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“It’s just all so…official,” I wave my hand around as I search for the right word.
He raises a quizzical brow at me. “Itisofficial. What, you think we’re all handed cash under a table when there’s some available for us? Annika Wolfe is one of the wealthiest people in the city. She owns several profitable and prestigious businesses in the Capital and employs over a thousand people.”
I feel a little stupid because, yes, I had thought exactly that. That we would be working in some seedy hovel. Admittedly we are in a strip club, I’m sure some would consider that seedy, but I’ve been to several strip clubs in my lifetime and I can confidently say, this is the nicest one. It’s clean and expensive looking, the girls are all immaculate and stunningly beautiful.
“Yeah, I guess I didn’t know what to expect. Sorry, man, I’m a bit nervous if I’m honest,” I say, playing my part.
“Aye?”
“When I was fired from the force, I was pretty sure I wouldn’t get another job and I’m really fucking grateful to have this one. But I feel like an ex-cop isn’t going to be too well received, you know?”
His face softens slightly, and he offers me half a smile. “Aye, you might find some are surprised to learn about your past but the boss’ word is final. If she says you’re on the team, you’re on the team. Everyone will get on board.” He claps me on the shoulder before giving it a squeeze.
I nod and sip my fizzy water. I hate fizzy water. “So, what details do you need from me?”
“Just the usual; contact details, emergency contact, home address, bank details…”
“I can give you my current address, but I won’t have one as of next week.”
He looks at me questioningly.
I shrug. “I had to give up my place since I lost my job and couldn’t guarantee I’d have rent money until I had another job.”
“You didn’t have savings?”
“Believe it or not, the force doesn’t pay overly well,” I chuckle, and he smiles.
“That won’t be a problem here. In the meantime…” He looks over to the barman, “Hey, Den. C’mere.” The young bartender heads over with a smile. “Ye got room at your place?”
I feel my cheeks flush. Is Stuart trying to get me to intrude into some poor unsuspecting bartender’s home? “Oh, you know, that’s really not necessary.” I try to protest.
“It’s a company property, Annika keeps some available for staff to use if needed.”
“Yeah,” Den sighs. “Pipe burst at my place and six flats were affected, we all had to find somewhere else for six whole fucking weeks while the building management company fixes it. If we didn’t have the use of the company properties, I’d be stuck in some crappy hotel.”
I frown and look to Stuart. “She just keeps properties empty in case someone might need them?”
He chuckles. “They’re rarely empty. I just happened to have caught the end of a discussion and heard that the guy who was in the other bedroom in Den’s temporary place has recently moved out. You can take his room.”
Den smiles kindly with a nod. It seems too good to be true. My scepticism must show on my face because Den tries to reassure me. “It’s a nice place with two ensuites so you don’t have to share a bathroom. It’s just five minutes away too, so you’ll be close to work.”
I blow out a breath and figure I might as well go all in. “That would be great, thanks.”
“Great.” Stuart beams. “I’ll get Diamond to arrange it.”
“Diamond?”
“Ah, I’ve not introduced you to Diamond yet, she’s Annika’s assistant.”
“And her name is Diamond?” That cannot be an actual name.
“Her name is Dianne, and some might tell you that she’s called Diamond because that was her stage name when she worked here. But let me set you straight; she’s called Diamond because she’s hard as fuck.”
I don’t have time to respond to that when a sweet feminine voice calls out to me. “Javier?”
I swivel round to find a familiar brunette strutting toward me with her chemically enhanced lips stretched into an enthusiastic smile. My nameless hook-up from last night approaches wearing a bejewelled bikini and pink rhinestone encrusted platform heels. I blink, gormless and panicking slightly. Immediately, I start running through our interaction and wonder what I told her. I shouldn’t worry, I never give women any more information than is necessary.
“Uh…hi,” I stutter and she laughs.
