Slash’s shoulder’s fell.What a time suck.
Providence entered the room, glanced around, and shut the door. “Good, everyone’s here. Thanks for being on time,”—she shot Slash a smile and the team cracked up.
Providence eased down at the head of the table. “There’s a members-only gentleman’s club in Arlington called The Blue Suit Club that popped up on our radar.”
“That’s a high-end strip club,” Emerson said.
Providence nodded. “Months ago, the Bureau got a tip that the club was running a prostitution ring, so they sent in a special agent to check it out.”
“Musta been fifty guys who fought over that gig,” Slash said.
The women started laughing.
“An agent went there for two months, but he was never approached,” Providence explained. “When he inquired about special services, he was told the club offered nothing more than lap dances, but he’d seen a few guys get escorted into a room marked Management Only.”
“Doesn’t sound like much to go on,” said one of the Ops.
“What does this have to do with us?” asked another.
“The Bureau isn’t asking a woman to take the case because it’s unethical,” Providence said. “They won’t ask a female agent to strip.”
“Here we go,” Slash mumbled under hear breath.
“The undercover gig was passed through the necessary channels to us.” Providence let her gaze drift from one woman to the next. “It’s not like any assignment we’ve ever had, so rather than eliminate it, I’m letting you decide if it’s something you’d be interested in.”
“What’s involved?” Danielle asked.
“You’d apply to be a dancer.”
“Yeah, that’s not happening,” Emerson said.
“I had a feeling this wouldn’t fly,” Providence said.
Emerson stood, as did Danielle, Brit, and Addison. They were out, along with all but two Ops. In the doorway, Brit turned back to Slash. “If anyone has the balls to do this, it’s you.”
Slash raked her fingers through her hair, moving her long bangs aside. “Talk to us, boss.”
“It’s simple, really,” Providence replied. “The Bureau will create a legend for you. Most likely, you danced out of town. You’ll apply to be a dancer. If you get the gig, you’ll start working there. The second anyone propositions you, they’d move in for an arrest.”
“How’s that gonna work?” asked the other female Op. “We can’t wear a wire unless we put it in our thong.”
“I’m not gonna screw some john so the agency can make an arrest,” Slash said.
“I hear you,” Providence said. “I don’t think the Bureau anticipated anyone would even ask these questions. From what I’ve been told, they’re probably going to send another Special Agent in there.”
The other Op stood. “I’m out.”
“I understand,” Providence said.
The employee left, shutting the door behind her.
“Is this coming from Z?” Slash asked.
“It is,” Providence replied.
“I’ll check out the club and let you know.” Slash pushed out of the chair.
“Let’s get your legend set up first,” Providence said.
