Sam set the watch down on the passenger seat.
“Where to next, sir?”
“Let’s get lunch.” He turned to Ji-Su. “Do deli sandwiches sound good?”
“Yes, that’s fine.”
“Sam, take us to Sal’s.”
“Yes, sir.”
Sam pulled out of the parking lot, headed across Dear Lake to the sandwich shop favored by Raul and several other members of the Syndicate. As they drove, Ji-Su looked down at the borrowed clothes he was dressed in.
“Will this be okay to wear in Sal’s?” he asked.
Raul nodded. “The food is top-notch but the vibe is relaxed and casual at the owner’s insistence. You’ll be fine, unless you want to change.”
“No. I can wait until we’re back at the ranch.”
The ride was short, and soon they arrived at a brick front restaurant with a hand painted sign that readSal’sin big green letters, with a big sub sandwich next to the name. Sam got out and opened the door for them. Raul stepped out first, then reached back to assist Ji-Su. His small hand was warm inside his own. He wanted to hold on but he reluctantly let go once Ji-Su was clear of the car.
“We’re going to be awhile,” Raul said to Sam. “I’ll call you when we’re ready to go.”
The driver nodded then got back in the car and pulled off.
“Come on. You’re about to have the best sandwich of your life,” Raul said as he gently guided Ji-Su to the entrance with a hand at the small of his back.
Chapter 6
Ji-Su walked up to Sal’s with Raul at his side, the vampire’s big hand lightly pressed to the small of his back. When they reached the door, Raul held it open for him.
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
Raul smiled that wonderful smile that made something tingle low in his belly. Flustered, Ji-Su turned away from him. He took a step toward the seating area, but Raul caught him and gently turned him the other way.
“You order at the counter here.”
“Oh, right.”
They went up to the counter where a woman with a smooth, olive complexion and brown hair covered by a hair net greeted them with a smile.
“Hello! Welcome to Sal’s. Mr. Raul, it’s good to see you. Would you like your usual?”
“Yes. Thank you, Mia. Ji-Su, what would you like?”
Ji-Su looked over the menu. As he read the choices, he breathed in deeply. The delicious smell of fresh baked bread and spices made his mouth water. He quickly decided on a Porchetta sandwich and orange cream soda.
“We’ll have those out to you in a few minutes.”
Raul paid and they went to sit at a round top pine table with mismatched chairs. Ji-Su was thanking Raul again for the Target shopping trip when Raul’s phone rang.
“Excuse me,” Raul said at the interruption. He took the phone from his pocket and looked at the screen. “This is your agency,” he informed Ji-Su before answering. “Hello?”
Ji-Su quietly listened to Raul’s side of the conversation.
“Yes. Good. Thank you. Yes, he’s right here.” Raul held the phone out to Ji-Su. “This is Sandra, the agency supervisor. She would like to talk to you.”