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“I just need to lock up, then I’ll meet you over there.”
“I think she’d like to see the studio, if you wouldn’t mind.”
While El didn’t squeal this time, she did smile and clap her hands. “You fetch her, and I’ll tidy up a bit.”
When she turned to walk away, I grabbed her hand. “Get back here and kiss me.”
Apart from the looks of astonishment I saw on Kima’s face from time to time, our dinner was going splendidly. After the first few minutes, the two women were engaged in lively conversation, giving me a few minutes to excuse myself to check a message I’d received. It was delivered via the secure app and was from Gerlando Battaglia, don of the Sicilian Syndicate, requesting Benito Carpinelli’s services. This time, I couldn’t refuse. Like the last hit I’d actually carried out, the man in question was as big a scumbag as his boss.
El’s eyes met mine when I returned to the table, and her expression turned somber. If we were alone, she’d likely ask what was wrong. With Kima present, I doubted she would.
“A work-related matter has been brought to my attention,” I said, leaning down so only Eliza could hear me. No doubt, Kima could as well. “I need to leave tonight.” My hand was on her shoulder, and she covered it with hers.
“I understand, Levi.”
“I’d like Kima to stay here, in Brighton, with you, if you don’t mind.”
“I do not, as long as she’s okay with it.”
She nodded when I glanced over at her.
“Walk me out?” I helped Eliza with her chair, then told Kima she’d be right back and that I’d be in touch.
“I’m sorry,” I said once we were outside the restaurant.
“I do understand. To be honest, I’ve been grateful for the time you’ve been able to spend with me of late.”
“I’ll return as soon as I can.”
“I’ll be waiting.”
After we kissed, I asked El to go back inside. Once she had, I left, cursing the day I’d made the decision to go undercover as much as the day I decided to join SIS.
23
ELIZA
“My apologies for leaving you on your own,” I said to Kima when I returned to our table.
“Are you all right?”
She was lovely, and honestly, I wished Levi had introduced us sooner. I really needed a mate, and I sensed she did too. “I’m fine, and I’m not just saying that. I have some experience, albeit limited, with what’s involved in working for SIS.”
“By any chance, is the person you’re alluding to the man you were speaking with when Typhon and I arrived?”
“Yes. Do you know him?”
“We haven’t met, but I know of him.”
“He’s my cousin. Niven St. Thomas.”
Kima nodded.
“As I said to Levi, Niv once told me he doesn’t get on with many at MI6.”
“I don’t work for them, so I wouldn’t know.” She took a sip of her drink and looked about the room.
“The apartment may be a better place for us to have this conversation.”