by CC Dragon
I had no clue what was easier, court or arbitration. Divorce was an ugly and painful business.
“Sorry you had to go along for that. At least Matt had someone sane and calm on his side.” I patted Gunnar’s shoulder.
Greg was already up and over with Mary Lou talking.
“She’s got him in her web,” Paul said.
I shot him a look. “Greg is a grownup. If he didn’t want to be with Mary Lou, he could walk away.”
“Maybe he feels guilty? I heard about their affair from Lance.” Gunnar rubbed his forehead. “Cheating cuts deep.”
I nodded. “I’m not defending them or what they did but, Lance was hardly a good husband. I just hope they find a way to split up and be done with it.”
“Not likely,” Paul said.
“I can hope. Pray. Encourage.” I refused to give into the doom and gloom as I clinked my nails on the glass tabletop.
Paul nodded behind me. I looked up at the entrance to the club. Lance had followed his ex-wife back here.
“Crap,” I said.
“I’ll toss him out.” Gunnar stood.
Our bouncer was already following Lance. As soon as he realized security was onto him, Lance started shouting.
“Didn’t she get a restraining order?” Paul stood up.
I put my hand on his arm. “Don’t. The bigger the crowd, the more he’ll escalate.”
“He’s obsessed.” Paul sat down but watched as Gunnar and the bouncer removed Lance from the club. Matt went out to try and talk to him and Gunnar stayed by the door.
“He’s hurt and pissed. Probably could use a shrink but you can’t help him.” I shook my head.
“I could,” Paul offered.
“No, he’d just be using you to stay connected to this group. Lance won’t let go unless he has to. Unless he wins somehow. He never really liked me anyway, so you dating me won’t win you any points,” I warned.
Paul smiled. “I’m in your group?”
“That’s how he’ll see it. I’m not trying to trap you or define you.” I nudged his shoulder.
“I’m fine with it. Dating you. Being your boyfriend, even. I’ll give Matt a recommendation for someone Lance can talk to. Unconnected to us.” Paul took my hand.
“Thanks. I wish I could say it’ll even out and be normal. This is high drama but my world is the weird and scary stuff day in and day out.” Not every guy could handle it.
“Mine, too. Usually it’s just patients but treat enough addicts and you’ll hear about death, obsession, suicide, and every manner of weird. You don’t scare me,” he said.
“Wow. You might just stick around.” I kissed his cheek.
“Think I should get baptized?” he asked.
I snapped my neck looking at him. “Um, the girlfriend in me says that’s all up to you. Religious connection is good but no pressure. The demon hunting woman with a house full of angels says yes—immediately. You’ll need all the protection and help you can get. But a little water won’t change your faith or beliefs. That is more important.”
“Very confusing,” Paul replied.
“Because you’re asking me what you should do. Only you know what is right for you. Don’t do it for me.” I patted his shoulder as a chill hit me.
I turned to the door. Lance was gone, along with Matt.
The chill wasn’t about the weather. Lucifer, a so-called vampire from the bar that had recently closed, had walked into the club and was staring at me.
Brody’s set was done and the crowd thinned. There was always a bit of a quiet time between the after-work crowd and the later night partiers. There were some empty tables now. Lucifer seemed to like an audience and wanted the attention on him. Or maybe I was reading too much into it.
“What brings you by?” I asked as I walked up to him.
He handed me a black box tied with a red ribbon. It looked like a gift.
“Is it going to explode?” I listened for a ticking.
Lucifer laughed. “I’d never hurt you or your friends. It’s an invitation. A very special one.”
“That club is closed. Not that it’s my scene, anyway,” I said.
“I understand. I have purchased the club. It won’t be a vampire-style bar as much anymore. Still dark, but more explore your own truths than pushing a style.” Lucifer smiled.
“You bought that club? You were there so much we thought you owned it,” I scoffed.
Lucifer shook his head. “No, but I do know my crowd. We’re overhauling the entire inside. New decorations and back rooms.”
I frowned. “What’s it called?”
Lucifer nodded to the box.
I carried it to the bar and set it down. Slowly, I untied the ribbon and the sides of the box fell down and revealed a tiny paper model.
The small building was silver and black. The eerie gray sign on the front answered my question.
Dungeon.
“Dungeon?” I didn’t bother to hide my surprise.
“You realize that implies some specific lifestyles and kinks,” Paul said.
Lucifer grinned. “Some of the back rooms will be members only. Strictly guarded. Gotta pay the bills.”
“Not my scene.” I stepped back.
“It’s still a club. A nice bar that you can enjoy, not own. Come to the grand opening at least. You’re guests of honor.” Lucifer lifted the silvered handwritten invitation from the center of the paper model of the building.
“Everyone?” Paul asked.
Lucifer didn’t look at Paul, keeping his gaze on me. “Yes. All of her friends are welcome.”
“We don’t need to go in those back rooms, right?” I asked.
“No, those are only accessible to people who will pay a steep monthly fee. But you’ll have a reserved table in the VIP section and the first round is on me.” Lucifer made it sound like an audience with the queen.
“No, thanks.” I walked away.
“De!” Mary Lou whined. She’d apparently been eavesdropping. “We need some fun. You and Greg are always working. I’m going through enough unpleasant stuff. I need some relaxation.”
I sighed and picked up the invitation. “Fine. Table for eight.”
“You’ll love it. I know you think it’s beneath you but it’s good to let your hair down,” Lucifer said.
“I’m not judging. I’m not saying anything is beneath me. I just don’t like the atmosphere. There is enough darkness in the world. You don’t need to wallow in it.” I wasn’t going to change my opinion on this guy.
“People need an outlet for it. They need to find others like them.” Lucifer studied the room.
No one replied to him and he finally got the message.
“I’ll go. Table for eight. Very glad you’ll be celebrating with me,” Lucifer said.
As soon as he was gone, I pushed the gift box away from me. The vibes coming off it were sinister. “Toss that.”
“We’re going,” Mary Lou said.
“We are because I want to keep an eye on that crazy guy. He’s interested in us for some reason. We’re not playing for his side, I’ll tell you that much,” I replied.
“He’s just running a club. It’s not like he’s selling evil spells or potions.” Mary Lou crossed her arms.
“No one has to go if they don’t want to,” Greg added.
I looked around.
Gunnar shrugged. “We keep tabs on Lester and he does sell curses and stuff. Nothing wrong with keeping an eye on this one, too. If it’s just a club with an edgy theme to draw in the crowds, no harm done.”
“But why does he want De there so badly?” Paul asked.
“Why do you think it’s just De?” Mary Lou shot back.
Greg cleared his throat. “The guy just might want to fill the place for opening. Make it look good. Don’t overthink it. We’ll go and have a free drink. Read the room. See what’s going on. Then we can decide if we should keep an eye on the club or if it’s harmless.”
“Good plan,” Paul ag
reed.
I didn’t disagree but when Greg and Paul were on the same page, it freaked me out a little.
“Lance is not invited. I’m getting tired. I’m going to head home,” I said.
Paul followed me and I knew Greg and Mary Lou would be talking. I couldn’t stop Mary Lou’s pain, but it seemed like nothing I did was right lately. Or anything anyone did—there was so much drama. Mary Lou had always been a bit fragile, but she was an open wound right now. Being a psychologist meant I should be able to help but some things just needed time.
“She’s not ready to hear anything we say,” Paul said.
“I know. The human mind is an inexact science. I’m sure you’ll have a referral for her, too,” I teased.
We hopped in his car and he drove me back to the mansion. “I don’t want to step on your toes.”
“I’ve never done the therapy thing for anyone, so I don’t have those connections the way you do. My connections are more paranormal and supernatural.” I smiled.
“I’ll give it to Greg so when Mary Lou is ready, he can slip her the information.” Paul merged the SUV into traffic. “Addicts can be in denial but they know they have a problem even if they blame others for it. Mary Lou thinks she’s got it all figured out.”
“If I need to kick her out for her own good, tell me. I might need a second opinion. I’m too close,” I admitted.
“Can I get that in writing? I don’t want to be accused of mansplaining later,” Paul said.
I smacked his shoulder. “Everyone needs a second opinion sometimes. If you condescend to me, I’ll be the first to give you a ton of crap for it.”
Chapter Four
Two weeks later, it was opening night for the Dungeon. I dreaded the event but at least it’d be over soon.
Lance had been annoying, but he’d stayed away from the mansion after I had him hauled off to jail two days in a row. Eventually he learned.
Paul and I had been working on the rehab center while Greg tried to make inroads with the troubling church. Without evidence, it was a waste to push matters. I’d been researching their history but the details were few and far between.
I was on my computer in the living room when Paul arrived.
He looked hot in a gray suit but no tie. The collar of his shirt was casually unbuttoned.
“You look nice,” I teased.
“You’re not dressed,” he pointed out.
True, I stood there in jeans and a sweater. “I have a dress picked out. I just hate dressing up for that jerk.”
“You can do it for me. Might as well try to have fun,” he replied.
I held up a finger. “Fun with our guard up.”
“Agreed.” He squeezed my arm. “Come on. Traffic will be awful.”
“It always is. There is no reason to be early.” I headed for the big staircase at the center of the mansion.
At the top of the stairs, Mary Lou was fussing over her shoe choices with Ivy.
“Get dressed!” Mary Lou scolded me.
“Mary Lou, it’s a club that is creepy. This isn’t an honor or something fun. I don’t know why you’re so excited,” I replied.
She rolled her eyes at me. “Your life is full of adventure and the unexpected. My life has been nothing but dull and boring with moments of panic and crazy. I want a little fun. A few drinks, dancing, and to just enjoy life a little.”
“There are plenty of clubs and bars in New Orleans to do that in. Be careful with Lucifer. I don’t trust him,” I said.
“You’re paranoid.” Mary Lou settled on a pair of shoes and moved on to the handbag round.
Ivy shrugged. “Just try to have fun.”
Brody emerged dressed in a sharp suit.
“Nice,” I teased.
I was used to Ivy generally dressing in drag but Brody flipped to Brandy only for the club, it seemed. This was a different sort of club.
In my room, I locked the door behind me and took a break.
Tish had, of course, decided to nap on the dress I’d laid out for tonight.
“Really. You can’t go.” I scooped her up and gently placed her on my pillow. The black cat stretched, rolled over, and went back to sleep.
A quick once over with a lint brush and the dress was ready to go. I shed my normal clothes and slid the green dress over my head. A dress like this required heels. I’d chosen the outfit for Paul. Might as well get some mileage out of a night of torture.
After adding a layer to my makeup and a few curls to my hair, I sprayed some perfume in all the right spots. I found my black heels and my black leather jacket before I headed downstairs.
Gunnar whistled as I hit the main floor.
“Thanks. You look nice.” I surveyed his casual approach. Jeans and a dress shirt with boots.
“No jacket?” Matt asked Gunnar.
“It’s a club opening, not a wedding,” Gunnar grabbed his coat as well.
Matt was following Paul’s lead. No tie or anything fancy. Matt’s sportscoat was a bit big on him. The stress of his family had taken his weight loss to another level. I’d have to keep an eye on him.
Greg came down in a suit and tie. Mary Lou’s influence, no doubt. She was decked out in a red swirling dress. Only Ivy looked more sparkly and flirty than Mary Lou. Ivy couldn’t really help it. Her bright purple number had feathers.
“It’s not a drag club,” I reminded her.
“It’s a club. They get the full me,” Ivy sassed back.
Paul stared at me. “That is a great dress.”
I laughed. “Like it? Too much?”
“More than Lucifer deserves but I’m selfish enough to think it’s for me,” he replied.
“Of course, it’s for you. I can’t stand that Luci.” I glanced over my shoulder to be sure Amy was with me. She always was. Guardian angels were funny that way, but I felt the need to check.
“Are we ready?” Greg asked.
“Sure. Couples driving separately?” Matt asked.
“Seems like a hassle,” Mary Lou replied.
I shrugged. “It’s best in case anyone gets a headache or isn’t feeling great. Paul could get an emergency call. Better to have more cars so everyone doesn’t have to leave.”
“Right, plus no one has a car that’ll hold all of us. Let’s go.” Brody grabbed the door.
The valet opened my door and I felt the coldness of Dungeon. Everything was black, gray, or silver. Paul joined me and we walked toward the building as the valet parked his car.
The others joined us until we had our full party. Then I held out the invitation to the doorman and we were escorted to a reserved table. We’d barely sat down when a bottle of expensive champagne was brought over.
Lucifer walked over beaming with pride. “So glad you made it. Enjoy the champagne and check out the club. The table is yours all night,” he said.
“That’s so sweet.” Mary Lou downed her glass in one gulp.
Greg and I shared a look. Drunk Mary Lou was crazier than anything else.
“Please enjoy the dancing and we have appetizers on the menu, plus desserts. Nothing fancy.”
“Thanks, it’s very nice,” I said.
Lucifer mingled on, attending to all his VIP tables.
I took in the view. There was a dance floor and music to one side, a huge bar along the back wall. The overall layout felt the same but the color scheme changed. There was more light as well. It was dark in places but not super dark like I expected a dungeon to be.
The club was full and the people were a mix. Some goth young adults and some normally dressed people. I saw a lot of leather and started rethinking my jacket.
“Anything good or bad?” Paul asked softly.
I frowned. “There are some people here that are looking for bad things. Dark things. But so far, the staff seems neutral. Except Lucifer.”
“I want to check it all out.” Mary Lou stood up.
Greg followed her.
Matt and Gunnar were talking.
“Da
ncing seems harmless,” Ivy said.
“Go for it, I’m good here.” I nodded.
Ivy and Brody headed for the dance floor. Matt and Gunnar followed.
Paul sat back and watched people. I did the same.
“Don’t stay here because of me,” I said.
“Where else would I go?” Paul asked.
“I don’t know. I don’t feel like dancing right now.” I saw some tables in the shadows and got a tingle of darkness.
“I never really feel like dancing. Slow dancing maybe, but this doesn’t seem like that sort of club.” Paul looked in the direction I stared. “What do you sense?”
“Hard to tell. Drugs? Prostitution? But I’m sure Lucifer isn’t behind that. He’ll have that behind those membership only doors. He’s not stupid,” I admitted.
“I’m not trying to get him arrested right now. As long as you don’t think anything illegal or dangerous is going on. I’m just not sure why he made such a point to invite us. He’s interested in you.” Paul sipped his drink.
I shook my head. “Maybe in my powers.”
“Maybe you and your powers,” Paul countered.
“Let’s talk a walk around.” I stood up and left the VIP area.
Paul followed me and watched the room carefully.
I felt a mental tug. Someone was pulling my energy. We passed by some of the private rooms and nothing there was drawing me closer. I got near the darker areas and didn’t like the sensation. We headed toward the bar and I felt the dip worsen.
Lucifer, Mary Lou, and Lester were at the bar. I knew it wasn’t Mary Lou. Lately she might be draining me, but it wasn’t the intentional energy suck that I felt now.
“De, you’ll never guess,” Mary Lou said.
“Really? Me?” I teased.
“You won’t believe it,” she insisted.
“Tell me,” I encouraged.
“Lucifer hired me to be the assistant manager here.” She jumped up and down.
Greg walked up to join us at the bar. “The restrooms are very nice. Marble counters and everything is the finest.”
Lucifer nodded. “Thank you.”
“Mary Lou, you’ve never managed anything.” I wasn’t going to be distracted by shining fixtures.
