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Slamming his palm on the bar, he makes me jump. “I have the information Abel’s gone to New York for. I know where Reed is. But Abel’s playing another game, and I’m tired of his shit.”
“I don’t understand. If we know, if you have details, then why aren’t we acting?” Frustration and impatience race to the surface as I take in what Knox is saying. I mean why aren’t we making our mark – paying Reed back for what he’s done?
“That’s a good question for Abel.”
“Where is he?” Knox isn’t usually this open with information.
“New York. He’s been staying in Smithtown Bay. The Cane’s priest seems to be a sticking point.”
“I’m sorry, a priest?” I check. I run the information over with the name of the girl Carmen gave me.
At that comment, he finally looks at me as if he’s just realised he’s shared too much. “Forget it. This place looks great. Real potential, if your numbers are correct.”
“They are, arsehole.”
A guy in a smart suit approaches us, cutting our conversation short.
“Hey, Mariana, this is Chance. He’s,” Knox looks at Chance, “in the business. I passed on the invitation for tonight.” He’s back to business and wearing a mask of professionalism in an instant.
I’ve heard Chance’s name mentioned before but never met him. The fact that Knox invited him makes me feel a little proud. “A pleasure.” He holds out his hand, and I shake it, but he pulls it in towards him, and he leans down to kiss my cheek.
“Likewise.” I take a step back.
He smiles at me, and I see the confidence behind his smile. He’s a charmer, for sure, but I’ve been taught to be wary of men like him – he has an air about him. His eyes don’t hide the inspection of my dress, and I wonder if he’s here to play or just to observe. We can cater to the voyeurs amongst the crowd.
“Are you here with any particular intentions, Chance?” I enquire.
“Oh, that will depend. I have particular tastes. Although, I’d be happy for you to try and accommodate them.”
There’s that smile again, but it doesn’t make me swoon. I put my mask on, smile in return and look to Knox, who’s busy analysing the room. No doubt, he's calculating the return on investment and worth that’s inside and ready to spend.
“If you’ll excuse me, gentlemen. I’ll make sure I send one of our girls your way, Chance.” I nod toward him and extricate myself.
Continuing my round of the room, I check in with the bar, which is picking up, despite the free booze. Even the pole is proving popular. The girls wrapping their legs around the gold pole are here for entertainment purposes only. They're highly skilled and far from the cheap dancers I’ve seen at some of the clubs in the city. Any of our girls that show a skill will be trained up. Nothing here can be described as cheap.
It’s starting to feel busy, and the champagne and whiskey being handed out is starting to flow. Some of the clients have wasted no time in singling out their choice for the night. There’s only one rule here they have to follow – no sex in the main room. We’ll see how that works out later into the night.
“We good?” I ask Sasha as she approaches.
“Absolutely. You know, you’re getting some interest, boss.” She leans in. “Anyone we need to know about?”
I twist, flicking my hair, and follow where Sasha’s looking. “His name is Chance. He’s friends with my brothers. Send him Jay. She’s got an innocent, wide-eyed look down, and I have a hunch.”
“As you wish.”
“And make sure Shaw stays out where we can see him. The rooms are for clients. He can sample later.” She chuckles and walks off.
Despite the feeling of accomplishment that’s growing inside of me, my eyes keep scanning for the door.
Kai’s a no-show.
Fuck it.
I go to the bar and down another shot. The information Knox spilt is lingering in my mind and adds to the disappointment I’m feeling that a certain man has conjured.
“An interesting place you have here.”
That voice I recognise, and I turn to confirm Chance is leaning next to me at the bar. “Thank you. What aspect of the business are you involved in?” I ask, hoping to keep this professional.
