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“I figured as much.” I sighed at the task before me.
“I’ll have the officers get pictures of the door while we go inside and start the process.”
“Okay. Let’s do this.” It wasn’t what I wanted to do this afternoon. But when had that ever factored into the equation?
We headed inside, where my employees were gathered in the dressing room. Heads turned our way as we entered, and I spied fear in some of their eyes. A few of my girls had tears lining their lashes.
“Bruno, could you ask Phil, Carver, and Ted to come in here, please.”
Bruno nodded. “Sure thing, boss.”
Detective Freemont studied the room and people present with a hefty dose of skepticism and cop eyes. Like he was cataloging everything in the room beyond the people to the racks of clothing, hairpieces, and dressing mirrors with piles of makeup.
I knew how it must look. Organized chaos.
When the others finally joined us, I glanced at all my people: Cherry, Miranda, Venus, Aphrodite, Bruno, Roxy, Eve, Carver, Ted, and Phil. If it were any later in the day, there would be twice as many.
“Okay, guys, I know coming into work and seeing that on the door was the last thing anyone wanted. The good news is they’re targeting me, not you. The bad news is we’ve got to close the club tonight to deal with the door. This is Detective Freemont with the Charleston Police. He and his officers are going to be asking you guys some questions. Unfortunately, you cannot leave until you speak with them. Ted, why don’t we have you go first. That way you can finish cooking the evening meal for everybody. Why don’t you just box it up and everyone can take dinner home with them tonight. And please set aside some for the detective and his officers.”
Ted rose from his seat. “I can do that.”
“Why doesn’t everyone remain here, and we’ll have you come in one at a time. Do you have an office we can use?” Dan asked me.
“Sure, follow me. And Bruno, if you would keep track of everyone and send them in one at a time. No one leaves until I give the all clear, understood?”
Everyone nodded and replied with their assent. I led Dan into my office.
“You’ve got quite the operation going here.”
I shrugged. “Women don’t strip because they want to, detective. They do it because they need the cash to support themselves and their families. I wanted a place where they don’t have to worry about skeevy bosses who try to cop a feel or skim their wages. I do the nightly meals for my employees because many of them need it. Not to mention it fosters a sense of community too.”
“You misunderstand me. I think what you’re doing is phenomenal. I must admit, after visiting your house yesterday, I researched you and your club. This place hasn’t had any issues with underage drinking. And other than a few drunk and disorderlies, it has a great record. Listening to you in there, I want to help you keep this place open because I think you’re doing a hell of a job.”
Pleasure spread over me at the unexpected compliment. “Thanks. I know it’s not the most glamorous or well-respected field.”
“No, but it’s a necessary one. I researched the other strip clubs in the area, and they have significantly more problems with the strippers being sexually assaulted, theft, prostitution, and many other things.”
At the knock on the door, our heads turned. Ted’s lanky frame stood in the doorframe. The guy was a beanpole with red hair and one of the best cooks ever. “Ready for me?”
“Why don’t you have a seat?” Dan stated, gesturing to one of the chairs. Then glanced my way. “As the business owner, if you would like to remain present, I will allow it.”
Oh, thank god. I wanted to give my people a sense of calm while getting to the bottom of this nonsense. “Yes. I think I will.”
I gave the floor over to Dan, settling back and listening to employee after employee answer his questions. In the back of my mind, I thought about Ben. I’d just left him at the front door of the club. I knew he’d be fine, and we’d find each other again once this was all squared away.
But I couldn’t help but think about him and how he had stepped up to the plate.
* * *
Iwas glad when Moira went inside with the detective. It gave me a chance to assess the front while the officers snapped photos of the door. Rage filled me over what this asshole was doing to Moira. Other people might have missed it because she always appeared to have her act together, but this was weighing on her. And she was scared.
“Excuse us, sir. Is there something we can help you with?” one of the officers asked me.
“I’m here with the owner.” They could try to make me leave the crime scene. But I wasn’t going anywhere without Moira.
“Mind if I ask you a few questions?” The officer studied me. He looked about ten years older with a slight paunch around the midsection.
“Shoot.” I nodded.
