“The Dungeon,” Claire-Marie replied. “It’s big bucks for a membership, but worth it. I’m there at least once a week. I have guest passes if you guys want to check it out.”
“I’m too much of a prude to get kinky with a stranger,” Emerson said.
“You can just talk and get to know someone, first,” Claire-Marie explained. “You can watch others play. You can play and not have sex or just have straight up sex. Lotta options.”
The server returned, set the tequila shot in front of Claire-Marie, then opened the wine bottle and poured a small amount into Danielle’s glass. She slid the glass to Emerson. “I’ll drink anything. You try it.”
After sipping it, Emerson nodded to the server who poured out three glasses.
“Cheers,” Emerson said.
She and Danielle sipped the chardonnay while Claire-Marie tossed back the shot.
“I have fun news,” Claire-Marie said. “I’m doing a photo shoot.”
“That’s cool,” Danielle said. “How’d that happen?”
“I met this guy. Not a romantic thing. Anyway, he’s a photographer who does a ton of local shoots.”
“Did you check his references?” Emerson asked.
Both women stared at her. “Seriously?” Claire-Marie asked. “He asked me if I want to get together at a park—in public on a Saturday—and take some test shots. Not everyone is evil.”
“Where’d you meet him?” Danielle asked.
Claire-Marie sipped the wine. “The Dungeon, and I ran into him at a coffee shop. He’s cool.”
“What does he do with the photos?” Emerson asked.
“He’s a stock photographer, so he sells them to stock companies and people buy licenses to use them. I’m excited.”
The conversation and laughter came easily as the three women continued chatting. Emerson talked to Danielle almost every day, but it was good catching up with Claire-Marie.
After their dinners were served, Emerson said, “Do you guys carry mace or pepper spray?”
“I have some.” Danielle set hers on the table.
“No,” Claire-Marie said. “My bag is a disaster. I’d never be able to find it. I’d just knee ‘em in the balls.”
Emerson carried one of each and slid the mace across the table. “Keep this.”
“Why are you giving me your mace?” Claire-Marie asked. “What do you know that we don’t?”
When she leaned forward, the sisters did the same. “I don’t want you guys to freak out or anything, but there’s a possible serial killer in the area.”
“What?” Danielle shouted.
Several patrons glanced over.
“I want you guys safe, that’s all,” Emerson said.
“I never go home with anyone from the club,” Claire-Marie said. “I play there and I leave. I don’t even use my real name.”
“Can you tell us anything else about the killer?” Danielle asked Emerson.
“Sis,” Claire-Marie interrupted. “Chill out. Relax. You know what you need? A man…to help you take it down a few notches. When was the last time you got any?”
“Don’t start with me.” Danielle topped their wine glasses, emptying the bottle.
