Chapter Five
Tyler caught a cab from the airport to the hotel Eric and Josie had insisted on booking.For peace of mind, according to Josie when she handed over her credit card.
Tyler wasn’t worried about Susan or her friends murdering him in his bed. He’d learned a lot from their exchange of emails.
After checking in, he shot Susan a text to tell her he’d arrived. His phone beeped a few minutes after he’d hit send.
Meet at Maxwell’s on K’ Rd. Bang for entry on arrival.
Tyler decided to walk from his hotel at the bottom of Queen Street. He strolled past the cruise terminal where a huge ship hugged the wharf. Passengers and crew scurried up and down the gangway.
An Elizabeth Square flower seller snagged his attention and he bought four bunches—for Susan and one for each of her close friends. He was looking forward to putting faces to names.
Tyler wandered up Queen Street and tackled the hill leading to K’ Road at a fast stroll. Buses, cars and taxis choked the streets and workers spilled from offices and shops, ready for their home comforts and a weekend of freedom. He paused at a crossing, taking a rapid step back when a huge bus lumbered around the corner. It lurched to a stop and passengers piled on board.
When he reached K’ Road, he took note of the clubs, the adult stores interspersed with a small convenience store, a shop selling saris and a café. The door ofMaxwell’swas closed and after a quick breath, Tyler knocked for entry.
An elderly man opened the door a crack and peered at him. “We open at six.”
“I’m here to see Susan. She told me to bang on the door.”
“You’re Tyler.” An attractive blonde appeared behind the man. “Let him in, Stan. This is Tyler, Susan’s friend.”
“Hi.” Tyler smiled, his nerves settling until he recalled the rest of New Zealand thought Susan was Nolan’s girl. His brother—blast him—had included Susan in his latest pick. “I bought some flowers.” Tyler handed over a bunch to Julia.
“Aren’t you sweet?” Julia sniffed at the bouquet of mixed flowers. “Susan is sorting out the change floats.” She took his arm in a friendly manner. “I’ll show you to the office. We can’t leave for dinner until after the first dance sequence.”
“That’s fine,” Tyler said, taking in his surroundings with interest. The room was huge, the walls the deep blue-black of dusk before real dark stole in to mute the landscape. Borders of intricate golden scrolls contrasted with the blue to give a classy air. “You have a nice place here. It’s…elegant.”
“We like it,” Julia said. “If it weren’t for Susan and the rest of my friends, my mother would have ended up selling the club.”
“It’s a family business?”
“I’m fourth generation.” Julia steered him toward the bar, past gleaming tables to a group of men and women. “This is Maggie and Connor. This is Caleb and Ryan, my husband.” She released Tyler and winked at her husband.
Maggie was a curvy woman with brown hair and large breasts, although after his first glance, Tyler focused on her husband. Connor was a big man, a few inches taller than Tyler and he bore the fit build of a rugby player. Tyler would’ve picked him as a rugby man even if Susan hadn’t told him about her friends.
Ryan and Caleb were as alike as Susan had said with dark good looks—at least from a female perspective—and the wiry strength and grace of runners.
“I recognize the names. Susan has mentioned you in her emails.” Tyler handed flowers to Maggie and shook hands with everyone, despite his impatience to meet Susan. They were vetting, checking him out because they cared about their friend, and he couldn’t blame their caution. He’d do the same if he were in their position, and the size of the three men, their assessing gazes, didn’t faze him in the slightest.
“Is he here yet?” A woman’s voice came from up on stage.
Tyler straightened, admitted to nerves and did his best not to show his anxiety.
“Yes,” Julia said, amusement coloring her tone.
The woman with golden brown hair popped from behind the curtains, and Tyler relaxed. She wore glasses and each time she moved, her bracelets jingled.
“Oops. I’ll go and tell Susan,” she said.
“Not so fast,” Maggie said.
Tyler shifted to stare at her impish face.
Maggie winked and the big, husky man at her side growled. “We haven’t had time to interrogate him yet.”
“Excellent. I haven’t missed the good stuff,” Christina said, careening to a halt beside him. “Hi.” She stuck out her hand. “I’m Christina. Are you playing our girl?”
