AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“I got a lead on a club here in town. An exclusive club, one that not many people know about. I may go undercover and see what I can learn.”
Concern washed over his face. “What kind of club? Like a country club?”
Ugh. Time to lie.
I hated lying to my dad.
“Kind of like that. Kind of like an exclusive country club, but it’s in the city.”
Time to wrap up this conversation. I clapped my hands together and turned to go.
“Wait a minute.” His hand made a stop sign.
Shit. Of course he had more questions.
“Why do you have to go undercover? Is it unsafe?” His furrowed brow said it all.
I should have kept my big mouth shut.
“Of course it’s safe.” I laughed nervously. Wasn’t it? “It’s just that I can get a different story posing as a member. That’s all.”
“You know, Saffi, you don’t have to do this.”
“Do what?” Now I was the one frowning.
“Scrape by at the Post. They give you crappy work and pay you next to nothing. I’m happy to have you here in the house, but some day, you’ll want a place of your own. Hell, you probably want that now, but it’s out of the question. I could get you a job at the firm, starting as a paralegal, and you could attend law school at night.”
He was right. Partially. I could take the path of least resistance. Get a job at Dad’s firm. Live the easy life. But that’s not what I wanted. Mom, also a journalist, had never taken the easy route. ’Course, she’d married Dad back when San Francisco wasn’t as expensive as it had gotten. But I wasn’t giving up. At least not yet.
“Dad. I know you’re speaking out of concern. And I love you for that. But I’ve got to give this a go.”
He threw his hands in the air for effect, but a huge smile spread across his face. “I know you do. You’re just like your mother.”
All good. Time to escape before he asked more questions. “Thanks. I’m tired. I’m going upstairs to take a bath and read for awhile.”
“Okay. And hey. I love you,” he said.
I walked over and planted a kiss on his cheek. A lump formed in my throat, and I scooted out of the room. Fast.
I closed the door to the room I’d had since childhood and leaned back against it. Now was the moment of truth. I dialed the number from the tattered business card.
It rang several times, followed by a long beep.
“Um, hello. This is Saff—I mean, this is Susan. I, um, wanted some info about the club.”
My statements were coming out like questions. I hated that. I cleared my throat.
“Yes, I’m wanting to come by the club. I’m considering joining. That is, if you’re taking new members. I’d appreciate your returning my call.”
My phone rang ten minutes later while I was in the tub, nearly asleep in the steamy water. I didn’t normally bring my phone when I was bathing, but who knew what a sex club’s office hours were?
“Hello?”
“Is this Susan?” an authoritative female voice asked.
Susan? Oh Susan.
I straightened up in the tub, splashing water onto the floor.
