by G. K. Parks
“What about the skirt?”
“I’m not wearing it.”
“Alex, Spark has certain expectations. You don’t want to stick out.”
“I will if I put that on and it falls to my ankles when I walk in.” I gave him a withering stare. “Do you want me to tell you precisely what you can do with that skirt?”
He cleared his throat. “Fine, it wouldn’t have gone with your shoes anyway. At least you’re moderately presentable.” He gestured toward my face. “Is this how you go out? Can’t you do something about that?”
“What’s with the costume change, Lucien? You better tell me what your plan is or I’m gonna start to think you want to pretty me up just to sell me into the skin trade.”
He muttered something under his breath. “I’m trying to get you into the club, but that won’t happen unless you look like you’re out for a night on the town. George won’t take kindly to the presence of another private eye. One of the stipulations of my membership is I don’t spy on the other members. But you can. They just don’t need to know you work for me, so you need to look like my date, not my employee.”
“Private contractor.”
“Do you think George will quibble over that distinction?”
“Who the hell’s George?”
“The doorman.”
“You’re on a first name basis with the doorman? How often do you come here?”
Cross looked like he wanted to strangle me. “Often enough. I’m a member.”
I would have just called him a dick, but I didn’t see any reason to quibble over that distinction either. “So why can’t you go inside and find out what’s going on? Eve Wyndham is in there with a famous race car driver. A swoon-worthy, accented man with sexy clothes and a sexy car. They looked comfy in her apartment. If you get one good snapshot, we can be done with this, and I won’t have to parade around in a handkerchief.”
“You think she’s cheating on Andre?”
“I’m not sure, but Colton seems interested.”
He cleared his throat, fighting to keep his temper in check. “It’s against the rules.”
“Since when do you play by anyone’s rules but your own?”
“I could ask you the same thing.” He glowered at me. “Please, Ms. Parker, we are wasting precious time.”
“Fine.” I got into the front seat and flipped down the vanity. I rummaged through my bag for the makeup I had stashed in there.
Cross drummed his fingers against the hood of the car while I applied the makeup. “Do you have anything concrete to base this assumption that Eve and Colton are an item?”
“She canceled the rest of her day, met him at her place, changed into something sexy, and came here. Isn’t that enough?”
“Andre North wouldn’t think so, and I promised him we’d be sure before we presented anything to him.” He stopped tapping. “I don’t see Colton Raine’s car.”
“He didn’t drive here. He hired a limo.”
“At least he’s not competing for pink slips tonight.”
“What?”
“Nothing for you to concern yourself with.” Cross shook the thought away.
I tucked the makeup back in my bag and flipped up the mirror. “I’m carrying. Is that a problem?”
“Spark doesn’t have metal detectors.”
“Good.” I zipped my nine millimeter into my purse and tugged the ponytail holder out of my hair. The soft brown strands tickled my naked shoulders and back. “Now what?”
“Let me do the talking.” Cross offered me his arm, scowling at the side mirror as we crossed the street and went down the sidewalk toward the club.
The doorman looked up from his spot. “Lucien, I didn’t expect to see you tonight, especially this early.”
“Is Mr. Kincaid in?” Cross asked.
“No, he’s preparing for the weekend.”
“At the club?”
“No.” George eyed me. “Who’s this?”
“Alex, she’s my plus one tonight.”
George took a paper wristband off his clipboard and waited for me to hold out my arm. At least it was better than those stamps that only glow under blacklight and were a pain in the ass to wash off. He hooked it around my wrist. “It’s not like you to show up on a Wednesday. Poker’s usually on the weekends.”
“I know, but we wanted to get a drink somewhere private to talk. I’m sure Mr. Kincaid won’t mind if we discuss business in his club.”
“Not at all.”
Cross peered through the door. “Is there anything I should know about the Wednesday night crowd?”
George chuckled. “It’s the same as your usual nights, except nothing’s going on in the back room.”
“That’s probably why I don’t come on Wednesdays.” Lucien pressed his hand against my spine, urging me through the door.
I stepped past George and entered the club. It didn’t look that different from any of the other fancy clubs I’d been to. The bar stood out, large and curving on three sides. Recessed lights in various colors illuminated different parts of the dark, glossy hardwood, casting it in cool hues. A large dance floor took up half of the lower level with elevated areas behind it with tables and private booths. A DJ stood on a fancy platform, but the music wasn’t a hyper techno beat. And no one was dancing, except the women in the cages.
“Do they strip?” I asked.
“It’s not that kind of club.” Lucien led me to the bar and ordered a drink.
“And for the lady?” the bartender asked.
“Club soda and lime.”
Cross cocked an eyebrow at me. His forearms rested against the bar while I leaned back against it, studying the tables and VIP section for any hint as to where Eve and Colton had disappeared. The room branched off in different directions. A staircase on the side led somewhere, which I was sure wasn’t good.
“Drinking on the job in most professions is frowned upon, but in this one, it might be necessary for blending in.” Cross handed me a glass. “Are you sure you wouldn’t prefer a cocktail?”
“I can’t.” It wouldn’t mix with the sleeping pills. The bartender put Cross’s scotch down on the counter. My boss paid and left a twenty in the tip jar. “What’s in that direction?” I asked, looking past Cross’s shoulder where the main room branched off into a narrow hallway that took a sharp turn around the wall and behind the DJ’s stage.
“Tables, chairs, private rooms. The manager’s office. Things like that.”
“How private? What exactly goes on here?”
“Gambling, mostly.”
“What about parties or events? The doorman said something about an event.” Before Cross could answer, I spotted Eve and Colton. They were seated beyond the velvet ropes in the VIP section. They had a private booth, concealed on two sides by heavy velvet drapes, but the front remained open so they could watch the dancers or DJ. “There she is.”
A third man maneuvered around the curtain, stepping out of their private booth. He wore a suit but had lost the jacket and tie. His sleeves were rolled up to his forearms, and his collar was open. I wasn’t sure who this mystery man was, but he looked a little dangerous.
“That’s Fox. He’s the manager,” Cross said, reading my mind. “Stay here. I need a minute.” He picked up his drink and headed straight for them. Cross caught up to Fox the moment the man cleared the velvet ropes. He spoke to the manager, holding a smile that I could only assume was phony, and gestured toward me. The suited man said something to one of the bouncers guarding the VIP area, and then Cross waved me over.
By the time I crossed the empty dance floor and made my way through the tables and up the few steps to the private area, Fox was gone. The bouncer unhooked the velvet rope, and Cross led me into the VIP area. He didn’t clue me in as to what was going on, and I didn’t ask.
We were led to our own private booth, diagonal from where Eve and Colton sat. A waitress appeared a moment later with a bottle of whatever Cross was drinking and placed it on
the table beside us. Then she asked if we wanted our privacy.
“It’s quiet enough. Leave it open,” Cross said.
“Yes, sir.” She smiled and headed to another table.
A few moments later, Eve laughed. “That’s her,” I whispered. “And that sounds like more than business, if you ask me.”
“Shh.” Cross held his finger to his lips and pressed the voice recorder on his phone. He shifted closer to the side so he could hear them better.
“You’re so bad,” Eve said in a teasing tone.
“You love it,” Colton replied. “Admit it. You have more fun with me than anyone else.”
She laughed. “Fine. You’ve got me. You’re my favorite.”
“Then why won’t you run away with me, darling?”
Twenty-nine
“Run away with you?” Eve laughed. “What would Andre say?”
“Who cares?” Colton asked. I couldn’t see them through the velvet curtains, but I imagined him running his fingers through her hair. “Have you seen my car? It’s not like your fiancé would ever catch us.”
“You sound so sure of yourself. Are you this sure about everything?”
“Absolutely.”
“So this is what you want?” Eve asked. “You want to do it right here?”
“Damn straight.” Colton laughed. “What? This isn’t classy enough for you?”
“No, it’s perfect. The space is great, and the manager said you could rent out the club for the entire weekend. That’ll give us time to prep and get everything moved in before your launch party. We can even hold the luncheon and press conference here.”
Cross tucked his phone into his pocket and picked up the bottle and his glass. “Stay here.”
I pulled the velvet curtain back as far as it would go, but I could barely glimpse the cuff of Eve’s leather pants and sparkly left heel. Cross went around the long way, stopping just outside their private booth.
“Excuse me,” he said, “I ordered this for the table, but my friends had other ideas. I’m about to take off but didn’t want it to go to waste. Any interest?” He held up the bottle.
“Sure,” Colton said.
Cross took a step into their booth. “Aren’t you Colton Raine, the F1 driver? I saw you race in Bahrain two years ago. You were amazing.”
“I’m retired now, but I can’t exactly give up racing altogether, now can I?” Colton winked at Eve. “Why don’t you join us for a drink.”
“I really should go,” Cross said.
“You’re giving us the bottle, at least have a sip, mister…” Colton waited.
“Lucien Cross. I own Cross Security. Have you heard of it?” My boss disappeared behind the curtain, and I cursed. That bastard had taken over surveillance and blew our cover all at the same time. What was he thinking? He couldn’t possibly be trying to sign Colton Raine while spying on Andre North’s fiancée. That would be preposterous, and yet, that appeared to be precisely what he was doing. Son of a bitch.
“Bahrain?” Eve asked. “I just returned from Dubai. I took a side trip to Sakhir, but I didn’t see the racetrack. When did you say you were there?”
“Two years ago,” Cross said. “Wasn’t that your last race, Mr. Raine?”
“It was. I think that means I’m ready to start a new adventure. Right, Eve?”
She leaned over, peering through the privacy curtains. I ducked back behind my curtain, hoping she hadn’t noticed me, but she was looking for someone else. “I promise I’ll get you off to a wonderful start. This weekend will be epic. The press will eat it up, Colton.”
“Eat what up?” Cross asked.
“Sorry, Lucien. It’s a secret,” Colton said, “but if you’re not busy Friday, you should stop by. I’m having a party here. Fans are always welcome. Eve, can we get Lucien put on the guest list?”
“Whatever you want.” She stepped out from behind the curtains. “Didn’t Mr. Fox say he’d be back with the contracts?”
“That sounds like my cue to leave.” Cross got up. “Enjoy the scotch. It sounds like you two have something to celebrate.”
“Friday at ten,” Colton said. “Don’t forget.”
“I won’t.” Cross left the liquor with them and returned to our booth. “Did you hear that?”
“Yep. Colton’s planning a party, and you introduced yourself as a private eye.”
“CEO of a security firm,” Cross corrected. “I saw no reason to lie. That would make me look suspicious.”
“Why didn’t you just tell them Andre hired you?”
“You asked for my help, Alex. I know what I’m doing.” He looked at his watch. “I got you this far. Don’t screw it up.”
“Where are you going?”
“I have other commitments. Stay on them and see where the night leads. Colton hired her for a job, but he’s an athlete of sorts. He’s used to getting anything he wants. You’re right. Colton is flirting with her, but it might be harmless. Maybe he’s just being friendly. I can’t tell how interested he actually is in her. After he gets a few more drinks in him, it’ll be easier to determine.” He glanced up just as Fox returned to the VIP section with a leather portfolio. The club manager went straight to Colton’s booth. “I spoke to him.” Cross stood in front of me to get my attention. “Fox won’t kick you out, even though it’s against club policy to allow a guest to remain without the member who brought her. I told him you’re a client with an issue, and you needed some privacy. I also implied you’re thinking of joining. He knows the types of clientele Cross Security caters to. He didn’t question it, but if someone asks you something, play along. When you’re done for the night, leave the company car in the garage so I can have someone fix the mirror. Report your findings to me in the morning.”
“Yes, sir.”
“And dress appropriately.”
“Sure thing, boss.” The annoyance dripped from my words, but Cross ignored it and left me alone in the VIP section. Hopefully, he’d paid for the bottle service.
While I listened to Colton, Eve, and Fox go over the cost and what was included, I scoped out the rest of the club. A few business types had staggered in and were now at one of the tables near the cages. It was too early in the evening for people to want to party or dance. From what I could tell, the majority of the people who’d come to the club this early were in the midst of business negotiations. The only oddballs were the couple I’d seen arrive in the red convertible, who were drinking and laughing.
“What time can I get started on Friday?” Eve asked. The question jilted me from my reverie.
“You can start as early as seven a.m., if you’d like. The cleaning crew will be finished by then.” Fox consulted the chart. “Someone will be here to let you in.”
“That’s perfect,” Eve said. They finished going over the details. “All right, I should get going. I have a lot to get done in the next day and a half.”
“Come on,” Colton said, “it’s early. Just one more drink.”
“I can’t. I’m sorry.” She leaned in and gave him a peck on the cheek. “You hired me to make your launch perfect. I have to plan the party and press luncheon in the next two days. I’ll be lucky if I find time to sleep.”
“You’re the best, Eve. Take the car. I’m going to hang around here and soak up the ambiance and finish this scotch.” Colton topped off his glass.
“Thanks. Have fun.” She grabbed her purse and excused herself while the two men remained in the booth.
I followed her out of the club and back to Elegant Events.
Settling into the driver’s seat, I watched as Eve bustled around the office. From what I’d gathered, Colton Raine had hired Eve to throw a party and luncheon to announce his next venture. For whatever the reason, he wanted to have the party at Spark. This afternoon’s meeting cemented the details. I just didn’t know why Eve had to dress like that or why she canceled the rest of her schedule to appease one client.
While Eve worked, I researched Colton. He partied often
and never appeared with the same woman twice. I couldn’t figure out when he and Eve had crossed paths, but from their interactions, I had trouble believing they only met for the first time this morning. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t find the connection. Perhaps Andre knew Colton.
Forty minutes later, I traced Colton’s French riviera vacation home to Andre’s company. Letting out a tired sigh, I reclined my seat and turned on my side to maintain eyes on Eve. Despite the flirting, Colton knew about Eve and Andre. I didn’t find any photos of the three together or Colton with either of them. Since Colton knew Andre and wasn’t wining and dining Eve, I had to assume that meant they weren’t having an affair. That marked another possibility off the list.
The hours dragged on, and I fought to keep my eyes open. Shouldn’t these stupid pills be out of my system by now? I adjusted my seat again and fiddled with the radio. I hated surveillance.
Around ten, a town car pulled up in front of Elegant Events. With the tinted rear windows, I couldn’t tell if anyone was inside, but no one got out. Eve locked up the office and slid into the back. I readjusted my seat and slipped into traffic behind them. My gut said she was on her way to Andre’s, but my gut was wrong.
The town car headed for the entertainment district and slowed to a crawl. Lines had already formed outside several clubs. The car put on its hazards and double-parked near Club Infinity. It was under new management now, but I recalled the layout perfectly from my time spent working there.
Luckily, Eve didn’t enter Infinity. She walked half a block toward Olympus, another of the city’s trendiest clubs. Bypassing the line, she went straight to the doorman. He checked something on his clipboard and unlatched the velvet rope. Within seconds, she disappeared from view.
“Dammit.” I searched for parking, but there was none to be found. Who knew Wednesday nights were this popular? Didn’t anyone stay home and watch TV during the workweek?
Four blocks away, I found a garage and pulled inside. I circled twice before I found a space. Then I backtracked to the club. My leather jacket protected my naked back from the cold night air, but hopefully, the slutty top would be enough to convince the bouncer to let me in. I just worried Eve might recognize it, but I didn’t have another appropriate outfit to change into.
