In Death 24 - Innocent in Death

He’d married her, hadn’t he? It wasn’t as if she hadn’t made full disclosure on what a crappy wife she’d make for a man like him.
    She’d had to go and fall for a man who owned the lion’s share of the known universe, and had to-on occasion-trot out his wife for that odd and awkward mix of social business.
    He wouldn’t complain that she was late. In fact, he wouldn’t even be annoyed with her. If a cop had to get married-and God knew they were better solo-she couldn’t do better than hooking up with a man who understood that the job messed with personal plans.
    Constantly.
    And because he wouldn’t complain or be annoyed, she felt even more guilty for forgetting the dinner, and more determined to beat the hellacious traffic.
    She broke one of her own rules, hit the sirens, and used the cop for personal gain.
    After barely avoiding clipping bumpers with a Rapid Cab, she went vertical, then hung a screaming right on Fiftieth, zigging, zagging her way over to Third before heading uptown again.
    She should’ve told Peabody to tell Roarke to have everyone order without her. Not to wait. Why hadn’t she thought of that? Now they’d probably be sitting there, starving, 37
    while she killed herself and many innocent bystanders trying to get to a restaurant where she wouldn’t even be able to read the damn menu.
    “Guidance System on!” she ordered. “Where the hell is this place. Restaurant, New York City, Le Printemps.”
    One moment, please, while your request is programmed. Le Printemps is located at 212
    East Ninety-third, between Second and Third Avenues. Would you care to make a reservation?
    “I’ve got a damn reservation. Guidance off.”
    Even with the kamikaze driving tactics, she was thirty minutes late. And by the time she managed to double park, which would bring the wrath of thousands and possibly cause an intercity riot, she was later still.
    She flipped on her On Duty light, then sprinted the last half-block.
    She paused outside to scoop her fingers through her hair a couple of times, then looked down at her dark brown trousers. She saw no overt signs of blood or other bodily fluid staining them or the navy V-neck, and considered the lack a big plus in her favor.
    Horns were already blasting in protest of her parking arrangement as she stepped out of the blowing snow, and into the fragrant and muted music of five-star French.
    The ma?tre d’ swooped down on her like a vulture on roadkill. “Mademoiselle. I regret, we cannot seat walk-ins.”
    “How do you seat anyone if they don’t walk in?” She shrugged out of her coat. Peabody had the megachic right, Eve noted. Every woman in the place sparkled and gleamed.
    “Check the coat, Pierre. And it’s your ass if it’s not here when I leave.”
    “Mademoiselle, I must ask you to leave quietly.”
    “I’ll be sure to do that, after I eat.” She smoothed down the brown jacket, to be sure her weapon was concealed. Though she was tempted to flash it, just to watch the tight-assed ma?tre d’ crack his head on the floor as he passed out.
    “Now we can go a round right here,” she suggested, “and give your diners a show along with dinner, or you can tell me where my party is. Reservation Roarke.”
    He lost color, shade by shade, until he’d gone from ruddy to pasty. Apparently the name of Roarke carried as much power and threat as a police issue. “I beg your pardon, Madame Roarke.”
    “Dallas, Lieutenant. Where’s the table?”
    38
     
    “If you would please follow me.”
    “My coat. I like that coat.”
    “Of course. It’s a beautiful garment.” He snapped his fingers. “See to Madame…to the lieutenant’s coat. If you will? Your party is already seated. It would be my pleasure to bring you a cocktail.”
    “Whatever they’ve got’s fine.” She scanned the room with all its gilt and glory, then followed the chastened ma?tre d’.
    He saw her coming. Knowing she’d be late, he’d chosen the table with that in mind. He loved watching her walk into a room, carelessly long strides, those cop’s eyes seeing every detail.
    And in the simple jacket and pants she, in his eyes, outshone every woman in the room.
    When their eyes met, he got to his feet.
    “Good evening, Lieutenant.”
    “Sorry I’m late.”
    “Champagne for my wife,” he said without taking his eyes off her. He drew her chair back himself. “Let me introduce you to Natalie and Sam Derrick.”
    “So this is Eve! I’m just thrilled to meet