“Shit,” he murmured.
Who was she?What was she doing here?Why was she so determined to get away from him?Who were those powerful people she’d mentioned?There was no doubt she was in trouble of some kind.Normal people didn’t go around tempting men and stealing from them.There had to be an ulterior reason.Drugs didn’t seem like the answer, so there had to be something else.A visa?The promise of a job, perhaps?He’d investigated debt slavery before, and he wouldn’t be surprised if this was another case.With a shake of his head, Adam finally forced his feet to move.He’d find out.It was his job, and her warning didn’t scare him one bit, quite the contrary.Helping people was his mission and regardless of their chemistry, he’d help her.His lips twisted into a smile.He knew exactly where to begin.
****
Adam entered The GinRoom.Unlike earlier, the place was packed with patrons drinking, chatting, and having a good time overall.He headed to the bar and waved over the pierced waiter he’d seen speaking to Katya.
“What can I get you?”the young man asked with a friendly smile.
“I’m looking for a girl,” Adam replied.“She was here earlier today.I believe she’s a regular customer.You were talking to her.”
The waiter leaned onto the counter and stared at him.His blue gaze unnervingly penetrating and making Adam wonder if he was also a shifter.
“I’m sorry, sir, but I am under no obligation to give you any information about our clients.”
Adam smirked and pulled out his badge.
“I’m Detective Adam Carter.We have reason to believe the woman I’m looking for could be in danger and part of human trafficking.”
The waiter’s eyes widened.His lips pursed as if he were debating what to say next.
“I don’t think my boss would approve.”
“Listen, this isn’t about your boss or you, it’s about this woman’s life.She could be in danger.If you’ve seen her or know who she was with, it could really make a difference in the investigation.”
The waiter hesitated.
“Listen.”Adam glanced at the name tag.“Daniel, I get it.You’re worried the word might come out that you’re snitching on your clients.If you want, we can step outside, or I can take a statement later in private.If you refuse, however, I’ll come back with a subpoena and put this whole place under a microscope, and I’m sure you, your boss, and everyone here would rather avoid that.Don’t you think?”
Daniel sighed.He wiped his hands on his apron.
“What do you want to know?”he finally said.
Adam smiled triumphantly.“The woman was here earlier.Blonde hair, big green eyes.She sat over there drinking.I believe her name is Katya.What do you know about her?”
“Yes.She comes in at least once a week to unwind.She’s ...um—”
“A shifter?”he offered.
“Yes.We have special prices for our animal kin.”
“You’re one too.”
“White tiger.”
“I see.Does she ever come here with someone else?”
“No, never.I think this might be a bit of her sanctuary, and they don’t know about it.”
“They?”
Daniel sighed again.He glanced around the bar as if to make sure no one was paying attention to them.He leaned closer.
“I don’t know much, but I know Katya does illegal things, theft mainly.She has a debt to pay to some people, but I don’t know exactly who or why.I don’t ask questions I don’t want to know the answer to.”
“When you say illegal things, has she been caught stealing here or elsewhere?”
“Not here.I’ve just heard things.People talk.”
