I hop a bus to Club Empire. The place looks closed, but the doors are unlocked. A receptionist in a black and purple corset and leather leggings appears and greets me. He’s a different employee from the ones I’ve seen before, with midnight dark skin and a silver choker around his neck that looks like a collar. “Ms. Ramos. How can I help you?”
I open my mouth and then pause. “You know my name?”
“Of course. I know all our platinum members. I’m Henri, the day manager.”
I shake his hand, still frowning. “I’m not a platinum member.”
“Ah, let me check.” He clicks the computer mouse a few times and nods at the screen. “It seems you’ve been upgraded in the past twenty-four hours. Congratulations.”
Probably Rex, pulling strings. “What does platinum membership entail?”
“Invites to private functions, unlimited use of the facilities at all hours. Access to a private bar.”
The bar would explain why Rex always has a drink in his hand.
“So it’s like an exclusive club.”
“Membership dues run a hundred thousand a month, due in one yearly payment. So yes. It’s very exclusive.”
I have to give Henri credit. He seems unfazed when my eyes almost pop out of my head.
Rex paid over a million dollars for me to have special access? What is he playing at? I plan on never scening with him again.
“Would you like a tour?” Henri asks.
“No. . . thank you. Maybe later. I was here Wednesday night. You told me a car was available to take me home. Is that a common club service?”
“No. It was privately arranged.”
“Who arranged it?”
“I can’t say. The driver himself told me he was waiting for you. I thought you had arranged it.”
“The driver. Do you have his information?”
“I don’t.”
“Does he often give members rides?”
“I’m not sure. I’d never seen him before.”
Dead end. I blow out a breath, trying to remain calm.
“The man I’ve been scening with—does he come here often? Does he scene with anyone else?” It’s not pertinent to the case, but I want to know. How many people is Rex Roy toying with?
Just me? Or am I one of many?
It shouldn’t matter, but it does.
“I’m afraid I can’t divulge any information about our members. They expect total confidentiality. As a member yourself, I’m sure you understand.”
“I do.” I flash my badge. “Which is why I didn’t want to come here with a warrant. But I will if I have to.”
Henri studies my badge, his placid expression remaining in place. “I’ll ask the club owners to reach out to you.”
“Do that. I’m sure they’d prefer to manage this discreetly.”
Henri raises his head, looking past me at something or someone who makes him blink. I turn.
