The Bed You Make
Chapter 39, concluded
The Outback was a popular place for ordering take-out. The menu was varied and everything listed was always available, no matter the time, day or night. The decision to make the full menu available was made by the Outback's owner, Police Commissioner Mac Scorpio. Most of his officers ate there and purchased their lunches there; it just made sense to operate during hours that coincided with the changing shifts of the Port Charles Police Department.
“It will be another two minutes while we get your roll together.”
Marcus nodded and gave the waitress a smile. He'd called the Outback while en route and they'd assured him the kitchen hadn't prepared his lunch yet; they were waiting for Marcus' confirmation that he was actually on the way. Lunch would be hot and fresh when he got there.
He leaned against the counter and turned his attention to the couple seated in the middle of the Outback. They were always a subject worthy of Marcus' attention, but at the moment he was more focused on the occupants of the tables surrounding them. He didn't know the occupants of those tables personally, but he knew their type – crew cuts, menacing glares and an abundance of muscles.
“Here ya go, Detective!” The smiling waitress handed Marcus his lunch all bagged and ready to go. He could feel the heat of the steak sandwich warm his hands. “Thanks, Kylie.” Her brother was the salesman who'd sold Marcus his current truck. The man had given him a really great deal. Kylie, he'd said, had gone to bat for Marcus as soon as she'd found out he was thinking about buying a vehicle. She appreciated the way he always treated the waitresses at the Outback with respect and concern.
Marcus wove his way through the tables until he reached the one where Alexis Davis and her nephew Nikolas Cassadine were seated talking. As he approached, the occupant of the table to their right rose to meet him. Without breaking stride, Marcus shifted his lunch to his left hand and allowed his right hand to fall to his side.
"Is this a situation I should concern myself with?" The question was addressed to Alexis and Nikolas.
It was the leader of the Russian crew who replied. "There is no situation…" the Russian glanced down at something in his palm, "Detective Marcus Taggert. There is no situation, only Russian citizens enjoying the companionship of fellow patriots."
“Well?”
Nikolas held up a placating hand. “He is right, Detective. There is nothing for you to worry about here. Everything is-” Nikolas was interrupted by the ringing of his cellphone. He withdrew it from his trouser pocket and glanced at the digital display. “Excuse me,” he apologized, “I must take this.” One of the beefy men surrounding them rose to follow Nikolas. The young prince put a halt to the man's intentions with an icy gaze. “I must take this alone . Hello?”
“Hello?” Nikolas repeated. “Is someone there?”
