Her lips tightened for a brief moment with disdain.“My brother is free to hang out with whoever he likes.”
“Garrett has an interesting criminal history.”
“People can change, Deputy.”
“Yes, they can. I just don’t happen to see it often.”
Disappointment filled her face.
My phone buzzed with a text from Isabella.[Wade’s at the Emerald Lounge.]
“Hot date?” Riley asked.
“Business, actually.” I tapped JD. “We’ve got to roll.”
He frowned at me, clearly enthralled with Amber. He said to her, “Maybe we can catch up later.”
“Maybe,” she said coyly.
Jack paid the tab. We said goodbye to the girls and headed for the door.
“Tell me why is it we’re leaving again?” JD muttered to me.
I wasn’t exactly sure of that myself. But I wanted to find something that would either confirm or disprove my suspicions. If we followed Wade and Shane around long enough, they were bound to tip their hand.
We walked down the street to the Emerald Lounge. The burly bouncer asked for an ID, and I flashed my badge. He waved us inside and called to the cashier, “They’re good.”
I gave a smile and a nod to the cashier as we strolled inside.
The place was packed. Men drooled over the gorgeous beauties that pranced the stage. Spotlights slashed the hazy air, and the smell of cheap perfume mixed with beer and whiskey. On the main stage, a young vixen peeled off frilly articles of clothing, and the crowd howled.
Wade stood beside the stage, showering the stunning brunette with money. It rained down like a ticker tape parade.
The Emerald Lounge had just opened up and was trying to compete with Forbidden Fruit. By the looks of things, they were doing a good job. Head-turners in various states of undress lined the floor, tantalizing patrons with their wares. The drinks were cheaper, and the buffet boasted a five-star chef. We’d been meaning to check the place out, for professional reasons, of course.
JD and I took a seat in a dim corner. Wade was too preoccupied to notice anything else but the brunette on stage.
"I'm not going to complain," Jack said. "But is he doing anything illegal?”
“He sure is burning through his paycheck.”
The dancer scooped up the cash from the stage, squatted beside Wade, and gave him a kiss on the cheek. He was in seventh heaven.
The song ended, and Wade took a seat.
The DJ boomed through the microphone, “Give it up for Rebel Rose!”
There were cheers and whistles.
“Next up, please enjoy the erotic stylings of Cindy Synn.”
It didn’t take long for a waitress to bring Wade a drink. Rebel found him once she got off stage. She wanted more of that green. The sultry brunette fell into his lap, and they got acquainted.
A waitress approached and took our drink order.
We ordered our usual whiskey, disappointed they didn’t stock Wild Fury.
She spun around and sauntered away, her hips swaying in that tight leather skirt and fishnet stockings.
