“I’m going.” It’s all she says, and I leave it at that.
Tonight, we could use all the help we can get.
“Remember, this isn’t official police business,” Nick says, meeting each of our eyes. “I have nothing substantial enough to take to Chief Skiver. We’re on our own. We have to do this carefully. The guy is innocent until we have proof that he’s up to no good.”
We all nod our understanding, moving to get ready. To anyone at the bar, we need to look like three friends out on the town for the night. Nick will try to remain in the background unseen, so if he needs to intervene, the suspects won’t see it coming.
“Lanie, what thehell?” I say, looking down at her feet.
Nick and I left the hotel early to scout out the bar while it was still daylight, leaving the room open for the girls to get changed. I’d told Nina on my call to dress for a night out on the town, so they came prepared with a change of clothes.
Nina has on a pair of black leather Spanx and an oversize, off-the-shoulder cream sweater with a pair of black booties. Lanie, onthe other hand, looks like she missed the memo that it’s nearly February and we’re trying to save a life, not spend the night line dancing.
“We’re not in Nashville,” I say incredulously.
“What?” she says, curling her lip. “We’re going to Haven’s Bard, and these are my shitkickers. Anyone gets out of line, I’ll take them down easily with these bad boys.”
I take a deep breath, closing my eyes. “I said to dress for a night out on the town, but to be inconspicuous. You will not go unnoticed.”
She shrugs. “I never do, love.”
“Okay,” Nina drawls, “we’ve got work to do.” She turns to me. “Ready?”
I nod, moving forward and pushing open the door.
As we step into the bar, my heart sinks.
This isn’t the place.
Haven’s Bard is huge, flooded with harsh fluorescent light, completely opposite of the dimly lit bar I saw in my dream.
The place we need is smaller. The bar in here spans the length of the back wall, wrapping into a half-moon. High-top tables are off to the right, while a large dance floor takes up the left all the way to the start of the bar tables.
To Lanie’s credit, she dressed perfectly. The dance floor is filled with women dressed similarly to Lanie, dancing the tush push.
“This isn’t it,” I say dejectedly.
Nina furrows her brow. “Are you sure?”
“Positive. The place we’re looking for is smaller. Darker.”
Nick glances around the room, scanning the crowd. “I don’t see anyone that matches your description of the guy, or the photo we found of Ashley online either.”
The music shifts, and the sound of screeching women scratches at my senses. I have to get out of here.
A woman walks by, and Nina’s hand darts out, stopping her. “Excuse me,” she says, smiling sweetly at the twenty-something blonde decked out in rhinestone shorts and white cowboy boots. “Is there another bar in town that’s a bit smaller? Maybe with less lights?”
The girl narrows her eyes in on Nina, nodding her head. “I get it, girl. Just work on blending; you’ll get to a point where you won’t be afraid to show your face.”
Nina drops her hand from the girl’s arm, blinking rapidly, hand lifting to her face.
“You’re probably wanting Muddy Mermaid. It’s a dive bar close by. Good luck.” She offers a toothy smile before heading to the dance floor to a group of girls that cheer when they see her.
“What the F…” Nina’s words trail off. “Is my makeup bad?”
“No. You look great.”
“I’m not even wearing foundation. How the hell could I blend better?”
