The Steel Kiss (Lincoln Rhyme 12)

"So, you and Freddy go way back?" Von was reading the menu like there'd be a test later.

"School."

"School." Von's voice seemed to hint that that was a waste of time. "You drive cars, Nick?"

"I... You mean as a job?"

A laugh. "Naw, just you drive cars?"

"I can drive. I don't have one."

"Yeah?"

"Really."

Von laughed once more, as if that were the funniest thing in the world.

"What're your wheels?" Nick asked.

"Oh, whatever." And Von went back to the menu.

Nick too looked it over, wondering what would be the fastest thing to order. He wanted this to be over soon. Wasn't Von's bizarre personality. Well, it was partly that. Mostly Nick's gut told him that, despite what Freddy's homework showed, Von might be connected or whoever he worked for was, and one or both of them might have a record. That was a no-fly zone for Nick, a violation of his parole. He didn't want to ask Von because, if the answer was yes, then he'd know for certain. He wanted to tell his PO that he'd had no clue.

Best get the info about J and Nanci, buy the guy the best steak on the menu and shut up to let him eat it as fast as possible. Then get the hell out.

But even with the urgency there were the rituals that had to be obeyed, of course. The men chatted about sports, about the neighborhood, about business, even the goddamn weather. Von kept laughing at things that made no sense to laugh about. "There's a high-rise going up where the Knights social club used to be. You believe it, son-o?"

That was worth a yuk or two.

Nick caught the waitress's eye and she approached. "We're ready."

Von ordered a salad to start, extra Thousand Island dressing, and chicken Parmesan.

Nick got a burger. "Rare."

Von gazed at him with grinning astonishment. "You're not worried, worms and shit?"

Nick, gripping patience tightly, said, "I'm not worried."

"Suit yourself."

"No fries," Nick said.

Von blinked, reared back. "You're fucking crazy. They're great here, the best. I mean, the best."

"Then I'll take 'em," Nick said.

"You won't be regretting it, son-o. Bring him a salad too. He needs a salad. Same dressing." A grin as he turned to Nick. "They make their own here. You could call it Two Thousand Island, it's so effing good."

Nick smiled back coolly and ordered the same thing for Freddy. "Two beers."

"And me, top her off, Lucy," Von said, tapping the beer, even though the woman's name tag read Carmella. Unsmiling, she turned and left.

Nick said, "Thanks for doing this."

"My boss owes Freddy. You notice?" Von's voice dropped. "He looks like a frog?"

"Never did, no."