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“An officer of the court,” I halfway teased, although I refused to put her in a compromising position. “Plus, you’re very observant. Watch and study. Jameson is right. There are some groups of people it’s fascinating that they are sharing time together.”
She glanced around the room again then narrowed her eyes. “You are worried there’s going to be another murder.”
“Let’s just say I’m very cautious at this point. Do not leave this spot. Okay?”
Frowning, she grabbed her drink. “Why, yes, sir.”
Why did I have the distinct feeling the little woman was going to find trouble?
I glanced at Grant who lifted his eyebrow. It would appear at least a quarter of the men from Congress were in our club, another quarter in his. As Gregory headed away from the front bar area, I noticed the chief of police watching us carefully. Why would Senator Winston have visited the club one night, the chief of police the next?
Unless they were keeping tabs. No. I wouldn’t put anything past men like the chief or Winston for one second.
“Don’t worry. My bouncers will keep an eye on her.” He nodded to the bartender who approached us quickly. “Make certain and keep Ms. Winston company. And everything is on the house.”
“Yes, sir.”
Gregory led us into a small lounge attached to his office, immediately heading to the bar. “What would everyone like?”
“Scotch, neat,” I told him.
“Macallan’s, if I seem to remember. By the way, I would say Lark is the perfect woman for you.” He grinned. “The question is can she whip you into shape?”
At least we were all able to laugh as he prepared drinks.
I remained standing, more than curious as to what he knew. “I’m certain you heard about the two murders.”
Gregory eyed me briefly before easing onto one of the couches. “Unfortunately, yes.”
“Both victims had frequented Carnal Sins,” Grant told him. I’d filled both him and Jameson in on what Anastasia had found. I’d also told them about Davidson’s unwanted visit and my subsequent warning to the pompous ass.
“They were here as well,” Gregory said. “I don’t need to tell any of you that the club is being watched.”
“Tonight.” Grant gave him a look.
Gregory nodded. “I know. I’m no fool. Lark’s father is pushing our good chief of police to shut us down.”
“I suspected as much,” I told him.
“It’s a witch hunt at best, like Winston has been doing in Florida.” Jameson’s voice was more terse than usual. I had a feeling he hadn’t disclosed every detail of what he’d been through with the senator.
“That doesn’t mean it’s not poisonous. Memberships can lag, cancelled without warning,” Grant said quietly.
“He’s right. We’ve at two-thirds capacity since the first murder. Even though Ernest Davidson isn’t a member of Club Darkness, our name was mentioned twice in the press. Some of my members are fearful they’ll be outed by name.” Gregory shook his head.
“There’s a sicko out there using the two clubs as a cloak, which allows him to continue in his quest while the focus is driven to both facilities.” Jameson was right. He shifted his gaze between us.
Gregory pulled his phone from his pocket. “I’ve taken the liberty of preparing a list of members bringing guests on a regular basis. Surprisingly, there aren’t as many as you would think. I’d say a good proportion use the facility as nothing more than an unwinding spot.”
“Interesting, but I’m certain our controller already has the list in her hands and is cross referencing it.” I couldn’t help but grin.
He chuckled. “I’d forgotten just how close Anastasia and Shane had gotten.”
“I assure you the list won’t be poached.”
“I’m not worried about that, Lachlan,” he told me, returning his phone to his pocket. “There’s plenty of space in this adventure we’re all on.”
“Right now, it’s like a rollercoaster, dropping from a thousand feet,” Grant said through clenched teeth.
