The Dinner

At Ratatouille Restaurant, Alabama –Night

John walks in with a bouquet in his hands. Emily looks at him and her cheeks turn red.

John: Flowers for my precious lady.

Emily (blushing): Thanks babe!

John: You look really adorable. I hope you didn't have to wait for long.

John was a respected Inspector at The Intelligence Bureau in Alabama. He had been there since 12 years. On the other hand, Emily was a journalist who mostly covered fashion and page 3 stories. She was marvelous in her work and had recently been promoted. Emily and John had known each other for about 20 years, the typical childhood friends who turned to a lovely couple. 

Emily: Not at all. But where were you anyway?

John: Sparks called up. There's a high profile case that has come up.

Emily: High profile case huh?

John: Yeah, a big shot is involved. Anyway, let it be. No more talk about cases. It's our time right now.

Emily: Sure.

John signals the waiter and he appears with a bottle of wine. He pours the wine in two glasses.

Waiter: Sir, are you ready to order yet?

John: Oh yes! Give us a moment.

(Looking towards Emily) What would you like to have dear?

Emily: I would have one Ratatouille in Cheese Garlic Sauce and a Loaded Nachos.

Waiter: How about you sir?

John: Okay. I would have Mushrooms grilled in garlic sauce.

Waiter: Sure. Your order will be served within few minutes. (smiling)

The waiter leaves. The couple resumes their conversation.

Emily: I received a call from mom today. They're planning to fly down tomorrow and are about to stay for a week.

John: Oh!

Emily (questioningly): You don't seem happy about it. Is there something wrong?

John (hesitating while gathering the courage to speak): No! It's not like that. But the case I just told you about will involve dangers we have never come across. Those coming here mean we will have to upgrade their protection as well.

Emily: Do you want me to ask them to cancel?

John: If you can.....

Emily: Fine. I'll do that.

The waiter comes up with their order. As he leaves after serving, Emily notices a man staring at them from the side table.

Emily (clearing her throat and signaling John): Did you start your study on the case?

John: Yes, why? (Trying to look where Emily has signaled.)

Emily : Your news of handling the case has reached the world before you. I think you're being followed.

John : You think so ?

Emily's face turns pale as she looks in her plate. Before John can say anything, she shouts.

Emily : WAITER ! WHERE'S THE WAITER ?

John : What happened Emily ? What's so wrong ?

Emily points towards her plate and even John is astonished. Everyone looks at them as the waiter arrives.

Waiter: Yes, ma'am.

Emily : HOW CAN YOU SERVE SUCH FOOD ? IS THIS HOW YOUR RESTAURANT WORKS ?

Waiter : I'm extremely sorry madame. I don't know how that finger got in there.

(Loud gasp among the other customers. )

John : You should pay attention when serving.

Waiter : I'm sorry sir. I really don't know how it got in there.

Emily (trying to calm herself):
Then who knows ?

Waiter : I'm sorry madam. I'll get it changed. Please don't complain to my manager.

Emily wanted to venge her anger but John held her hand.

John : Let's leave. It's not his fault.

Emily : What do you mean ?

John : Do as I say for now.

Emily shrugs and walks along with him towards the parking .

John : I understand your anger. But it was not him. It was the other man whom you saw staring.

Emily : What about him ?

John : You were right. He left as soon as you called for the waiter.

Emily : So you mean it was some kind of signal for us ?

John : Yes. There was a direct sign as well.

He takes out a tissue from his pocket and shows to Emily.

Emily : It says, " Leave the case." So all this was for the case ?

John : Seems so.

Emily : This really seems dangerous, John. Going to such an extent.

John : I know. I'll ask the headquarters and arrange for your security .

Emily : Before that, you must ensure about your security as well. This all is very frightening.

John : Relax ! I can handle it.

They both sit in the car and drive towards home.