Page 84 of Blacklist

“I have a girl who comes by to do that,” I explain. “He just went out an hour ago.”

“You have a girl?” She raises an eyebrow.

“A dog walker. It’s nothing nefarious.” I open the door for her.

“Good.” She walks through the open door. “We need to make this look realistic, right? I can’t have people thinking that you’re playing me.”

“We can’t have that,” I agree. She’s going to make me work for this.

* * *

Even on a Tuesday night, the Barrelhouse is full. I can’t help but be reminded of an old country song when I survey the crowd. Everyone here is looking for love in all the wrong places. It’s obvious that some of the groups are friends, just out for a night on the town, but there’s a fair number of singles hanging out at the bar, engaging in small talk, casting glances at other parties, hoping tonight’s the night they find true love. It’s not my usual scene, even if I know the owner.

“I haven’t been here in forever,” Adair says, looking around.

“Really?”

“And you have?” she challenges me.

Jack has the timing of a god, because he chooses this moment to descend upon us. He wraps me in a tight hug, smacking my back with his fist. “I never see you at night. You finally decided to poke your head out of your shell and get a life, huh?”

“I had to make a few friends first.”

“Oh good, she’s just a friend?” Jack eyes Adair appreciatively. He’s seen pictures, but a photograph could never do her justice. “Then allow me to introduce myself. Jack Archer.”

“Adair MacLaine.” Even in the dimly lit club, I can see she’s blushing.

“The Adair?” he asks.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” She directs this question at me.

“You’re not as funny as you think you are,” I say to Jack. Trust him to skirt the line. He can be as bad as Luca sometimes.

“He mentioned he knew a girl here,” Jack says smoothly, his charm distracting her easily.

“I did mention that,” I said, “but Adair is more than a friend.” I curl an arm around her waist and draw her to my side. She looks like she wants to protest this but thinks better of it. There’s no mistaking her frustrated silence though.

“She looks like she might still be on the market.” Jack isn’t going to play along blindly.

“Give it up, man. Adair Archer? I don’t think that’s going to work out.”

“I’m a modern guy. She can keep her last name.”

“Do you two want to know how many goats I can bring to the table for my dowry?” she asks dryly.

“And she’s feisty?” Jack’s eyes dance as he crooks his head, a wide grin splitting his mouth. “You might have competition for this one.”

It’s time to change the topic of conversation. “Don’t you have customers to serve?”

Jack tips his head toward the bar.

“Let me get you a drink. I’m just playing with him,” he says to Adair. “Sterling needs a little help with his sense of humor.”

“Truer words have never been spoken,” she says.

I poke her arm. “I’m the one who needs help with my sense of humor? Really?”

“I might die before I see you laugh again,” she says as Jack circles around the bar and pulls out three tumblers.