“The people who frequent this restaurant don’t like the light,” Rogan replied.
“Everything okay?” Dylan asked.
Rogan had seemed tense and quiet on the way over.
“Yeah, just waiting for a ball to drop.”
Dylan knew what he meant. Rogan was balancing a hell of a lot.
“You need to delegate more,” he advised as they got closer to the restaurant.
“That your professional opinion?”
Dylan shrugged. “A good manager delegates.”
“Is that what I am? A manager?”
Dylan pulled open the door to the restaurant. “You’re a manager, an arbiter, a strategist, and a psychologist.”
Rogan snorted, shaking his head as he stepped into the restaurant.
The sound of Russian filled the room and Dylan immediately tensed. He studied the room and didn’t like what he saw. Most of the men in here probably belonged to the Russian mob. They appeared to be hard, dangerous men.
“Relax,” Rogan said. “We’re on friendly terms with the Russians.”
“Since when?” Dylan asked.
Rogan shrugged. “Before my time. My father brokered a deal.”
“Really?” Dylan was surprised.
“The old Russian mob boss died five years ago. His nephew, Aleksandr took over. New blood brings in new ways of thinking.”
“Mr. MacGuire,” a quiet voice greeted them and Dylan looked down to see a tiny woman standing in front of them. She couldn’t be more than five foot and she looked as though a stiff breeze would blow her away.
Rogan smiled at the woman. “Sofia, how many times have I told you to call me
Rogan?”
A light blush covered her cheeks.
“Yes, sir,” she replied. “Aleksandr is waiting for you in the back room.
“Thank you. Are you working tonight?” He turned to Dylan. “Sofia is the chef here.”
“I wasn’t supposed to be working tonight, but the new kitchen hand didn’t turn up so I’m helping out. Go on back.”
“Thank you.”
Sofia turned and walked back toward the kitchen.
Dylan followed Rogan through the restaurant.
“You know her well?” Dylan asked as reached the back of the restaurant where it was quieter.
“She’s Aleksandr’s cousin,” Rogan replied.
They stepped into a small office. He gazed around in interest as Rogan stood patiently by the desk. Suddenly the back wall came away and a tall man appeared in the space.