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"Good afternoon." I nodded coolly. I tried not to wince at the fact it was afternoon. Since Jake decided to take his promise literally, we didn't get to sleep until dawn. By the time I woke again, it was nearly eleven. I was usually up by ten. Half-past ten at the latest. In my line of work, late nights were standard, but I liked to get some sleep while it was dark.
The other bouncer looked nervous. "Is the boss expecting you?"
"The old boss, or the new boss?" Jake asked smoothly.
The bouncer looked like he didn't know how to answer that.
The first bouncer slapped him on the chest with the back of his hand. "The new one hasn't taken possession yet, remember? The boss has to clear out his office and all that shit." He sighed dramatically. "I so wish you'd bought the place. It would be so much better under you."
The second bouncer slapped the first back. "If you still want to have a job, don't say shit like that." His eyes shifted back and forth and he lowered his voice, "Bernie is right, though. I remember the days under Dagen. They weren't nice to demons like us. I dunno, maybe it's time for a new job." He hung his head.
"Vernon," Bernie said. "Are you really thinking of leaving? I can't imagine working here without you."
I exchanged glances with Jake.
He shrugged. "We could always use good door staff at Crimson."
Both demons’ eyes widened.
"That would be amazing," Bernie said. "I've always wanted to work there. It looks so… Fancy. Especially compared to this dump."
Vernon nodded vigourously. "Shit, yeah. I'm in." He looked like he was ready to leave right now.
"You should finish your shifts first," Jake said. "And put in your notice."
"And make a list of whoever else wants to jump ship," I said. Dagen might have the Lair, but that didn't mean I couldn't steal his staff. It would be a minor annoyance to him, but I would take it. Any chance to piss him off.
Jake grinned. "Even if there is no room at Crimson, we'll find somewhere."
Bernie looked like he was ready to pee his pants with excitement. "Yes, boss. I know there's quite a few who aren't sure about sticking around."
"Good." I nodded. "So, Haigwood is cleaning out his office?"
"I would expect so, boss," Bernie agreed. "I think he is as eager to get out of here as we are."
Jake snorted.
I knew what he was thinking. He didn't need to say that Haigwood could have put the place behind him a year and a half ago.
I stepped past the bouncers and into the Lair.
The place was dark and stank of sweat and stale alcohol. Two forms sparred in the ring off to one side of the room. I had done enough self defence in the past to tell neither was enthusiastic about being there. The blows they exchanged were half-hearted at best.
On the other side of the room was a long bar. A woman around my age with hair an interesting shade of blue was talking to a man in a leather jacket who sat on a stool.
There were no other customers.
"Looks like business has gone downhill," Jake remarked. Even in the afternoon, there should be people here drinking and talking.
"Nothing puts people off like the words 'under new management,'" I remarked. "Especially when it's not us." I had my reasons for wanting the Lair, but I hadn't realised until now that I wasn't the only one who wanted me to buy the place. Or at least, anyone but Dagen.
"I'm not sure if we should be offended or not," Jake said lightly. "Shouldn't we be the most notorious ones in town?"
I responded with a brief laugh. "There's a fine line between being notorious and being a motherfucker. Alastair crossed that line a long time ago."
We walked down the corridor that led to the offices and staff area.
Sure enough, Haigwood was busy packing all of his belongings into cardboard boxes.
