Chapter 26
Los Angeles, California
From Starbucks, Irina led Michael to a bistro located near his hotel. “Our meeting deserves to be toasted with something better than coffee,” she said with a smile. After a couple of drinks, they walked back to Michael’s hotel.
Michael was stunned at how quiet and empty the streets had become. That he lost track of the hour had to be the effect of Scotch on the rocks after little sleep and even less food since he’d left Italy.
When the elevator doors open, he took Irina’s hand and got on. They were alone. “Since you’re tired,” Irina said archly, jokingly, “I’ll ride up to your room with you. I wouldn’t want you to fall asleep, and then ride up and down, over and over, until someone decides you’re casing the place and has you arrested.”
He chuckled. “
