Wendy cracked her gum. “I’m an old timer at six months. From what I’ve heard,churnover—as I like to call it—is pretty high.” She leaned down. “The GM is a tough ass, but a girl’s gotta work, right? This place is crazy wild. Before this gig, I had no idea kinky shit like this happened in clubs.” The color drained from her face and she pointed to herself. “Sorry. Me and my bigmouth.”
“No worries. I won’t say anything. But I could use your help. A woman named Sage works in the kitchen. I wanted to say ‘hey’.”
Wendy shrugged. “Don’t knowher.”
Opening her purse, Alexandra pulled out five twenties. “Find her and this isyours.”
The waitress’s eyes popped wide. “I’m on it.” Wendy beelined toward thekitchen.
I hope thisworks.
A moment later, Dracule strolled into the club, checked his watch and glanced down the hallway. When he peered into the lounge, she waved.Time to find out aboutrejuvenation.
Sporting a toothy grin, he sauntered over. “What a pleasant surprise. May I joinyou?”
“Please.” She slid out the catty-corner chair with her stiletto. “We really must stop meeting likethis.”
Chuckling, he unbuttoned his suit jacket and sat. “Waiting for that handsome young man? The one whodoesn’tshare?”
“I’m appreciating the ambiance.” She winked. “Before I getbusy.”
He threw back his head and laughed, a little too hard. “Perhaps one of these evenings…ah, well…wishfulthinking.”
Not happening.“Wouldn’t that interfere with yourrejuvenation?”
A shadow darkened his face and his eyes narrowed. “You arepersistent.”
When she leaned forward, he ogled her cleavage. “It sounds kinky. I mean, that’s why we’re here, isn’tit?”
“I hate to disappoint, but rejuvenation is my word forconnection.” His finger glanced the side of hisnose.
Francois had told her it was his code name for a nap.You’re a terrible liar.“I see,” she said, tilting her head. “Well, you certainly look rejuvenated.” She pinned on a smile and hoped he boughtit.
Jase paraded into the room, spotted Dracule and bounded over sporting an exuberant smile. “Good evening. How is everyonedoing?”
“Why, hello, my good man!” Draculesaid.
Jase shifted his attention. “Is everything here to your liking,Electra?”
“It most definitely is.” The twang elongated hervowels.
“I’ll have your contract completed next week with incentives for early payoff,” Jasesaid.
Heat infused her masked cheeks. How dare he mention her debt in front of Dracule? She rose and stepped close enough to catch a whiff of alcohol on Jase’s breath. “Please keep my financial obligation between us,” shewhispered.
“My apologies,” Jase replied. “I’ll be more discreet going forward.” Then, Jase patted Dracule’s back. “May I steal you from your lovelycompanion?”
Dracule stood. “Lovely as always to see you, Electra.” The two headed into the crowd and she took her seat with ahuff.
Drugs, gambling, prostitution, money laundering?Club management was up tosomething.
Seconds after they left, Wendy slid the glass of wine in front of her. “No one named Sage works in the kitchen.” The server nibbled her fingernail. “I saw you talking to the GM. Did you tell him about mycomment?”
“Of course not. I kept my word.” Alexandra offered the hundred dollars. “Thanks for askingaround.”
“I can’t take your money. I couldn’t find yourfriend.”
“For your efforts and your silence.” Alexandra shoved the money into herhand.
