At noon the next day, Fish Mooney strolled out of her room and swept her gaze over the three people in the tavern.
Ririko wore sunglasses, a little black tank top, and hot pants, with fishnet stockings wrapped around her straight legs. She looked hot, enticing, and not to be messed with-a perfect fit for the place.
Then Fish Mooney turned to Edward. He wore black-framed glasses, and the fishnets looked strangely harmonious on his long, slender legs.
Fish Mooney reached out and took off his glasses. "Much better."
Edward paused in surprise. "Really?"
Without looking back, Fish Mooney added, "Like one of the shemales at the brothel next door."
Edward's smile collapsed.
Finally, Fish Mooney looked at Victor. His muscles strained beneath his tank top, and even the fishnets couldn't hide those powerful legs that could kick someone to death at any moment.
Fish Mooney silently watched him for a few seconds, then shook her head and returned to her room.
Edward pulled a thick stack of papers from his pocket, covered in tables, arrows, and densely packed notes:
"Here's the promotion plan: an all-new Valentine's Day set meal! A heart-shaped steak paired with our brand-new Valentine's special cocktail, plus a complimentary collection of riddles personally signed by the author."
He pulled a thick book from beneath the counter and proudly showed it to the other two.
Ririko took it and looked at the signature on the title page. "Aren't you the author?"
Edward's smile deepened a little. "This copy is for you."
As though shaking off something filthy, Ririko quickly shoved the book back into his arms:
"Of course you give people roses on Valentine's Day. If they have to read this riddle book on a holiday, they'll be lucky if they can get it up in bed."