Warren laughed and introduced Laurie to Spit. Spit acted embarrassed for the first time Jack had ever seen. He even turned his baseball hat around to face forward as a sign of respect, another first in Jack’s experience.

“So where’s this restaurant?” Warren said. “I’m ready to get stuffed.”

“Come on,” Laurie said. “I’ll direct you.”

The trip to the restaurant went quickly and without incident. On Warren’s insistence both Jack and Laurie came with him while Spit brought up the rear in his car. Initially they talked about the disturbing incident in Jack’s apartment, but by mutual consent that soon gave way to more enjoyable topics. Laurie was particularly eager to hear about Natalie Adams, Warren’s “shortie,” whom Laurie had not seen since the last time she’d seen Warren. Laurie was glad to hear that she and Warren were getting along fine.

Parking in Little Italy was always problematic, except for Warren. With his bottomless ash can, they took the spot in front of the hydrant closest to the restaurant. Spit was content to double-park because he wasn’t coming inside. As Warren described it, he was just going to “hang out.”

Jack was charmed the moment they entered. Not only was he attracted to the rich, herbed aroma of the spicy food, but he loved the kitschy decor with its black velvet paintings of Venice, the fake trellis with plastic vines and grapes, and the stereotypical red-and-white checkered tablecloths. He even liked the banal Chianti bottle with a candle stuck in the top that crowned each table.

“I hope we have a reservation,” Warren said as he surveyed the crowded room. There were about thirty tables jammed into the space. All appeared occupied.

“Lou was supposed to call,” Laurie said. She tried to get the attention of one of the harried waiters. She wanted to ask for Maria, the hostess. But Maria found her instead.

After having been enveloped by Maria in a bear hug, Laurie introduced Jack and Warren. Maria enthusiastically hugged them both.

“It’s too bad Lou couldn’t come,” Maria said. “He works too much. The crooks don’t deserve him.”

To Jack and Warren’s surprise an empty table seemed to appear miraculously. A few minutes later they were seated.

“Do you like the place?” Laurie asked Jack and Warren.

Both men nodded.

Laurie rubbed her hands eagerly. “Let’s get some wine. I think I need it.”

The dinner was a great success. The food was wonderful and the conversation captivating. Among other topics the three friends reminisced about their African trip two years previously. They even shared some of the stories with Maria, who joined them for a quarter of an hour.

By the time they were ready for dessert and coffee, Laurie asked Warren if he would mind if she and Jack talked shop for a few moments and discussed a case.

“Not at all,” Warren said.