A Thousand Tombs (24 page)

“How can you tell they’re gone?” Gen asked.

“We re-pack the bottles into the original cases,” Julie said. “Just the stock above a particular price point. It’s a simple visual inventory method I like to use. I can see at a glance what’s selling best without looking at a spreadsheet, and it’s obvious if a full bottle has gone missing from the back room, if you get my drift.

“I’ve compared the paper records and I can see the wine is being sold, but the empties aren’t making it back into their cases. ” She looked at Gen. “It’s not exactly a horrendous crime, but something isn’t right. Would you like to look into it for me?”

“It would be my pleasure, if you’re sure you want to.”

“I’d like to know what’s happening.”

“Give me a call when you’re ready and we’ll talk.” Gen got a card from her purse and slid it across the table. “You’ll want references. I can provide a few names.”

“Is she good, Mack?”

“Yes ma’am, she is.”

“That’s all I need to know.” Julie picked up the card. “I’ll call you.” She looked to the stage and back. “I’d ask that you not mention this discussion to Shiloh, or anyone who works for me. Does Shiloh know what you do, Genny?”

“No, he doesn’t.”

“Would you feel awkward keeping it from him?”

Gen looked at Mack, asking if that would create a problem for him. When he shook his head, Gen replied, “If it comes up, it doesn’t mean I need to add you or Cosmo to the conversation.”

“Good. If you’re sure it wouldn’t place you in an uncomfortable position, I’d prefer it. I think it best none of my people know. Mack, can I also ask for your discretion in this?”

“Of course.”

Julie stood then, and Mack rose with her. “It was a pleasure to meet you both. You’re welcome here anytime. Genny, I’ll call next week. And now, I have to excuse myself and mingle.”

“Miss Russell.”

“Sit down, Mack, and enjoy your evening. That bottle is on me.”

She turned away toward the bank of booths along the wall. The quartet was in the middle of a Dave Brubeck tune, and a handful of couples were on the floor. Shiloh’s vocals brought a few more to their feet to join the dancing.

“Wow,” Gen said.

“Wow what?” Mack sat down and took her hand again.

“I like him a lot.”

“Everybody does.”

“I can imagine,” Gen replied. “He’s got that oh-so charming bad boy thing going on. Women love that. They make an interesting couple.”

“Couple?”

Gen looked at him. “Yeah.”

“What makes you think so?”

“Oh come on, Mack. Those two are gettin’ busy.”

“Is it women’s intuition tells you that?”

“I don’t need intuition. You don’t have your detective hat on tonight.”

“I never wear it around Shy.”

“Why?”

“He was my best friend growing up. I don’t need to know more than that.”

Which meant he didn’t
want
to know more. Gen knew how much Mack valued loyalty, so she wasn’t surprised. “Has Shiloh ever done anything you were ashamed of?”

She was teasing, but his features morphed to ice and his cop face took over. “I plead the fifth.” Meaning Shiloh had. “You planning to work with Julie on this bottle thing?”

“If she calls,” Gen replied. “Any reason you wouldn’t want me to?”

Mack looked thoughtful for a minute, like there was but he didn’t want to say it. He didn’t like to tell her what to do, she knew that for a fact. “I hope not.”

“Look,” Gen said. “I’m sorry, but the mood just got too heavy for date night. So I’ll say one more thing and then I’ll let it go. Shiloh is none of my business, but if you weren’t watching, you didn’t see the way she looked at him.” Gen waggled her eyebrows. “Like he belonged to her.”

He shrugged and the mask cracked away with the movement, leaving behind the man who only had eyes for her. “No, I didn’t see it, but I wouldn’t be surprised. Shy’s been climbing in or out of somebody’s bed since he was fifteen.”

He was silent for two beats, then, “Is that the way I look at you?”

“No.” Gen leaned into him and whispered, “You look at me like we belong together. There’s a difference, you know?”

Their eyes locked.

“Yes,” Mack said. “There is.”

# # #