Absolute Betrayal

by Ronni Meyrick

  “It…I…” Trudy spluttered, a thoughtful expression fell across her face, and Stella swore she saw a cartoon light-bulb over her head go on. “Jen gave me the card to use for the business.”

  Swinging her arms behind her back, Stella linked her hands together to restrain them from throttling the life out of Trudy. “Try again. I've seen the statements and know exactly what you’ve been buying. We also found a nice collection of emails on the business server connected to Jen’s account.” She tapped her finger against her right temple. “In my forgetfulness, and with my mind focused fully on my son, the account was never deleted. I must applaud you both. Together you'd have made brilliant lesbian erotica writers.”

  Stella stopped pacing and stood next to Carly. She picked up the thick sheath of papers, her temper rose from simmering to boiling in seconds, and she threw them at Trudy, scattering them over the floor.

  Claudia rose to her feet when urgent knocking was heard on the main door. “That’ll be my part of the plan falling into place.”

  Mutterings from the staff ensued until Claudia returned and then the room fell eerily silent as she was followed by several police officers. One marched straight up to Trudy.

  “Ms. Trudy Marshall?” He waited for conformation from her before continuing. “I’m arresting you on the suspicion of fraud and embezzlement.”

  Taking out his handcuffs, he secured her hands behind her back.

  Stella moved to stand in front of her. “If you hadn’t already guessed, you’re fired. I’ll make sure any personal effects find their way back to you.”

  With smug satisfaction, Stella watched as Trudy was led away. When she turned back to the room, the whispers had started again. A loud whine bounced off the walls of the room, drawing her attention to the rest of the police officers and the gorgeous, regal looking German Shepherd that sat at one of their sides.

  “The police are here to sweep the building for drugs. There was a problem with the main club in London a few weeks ago. We found drugs and paraphernalia in the offices and on some of the staff. This is your last chance to tell me if you’ve anything on you or want to divulge any information about something illegal going on here.”

  Silence greeted her, yet three members of staff fidgeted in their seats but still never came forward.

  “Okay, don’t say I didn’t warn you. After you’ve been cleared by the police, you can leave. If you’re on shift today, you can stay and have lunch on me before your shift begins.”

  The police officers swept into action. The dog was used to alert on anything suspicious and then the other officers took over from there. It would cut down on anything being damaged in the search.

  Carly caught Stella’s attention as she stood on a chair to make herself heard and called out over the noise. “Could David and Sarah Adamson please come and see me once the police have cleared you.”

  Stella resisted the urge to smack her forehead. She’d completely forgotten to speak to the shift managers about taking over management of the club. Her shoulders sagged with weariness, and she slowly walked back to her seat, sat down heavily, and rubbed her face vigorously with her hands. A small hand on her thigh made her jump. She reached down and captured Carly’s hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. Claudia appeared in front of her with a glass of water, prompting her to take it.

  A tall man with brown hair, and a short woman with blonde hair, marched over to them prompting Carly to drop Stella’s hand. “I’ve got this, sit quiet, and we’ll get you back to the hotel as soon as we can.”

  Carly approached the man and woman and stopped them from interacting with Stella, whose eyes were heavily lidded. The meeting had taken a lot out of her, and she was probably riding an emotional rollercoaster trying to process the fact she’d just confronted one of her wife’s lovers.

  David and Sarah Adamson were nothing but professional. The married couple had been secretly running the club for well over a year while Trudy sat on her backside and did nothing. It was the logical choice they would be asked to take over the job permanently.

  “Yes, yes!” David answered enthusiastically after Carly had posed her question. He picked his wife up and spun her around. “We’ve been waiting for an opportunity like this for years.”

  “I can’t believe it!” Sarah staggered around as she was set back on the ground.

  Carly shook both of their hands. “There’s going to be a lot of work to do in the coming weeks.” She handed Sarah a folder. “Here’s a list of all the things I want implemented over the next six weeks before I visit again. We’ll talk about any other ideas you may have then. But nothing is to be done without my final agreement, is that clear?”

  Sarah and David answered with a slight dip of their head.

  “Okay, today is just another day at work for all of us.” Bending closer, she leaned in so she could whisper. “Later tonight there is going to be another police search. I know there’ll be patrons in here and I don’t care. You know the rules on how we expect the clubs to be run, and drugs will not be tolerated.”

  “I agree, and we can do more searches over the year to ensure all the customers are aware of the rule that drug use or selling will not be tolerated here!” David took his phone from his pocket and opened the memo app, writing a quick note for himself.

  “I’m glad. We’ll be back later tonight. Please don’t tell anyone about the search. It’s to remain strictly between us.”

  With final nods from Sarah and David, Carly turned back to her friends. Sitting on the edge of her seat, she reached over and took Stella’s hand, caressing the top of it.

  “Do you want to go to the hotel and take a nap? I can stay here with the police and grab a cab to the hotel when they’ve finished.”

  Stella stood, indicating she was ready to leave. Carly helped her on with her suit jacket, and grabbed the car keys out of her pocket throwing them to Claudia.

  “Don’t let Stella drive.”

  “I’ll see you soon. Come and find me once you’re settled at the hotel.” Lowering her head, Stella placed a brief kiss on Carly lips, and then hooked her fingertips into the crook of Claudia’s arm. “All of a sudden, I’m exhausted. I’m so tired I feel like I could pass out.”

  “Your emotions and adrenalin levels are to blame for that. When you wake up, you’ll be ravenous.” Claudia walked her to the car and made her get into the backseat.

  Her head felt heavy and fell back to rest against the soft cushioned leather on the back of the seat. “I hope the police don’t find anything. I could do without any more upsets today.”

  “That’s what you have Carly for. She’s the manager and can handle anything they come across. You need to learn to loosen your hold on the reins. You employ managers to run the businesses, so let them do just that.” Claudia didn’t get a reply and before backing out of the space. She turned to see her friend was already asleep. “There are some strong feelings rampaging through you, my friend.”

  ***

  Carly stepped out of the shining metal and glass elevator and turned down the corridor towards her hotel room. The first thing she needed was a shower, then she was going to see how Stella was doing. Claudia had sent her a text earlier, telling her Stella was in a trance-like state and was suffering from adrenaline sickness. She and Trish had fed her and given her two large mugs of sweet tea before she’d fallen asleep.

  The police search turned up more misery for them: five members of staff had been fired on the spot and then carted off to the police station to be charged with possession and intent to supply. That opened up a whole new bunch of headaches for her and the new managers—they had to find new staff fast.

  During the search, some of the office furniture had been ripped to shreds as the police tore into them to uncover what the search dogs had alerted on. It all needed to be replaced. The white leather sofa in the manager’s office was unrecognisable, the stuffing had been sent flying around the room, and still lay where it fell—it was a complete mess. The amount of ev
idence bags kept growing, and she’d lost count as more officers loaded plastic and brown bags into the back of a police van.

  The tiredness rampaged through her body, making it heavy and difficult to move. We still have the raid tonight to contend with. Christ knows what fresh hell that will bring us!

  Chapter Eleven

  Everyone met back at the ground floor restaurant of the hotel later that night. As Carly approached the table, Stella stood, took her into her arms, and kissed her softly. Stella’s eyes were shining brightly once again, the dark circles were long gone, and she was back to her normal self.

  “Would you like something to drink?” Stella helped Carly to her seat and rubbed her shoulders.

  Carly’s head shook from side to side. “I think a virgin cocktail would be best. I need to keep a clear head for tonight.”

  Stella caught the eye of a passing waiter and signalled him to come to their table while Carly decided what she wanted. A few seconds later, she went with a mango and coconut juice mix. When it arrived, she took a large gulp, draining half the glass in one.

  “After the day I’ve had, I think this could use a shot or three of vodka.”

  After ordering their meals, Carly gave them all the details from what happened that afternoon. The whole raid, the damage, the staff problems, and what they were going to have to concentrate on that night to ensure the next raid went to plan. Her shoulders were heavy as she sagged back into her chair and sighed heavily, rubbing her tired eyes with her balled up hands.

  “No wonder you want a proper drink!”

  Stella jumped from her seat and went to the bar. She returned a minute later with a tumbler of cranberry and vodka. Placing it on the table in front of Carly, she kissed her temple and returned to her chair.

  “I think you deserve at least one before we go to the club. After everything has been concluded with the police, we can stay behind to dance and drink the night away.”

  “You seem calmer. What happened?” The vodka tingled on Carly’s tongue as she took a sip, and it relaxed her.

  “I called home to check if everything was okay and spoke to George. I always wish him good night. Even if I’m not in the country, I make a point to ring in and talk to him.”

  Carly swallowed the remainder of the liquid. “Phew! I needed that.” She took Stella’s hand and raised the back of it to her mouth and kissed it. “You’re a goddess for getting me that, thank you.”

  As Carly’s soft lips connected with the back of her hand a shock of electricity shot through Stella and settled pleasantly in the recess of her stomach. The desire to kiss Carly was immense, and she couldn’t help herself. Leaning across the arm of her chair, Stella reached out with her fingers and used the tips to tilt Carly’s chin up. Her beautiful lips were moist and held a slight hint of pink from the cranberry.

  When their lips met, Carly groaned and threaded her hand through the back of Stella’s hair, holding her close and preventing her from breaking the kiss.

  Playfully nibbling on her lips, Stella resisted the urge to deepen it. A hotel restaurant wasn’t the place she wanted their first passionate kiss to take place. She wanted it to be perfect for Carly when the time came, and that didn’t include having their friend and her girlfriend sitting across from them.

  When they pulled away from each other, Carly straightened Stella’s messed hair, their eyes locked, and a dreamy grin crossed her lips.

  “I’d like us to do something special together tomorrow. I know we have business to take care of at the club in the evening, but after a nice meal out, would you care to go dancing with me when we’ve dealt with all our business?” Stella caressed Carly’s cheek with the back of her fingers.

  “I’d love nothing more.”

  Claudia and Trish cleared their throats to regain their attention, and a red hue travelled up Stella’s and Carly’s necks and onto their faces.

  Claudia tapped the top of Carly’s hand. “You forgot we were here, didn’t you?”

  Carly didn’t meet her eyes as she reached for her drink and drained the remainder of the mixture. Their meals arrived and saved Carly from answering.

  By the end of the meal, they only had an hour to prepare before the police would arrive at the club. The four of them scrambled into a waiting taxi and prepared for whatever issues the night had in store for them. Stella nibbled her bottom lip and fidgeted non-stop in the seat.

  When they arrived at the club, Stella stepped out of the car and extended her hand to Carly. With Carly’s hand safely in hers, Stella felt her inner compass fall back onto its axis, the internal anxiety lessened, her shoulders straightened, and she marched regally up to the doors with her head held high.

  The music was already thumping out a steady bass rhythm, vibrating the ground under their feet. The dark entry way greeted them, giving it an eerie feel, something Stella never wanted for her any of her clubs, and she made a mental note to mention it to Carly and have her remedy it. Who would feel welcome in a place this dark?

  David met them at the bar and escorted them through to his new office. Before closing the door, he made a hand signal to the bar. One of Stella’s eyebrows rose as she peered over to the waitress who was holding her thumb up to him in response.

  Taking the available seats in the office, they sat and waited for the fireworks to begin. David strode around the desk and sat in the high back office chair. “The discussion Sarah and I had with Ms. Martin earlier was very enlightening, and we’ve already taken steps to implement some of the plans she suggested.”

  A small grin spread across Carly’s face. “There’s one thing that needs immediate attention. The lighting in the entrance hall is less than satisfactory and too dark to be welcoming to our customers. Have someone come out tomorrow and look at installing more lights. Perhaps one or two for the ceiling and some smaller wall lights would brighten it up.”

  A knock at the door ceased all conversation. It swung open, and a member of the bar staff entered, carrying a bottle of champagne in a silver ice bucket under one arm and four glasses in her hand. She set it on the desk and left without acknowledging them.

  David stood and retrieved the bottle; he slowly twisted the foil and wire casing off of it. “I suggest you stay in here until the police arrive. I took the liberty of ordering you a bottle of Prosecco to enjoy while you wait.”

  Stella grabbed a glass in each hand and held them up for him to fill. “What an excellent idea. We can celebrate and toast the new Misfits.”

  As they took their first sips, they heard the crowd in the club become more animated. A loud authoritative baritone voice bounced off the walls, and some dogs barking caused them all to put their glasses down.

  Carly flicked her wrist and peered at her watch. “They’re five minutes early.” She flipped open the door as a heavy knock thudded against the wood. The broad, tall, figure of Detective Chief Inspector Jackson, the investigating police officer, filled the doorway. Carly reintroduced herself then turned to do the same with the others.

  Stella wanted to watch what was happening and crossed to stand in the doorway. A team of twenty officers were separating the customers into two lines and another two were ready with drug detection dogs to begin the search.

  Closing her eyes, Stella took a few seconds to calm herself. “No matter what happens tonight, we need to concentrate on taking the clubs forward.” She spun around and pinned Carly and Claudia with a hard stare. “If it means we have to remake the whole brand to get rid of any negativity, then so be it!”

  Carly stepped forward and placed her hand on the small of Stella’s back and rubbed gently. “I agree. It won’t be easy, and there’ll be a lot of long hours involved.”

  Stella leaned down and kissed her lips softly. “I’m prepared to step up to the plate if that should happen.” She stroked Carly’s face with her fingers before standing back up to her full height.

  Claudia and Trish sat back and watched as the action unfolded. Stella and Carly chose to become more i
nvolved and moved out onto the dance floor to keep a close eye on what was happening. Neither of them was prepared to see how many people had been arrested or the amount of evidence bags piling up. It was disappointing and satisfactory at the same time. They couldn’t believe how many people had gone to the club with something in their pocket for their own personal use. But the number of people there to supply others was more than they could’ve imagined. The only joy to be taken from it was that there were fewer drugs on the street of Manchester now.

  Carly took DCI Jackson to one side as the other officers were winding down the investigation. “I’d like for us to do this quarterly from this point onwards. Is that something you would be happy to arrange?”

  “Certainly, and who knows, this could set an example for the other clubs to follow.” He held his hand out for Carly to shake.

  As they shook hands, Carly patted the top of his. “Liaise with the new managers. They’ll keep me up to date with everything happening.”

  Carly needed to talk to Claudia about contacting the police forces in the regions of the other clubs and organising for the searches to be extended to them also. It was a huge undertaking, and she’d have to meet with the managers first to discuss it, but it was a subject she wouldn’t be swayed on.

  For every patron who was cleared, Carly took them to the bar and offered them a free drink for being patient and understanding. Those in the lines who’d protested too much were the ones who had something to hide. Some of the customers objected to what was happening, but the majority praised Carly and Stella for such a well-run operation and fully understood why they were doing it.

  There were still a lot of people milling around once the police had left. As far as Carly was concerned, it was now business as normal and approached the DJ and instructed him to start pumping the music out. By the second song, the dance floor was again a hive of activity with their patrons once again enjoying themselves.