"William W Johnstone - Ashes 32 - Destiny in the Ashes (txt)" - читать интересную книгу автора (Johnstone William W)

"That's a lie!" Coop retorted. "I never sing."

36 Five

Beth said she wasn't particularly hungry, so she'd stand the first watch
in their hotel rooms while the rest of the team went searching for a
nearby restaurant where they could eat.

Less than two blocks from the Hilton they found an eating establishment
called Marinaro's.

"I could use some good Italian food," Coop said, pointing at the
restaurant's sign.

"I've never seen you turn down food of any kind," Jersey said, "though
Italian is all right with me."

Harley Reno shrugged. "Italian it is then."

They entered the doors and stood in a group, looking around at the room.
There were about fifteen tables, all covered with the requisite red
checkered tablecloths, with old bottles of wine fitted with candles as
centerpieces.

A short, rather fat man with a dark handlebar mustache and graying black
hair hustled up to greet them.

"Welcome to Marinaro's," he said with a thick Italian accent.

Harley glanced around, noticing only one other table was occupied, by a
well-to-do-appearing man and woman.

"Not too busy tonight, huh?" Harley asked.

The man shrugged. "Well, you know, with the recent cutbacks in salaries
and such, not too many people can afford to eat out."

37

37

He adjusted the apron around his waist and gave the team an appraising
look. "I am Marinaro, the owner of this restaurant."

He looked over his shoulder at the window to the kitchen, visible
against a back wall. "I am also the head waiter, cook, and dishwasher,"
he said with a small smile.

"Table for six, please," Harley said.
Marinaro pursed his lips. "We have no tables for six, but I can push two