Knockemout, #3
Things We Left Behind
by Lucy Score
Contents
16
Overview
Sloane’s online date implodes until Lucian arrives, dispatches the man, and stays for lunch. They debate appeal costs for Mary Louise, Sloane refuses Lucian’s money, and they expose clashing views on family and trust. A call reveals the informant who sold the cop list was murdered, prompting Lucian to intensify efforts against Anthony Hugo.
Summary
Sloane endures a disastrous dating-app meetup with “Massimo,” who admits his mother runs his messages, arrives high, and expects her to pay and drive. When Lucian texts to check in, Sloane confesses the emergency. Lucian arrives at the restaurant, removes the date by sending him home with his driver, and sits down.
Sharing wine and food, Sloane vents about the humiliation. Their banter softens into a truce as they discuss Mary Louise Upshaw’s case. Lucian outlines the need for a specialized legal team and warns appeals can cost seven figures. He offers financial help, but Sloane refuses, citing their lack of trust and painful history.
Conversation turns personal: Sloane admits she’s urgently seeking a husband and family; Lucian counters that he prefers his freedom and finds her vision unappealing. They trade stories about friends’ public affection, briefly connecting before the tension resurfaces.
A call interrupts: Lucian learns the man who sold Duncan Hugo the list of law enforcement officers was found shot and dumped in the Potomac. He believes Anthony Hugo is still operating and declares he’ll aid the FBI with his own resources. Sloane warns of the danger and presses about precautions and the safety of their friends; Lucian insists they’re monitored and likely safe.
They return to their meals amid unresolved friction: Sloane rejects Lucian’s money yet worries about his moves against Anthony Hugo. As they finish, Lucian notes she’ll need to drive him home since he loaned his car and driver to her ejected date.
Who Appears
- SloaneSuffers a catastrophic first date, debates appeal costs, refuses Lucian’s money, reveals desire for a family, worries about Hugo danger.
- Lucian RollinsRescues Sloane from her date, outlines costly appeal needs, offers funding, receives news of a murdered informant, vows to target Anthony Hugo.
- Eugene “Massimo”Sloane’s immature, high date; admits his mother handles his messages; gets sent home by Lucian.
- ServerManages the chaotic table, provides wine and food, relieved when Lucian de-escalates the scene.
- Nearby nurseEncourages Sloane to go home with Lucian, offering humorous commentary on his attractiveness.
- Nurse’s husbandJoins the commentary, agreeing Lucian is attractive and amplifying the comic relief.