"Don't be concerned," she said, tossing her hair over her shoulders. "And call me Ellen, Knox, since we don't do that Donald-Regal nonsense around here." I'll look after it. "Go ahead and do it." She signaled for Nancy and Knox to follow her to the dining area. She moved in front of Carl as he attempted to follow. "Please excuse me, sir; do you have a reservation?"

"Actually, I do," he said, looking down and smiling sweetly at her. "I reserved it last night."

Ellen examined the reservation book. "Tsk, tsk," she shook her head and smiled at him. "I'm sorry, but your reservation is at 7 p.m., and it's...