special. It’s always good.”

Daisy said, “I’ll take the special, too, Lester. And two glasses of wine. White zinfandel, if you please. I don’t know if Bo wants any.”

“That’s okay, Lester. I’ll just drink one of hers.”

Lester looked confused.

Daisy laughed. “Don’t worry about it, Lester. I’ll give one of mine to Bo.”

The waiter wandered off, rather aimlessly, Tully thought. Daisy could be an extremely confusing person when she was in the mood. He had long ago given up trying to understand her moments of whimsy.

Daisy said, “Hard to believe you once sent Lester up for five years. What was that for again?”

“Boosting cars. He only did three, though—years, not cars. Got out on good behavior.”

“And gave up on a life of crime?”

“As far as we know, Daisy. Can’t say the same for the chef here at Crabbs.”

“What! I didn’t know he had a criminal history!”

“You eat here and can say that!”

“Bo, it isn’t that bad. Hush, here comes Lester.”

Lester came mincing up, a white linen napkin over his arm, two glasses of white wine and the remainder in a bottle on the tray. He served them with elaborate gestures, something that caused Tully to think of a French waiter, even though he hadn’t actually been to France.

“Lovely, Lester,” Daisy said, while Tully frowned up at him.

“Thank you, Daisy. It’s so nice to hear words of appreciation from time to time.” He rolled his eyes in Tully’s direction. “So is it the lunch special for both of you, or are you going to try your luck?”

“Let me think, Lester,” Tully said. “Hmm. I think we’ll both have the lunch special.”

“Very good choice, sir. It hasn’t produced any fatalities in over a week.” He minced back toward the kitchen. Tully guessed it was an act. Lester really wasn’t the mincing type.

He sipped his wine. “Not bad.”

Daisy frowned at him. “Bo, you know the wine here is always good. Anyway, while Lester is gone, what do you think about us getting

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