I could check in with my contacts. Cassandra had come through. It was still early enough that I could go by the Velvet Room and see if Dani had gotten a copy of the video yet.
I knew James wouldn’t be happy with my decision, but I was still wearing my wig. There was little chance I’d be recognized.
Once I got back to Little Rock, I took the exit to the strip club. The parking lot had more cars tonight, which would probably work in my favor.
I walked inside and took a seat in the back, getting plenty of looks from the patrons once they realized I was sitting alone. I almost convinced myself to order a whiskey so I wouldn’t stand out. Instead, I ordered a club soda, then sat back like I was there to enjoy the show.
I didn’t recognize the girl dancing. The crowd was more subdued, but then she didn’t seem to be putting her heart into her performance. Not that I blamed her.
I didn’t see Dani working the floor, so she was either in a back room or had the night off. I decided to give it a half hour before I asked about her.
A couple of brave men tried to approach my table, but the dark stares I gave them were strong enough to send them back to their friends without a single word.
I checked my phone several times, telling myself I had no reason to worry. James would get back to me when he could.
After about twenty minutes, I started getting restless and bored. I was about to ask about Dani when I saw her walk out of the back, flipping her hair over her shoulder.
Several men in the room noticed and sat up in their seats.
I motioned my waitress over and told her I wanted to pay for a lap dance from Ruby.
If she was surprised, she didn’t let on. She just headed over to the dancer and pointed to me.
Dani started sauntering my way. She stopped next to me, and leaned forward, enough that her cleavage was practically in front of my face. “I hear you requested me, sweetie.” Then her gaze landed on my face. Her eyes filled with confusion, like she knew she’d seen me before but couldn’t place me.
I stretched up to her ear. “Hi, Dani. I thought I’d stop by and check on your progress with the video.”
She jerked back like I’d stabbed her with a hot poker, her eyes wide. “What the…?”
“I’m undercover,” I said. “So? Any progress?”
Her face hardened. “I haven’t had a chance yet.”
“Time’s tickin’,” I said, loud enough she could hear me over the music. “It might get deleted soon.”
“It’s not exactly easy to get,” she snapped, then her gaze landed on the empty chair next to me. “Did you kick Skeeter to the curb, or did he replace you?”
“He has other plans tonight.” I lifted my chin to get a better look at her. “What did Razor tell you about him?”
“That he’s ruthless.”
I cocked my head. “You’ve dealt with ruthless men before. Why were you so scared of him?”
She jutted her head back with a defiant look. “Who said I was scared?”
“Don’t waste my time bullshitting me, Dani.”
She made a face and shook her head. “Razor seemed so dead set on killin’ him, it kind of freaked me out.”
“What freaked you out?” I asked. “That you were with a guy your client wants to murder, or that the man you fucked is so deadly?”
She shuddered. “Both.”
Fair enough.
“Why are you workin’ with that guy?” she asked with a frown. “He doesn’t seem your type. At. All.”
I shrugged. “They say opposites attract. So, about that video… are you really looking for it or are you just stringing me along?”
