The club was as busy as I expected it would be on a Friday night. The music was thumping loudly, sweaty bodies were grinding against one another on the dance floor, and drinks were flowing at the bar. If it was up to me, I would’ve marched straight up to the bar and began asking questions, subtly of course, but Josh was eyeing the dance floor like it was a long-lost friend.
I grabbed his hand and began leading him in that direction. “I can’t dance worth a shit,” I yelled over my shoulder in warning.
“That’s okay, baby, you just stand there and I’ll dance good enough for both of us,” Josh replied confidently.
I anticipated that I would stand near him and kind of move from side to side while glaring at every swinging dick in the place, but that isn’t what happened. Josh’s infectious happiness and laughter urged–okay, yanked me by the dick–out of my comfort zone and into Fun Land. I stopped worrying about my moves and how lame they were or anything else. All I wanted was to keep that wide smile on Josh’s face and the laughter in his life at any cost.
After a long time, Josh crooked his finger for me to follow him and I did. “I think it’s time we start interrogating the club staff,” he told me.
“We’re not going to interrogate anyone, Sunshine. I’m just going to ask about the new management in a non-threatening way.” I wasn’t in the mood for bad cop. I was in the mood for some quick, honest answers and then take my guy home for some strong loving before we went to bed. If given the choice, I also wanted to sleep in until at least ten the next morning.
“Damn,” Josh said in disappointment. “I was hoping to see you in action.”
We found a place at the bar, but there was only one stool. I motioned for Josh to take it, but he shook his head. I wasn’t going to battle him over who sat on the stool. If he didn’t want to sit, fine; he could stand between my legs so I could nibble on his neck while we waited our turn.
That’s exactly what I was doing when I heard a familiar voice say, “This must be your boyfriend.”
Josh’s head snapped in the direction of the voice and I watched with an inward smile as Josh slowly raked his eyes from Paul’s toes to his eyes then narrowed them in suspicion. “Why, yes I am and who might you be?” Josh asked sweetly. I was pretty sure I saw him bat his eyelashes a few extra times for emphasis.
Paul extended his hand and said, “I’m Paul Seviere. I work on Gabe’s task force.”
Josh accepted his hand and said, “I’m Josh Roman. I work on Gabe’s nerves.”
Paul threw his head back and laughed. “I like him,” he said when he was finished. “So, are you guys here on a date or checking things out?”
“Both,” Josh said. “Gabe won’t let me interrogate anyone though.”
“I just want to find out whatever I can about the new management.” I told Paul some of my theories and he nodded his head.
“In that case, you might look hard at the former owner slash silent partner. The identity of the new owner hasn’t been made public and the employees aren’t talking. It’s doubtful the interim manager knows much. I guess it’s possible Bandowe wanted out from under the club and Nate’s death was the easiest way or the new guy wanted the club bad enough to kill.”
“And you’re certain there was no illicit activities going on?” I asked Paul.
“Could there have been a few clients giving out sexual favors for a quick buck? Sure. Are these partyers bringing in their own drugs? You can bet your ass. What we didn’t find was any sign that the owner or the employees were engaged in any illegal activities. No one seems to know who the new owner is, but maybe you’ll have better luck.” He nodded to Josh and said, “Let him ask the questions if you decide to interview the staff because he’s less threatening looking than you are.”
“Aw, thanks,” Josh said to Paul.
“No problem. You two have a fun night,” he said before he walked off.
The congenial smile slid off Josh’s face the moment he walked away. He turned between my legs so he could look me in the eye. “You fucked him, didn’t you?” It was a statement of disbelief, not an accusation.
“Not these past two days,” I said. “It was a year ago.”
“Did you meet here at the club?” Josh asked.
“Yes.”
“Then you hooked up?” he asked.
“Once.”
“You weren’t going to mention it?” Josh wanted to know.
I let out a deep sigh and told him all of the things I had thought about that morning. I was with Josh and told Paul so. Paul was a one-time thing and a very distant memory. Blah. Blah. Blah. He didn’t look at all impressed nor did he look angry. I couldn’t get a read on his mood, which was odd because I felt like I knew him so well.
“Gabe,” he said, holding up his hand. His lips tilted up on one end and he looked like he was holding back a grin. “Instead of driving back home, why don’t we get a hotel and you can fuck me like a stranger tonight.”
“What?” That was the last thing I thought he would say.
