It was a sort of theater in the round combined with a lounge with a central stage area surrounded by three rising tiers. Each tier held tables and chairs, the lowest tier two to a side while the highest tier had five. Close to half of the tables were occupied. Kyle stopped inside the door, looked around for a moment then led the way to the far side of the second tier. Three people already sat at a table there, a striking man in his late thirties or early forties, an attractive woman around thirty and a younger man, who would have been good-looking if he hadn’t worn such a withdrawn, brooding expression. All three stood as they approached. The older man reached out to shake hands and greeted him with enthusiasm. “Glad to see you again. It’s been a while.” Kyle thanked him and introduced Meg to the older of the two men, Charles Brennan. Charles studied her with intense gray eyes as he extended a hand. Meg took it and let his warm palm envelop hers. He held on firmly but didn’t squeeze.
