“Okay, Dan, spill,” Lucas said as he served himself pizza. “What’s going on? You’re never short of cash anymore, and you disappear for days at a time. You working for the mafia or something?”

Dan choked on his soda and turned it into a laugh. “Of course not.” He dished himself some pizza. “New part-time job, that’s all.”

“And a new girl?” Lucas guessed.

Dan turned red. “What makes you think that?”

“You didn’t flirt with the waitress,” Lucas answered. “So, who is she?”

“I met her at work,” Dan answered cautiously.

Lucas rolled his eyes. “Seriously, Dan, who are you delivering for now? The FBI ? I’ve never seen you this tight-lipped. At least tell me her name.”

Dan’s cell phone rang, cutting through the din of the restaurant. He smiled as Eponine’s name showed up on the caller ID. “Eponine. Her name is Eponine.” He answered the call. “Hello?”

“Gate-san,” an unfamiliar male voice said.

“Who is this?” Dan demanded.

“If you want to see the girl again, bring us the sword.”