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I leave Jesse in the corner and slowly try to make my way to talk to Dylan, only the detective cuts me off. The air in The Black Lotus grows tense as I appraise him, my hand clutching my purse, slowly opening it so that I can gain access to my gun if things turn south.
Detective Foster nods to me. “You’re Vanessa Baxter, yes? The owner of this fine establishment?”
“I am.” I lift my chin. “I haven’t seen you here before.”
“I’ve never been here before,” he says. “Raymond Foster.”
“Ah, that name rings a bell.” I smile warmly at him. “You’re a… police officer, aren’t you?”
“A detective, actually.”
“Am I going to have to keep my eye on you to ensure you don’t count cards?” I laugh.
He leans in, his voice a low murmur in the dimly lit corners of the underground casino. "Vanessa, we both know there arethings happening beyond the surface. I can be an ally, a guardian in the shadows. In return, I want information and influence."
His eyes gleam with a predatory glint. A detective but a corrupt one. I weigh the risks of aligning with this tainted authority figure. The power play in motion is delicate, a dance where one misstep could lead to ruin, but this step very well could save Jesse from the sins of his past.
I lean back, a coy smile on my lips. "Detective, I'm no stranger to the art of alliances, but trust is a currency in short supply. What guarantees do I have that your interests won't shift?"
The detective chuckles, a dark sound echoing through the clandestine atmosphere. "You're a smart woman, Vanessa. Consider this the first step. There will be a police gala next week. I can secure you an invitation. I trust I don’t need to tell you why you should attend such an event?”
I smile at him. “Not as your plus one, surely.”
He laughs. “Mrs. Foster already has her gown picked out.”
“I wouldn’t want to put her out, certainly. I will attend.”
“Good. I look forward to speaking to you there.” He reaches inside his coat and removes an invitation to the gala. The man knew I would say yes. “Go. There, I will tell you what I seek. Provide that, and you'll find me a valuable asset."
I accept the invitation, nod, and give him a drink on the house before allowing him to spend some of his money here.
As I delve deeper into the intricate web of alliances, the boundaries between friend and foe blur. The corrupt detective becomes a potential pawn in our dangerous game, a card to be played cautiously.
The pulsating beat of The Black Lotus fades into the backdrop as it closes. Once most of the place has been cleaned up and the support staff has left, I find Jesse in a dimly lit corner, his expression a mix of apprehension and determination. I explain to him the complex alliance with Detective Raymond, emphasizing the potential advantages of having an insider within the corrupt realms of law enforcement.
Jesse's eyes narrow, suspicion etched across his face. "Vanessa, you're playing with fire. This detective can't be trusted. I've seen enough of both sides to know where this path leads."
I rub his arm. "Jesse, I understand your concerns, but in this world, trust is a commodity we must wield strategically. Detective Raymond can be an asset, a shield when needed."
He grits his teeth, clearly uneasy with the arrangement. "And what's the price we pay for this alliance? I won't let you walk into danger blindly."
A wry smile curves on my lips. "The detective has secured an invitation to the police gala, a place where connections can be made. I plan to attend, but it's not without risks."
Jesse's eyes flicker with a mixture of surprise and defiance. "Let me be your plus one. I can keep an eye on things and ensure you're safe."
I pause, weighing the precarious balance. "Jesse, bringing you only heightens the risks. The detective vouched for me alone. Having you there could unravel the delicate threads we're weaving."
His jaw tightens, but he nods in reluctant understanding. “Will Dylan be there?”
I blink a few times. “It’s possible, I suppose. The mayor is likely to make an appearance.”
“At least he’ll be there.” Jesse shakes his head. “I don’t like this, Nessa.”
“I know, but I’ll be safe, and if you want, you can help me decide what to wear… starting with the undergarments…”
He shakes his head and wags a finger at me. “Tempting me with lust. I see right through you.”
I take that finger and put it into my mouth, sucking on it.
