by Kacey Shea
“Do you have any ideas or suspicions of where your husband goes or who he’s with?” She leans forward on her elbows, glancing around the small shop before lowering her voice to a whisper.
“Whores.”
“Whores?” I’m not sure I hear her correctly and raise my brows in question.
“Do you have wax in your ears? Yes. Whores. Though I have no idea where he gets the money to afford them.” That’s a pretty serious allegation and I don’t appreciate her condescending tone. I force a sympathetic nod.
“Explain exactly why you think your husband is spending time with women of the night.”
“I followed him last week. Went straight to Eddy’s.” She gives me a hard glare and then bugs her eyes when I don’t react.
“So… who’s Eddy? That his buddy or something?”
“You’ve been gone a while. You need to get out more, kid. Eddy’s is a strip club.”
“Ah-ha. Okay, you followed him to a strip club and believe him to be spending time with whores.” I summarize and Judy flashes a pleasant smile.
“Exactly. So you understand.”
“You do realize all strippers aren’t whores?” I don’t know why, but I feel the need to defend the career choice.
“I have it on good authority most are.” Okay, then. Wild goose chase it is.
“Any other information for me to work from?” She scrounges around in her giant bag for a few moments and I inwardly smile. Mother like daughter. Kate’s forever hauling around a giant handbag. God only knows what’s inside. I’ve seen her pull a full meal and an entire outfit from the thing.
“Here.” She shoves a half crumbled piece of lined note paper into my hands. “Paul leaves every evening at the same time. Man is a creature of habit. He’s always home by ten. I wrote it all down. His car, plates, my cell number. Call me anytime if you have questions.”
I take the paper and add it to the envelope of cash, and stand to shove it all in my back pocket.
“I’ll see what I can find and get back to you with an update. It probably won’t be another week before I have anything to report.” She nods and stands.
“Do you happen to run into my daughter now that you’re back?” As she questions me, she looks away to study a display of coffee mugs.
“Every now and then.” Something in the way she won’t meet my eyes when she asks about her own daughter bothers me. I feel the need to protect Kate and her whereabouts.
“Yes, well, I’m sure you do with you and Evie in business together. Growing up, Kate always had such a crush on you, but that was before. I always thought you were such a nice young man. Always thought you’d end up with Evie. Would have loved it to be my daughter, but even then I’m sure you realized you were too good for her. She’ll never catch a nice man, not with the way she is. Well, I’m sure you know.”
She’s rambling, I can tell, but dear God, what kind of a mother talks about their own child this way? Even my parents aren’t this bad. The only hate they spew is toward each other.
“My son, now he’s a good kid. One more year of college left. I’m not sure if you heard, but he is at USD on a full ride. Very proud of him. And he calls me every week. Nothing like his sister. She won’t even return my calls—” Now, this is just plain uncomfortable.
“That’s great to hear.” I cut her off before she can continue. “I have another meeting so I need to be going. I’ll be in touch.”
I turn and with quick strides I’m back inside my truck in less than two minutes. I’m sure there is more to it, but I can see why Kate no longer has a relationship with her parents. Starting the truck, I head to my next destination. A boring surveillance gig for Scottsdale PD, but it pays the bills and I’ll be home by midnight.
Just after twelve I walk up the short pathway that leads to our apartment door. I hear the screams before my key is in the lock. The sound spurs me to throw the door open and barge inside, ready and alert.
Two faces, both upside down, greet me with wide smiles.
“Jon! You’re back!” Kate screams and gracefully dismounts from her headstand. Alex is still upside down against the wall. She giggles and I look around as if I’ve entered some sort of alternate universe. I’ve never heard the woman giggle. Laugh, sure, but Alex was downright giddy.
“Uh, Kate. I think I need your help. I’m stuck.” Kate laughs and gets tangled up with Alex helping her down. It’s then I notice she’s not wearing her prosthetic. She rarely takes it off and it’s surprising she’s comfortable enough around Kate to do so. Their continued giggling has me guessing alcohol consumption plays a big contributor in her comfort level. I shut the door and lock it. I hope they haven’t been playing yoga gymnastics all night. The entire complex can probably hear these two. Just what I need, angry neighbors.
“You two have fun tonight?” Alex giggles again and Kate snorts.
“A blast. You should’ve been there. Alex kissed me.” My brows shoot up and I glance between the two, landing on Alex’s playful grin.
“You little firecracker. I should’ve known you’d try something with Kate.” Alex hops to the couch and sits. Kate plops down beside her and I drag over a dining chair, flipping it backward to sit on.
“Yeah, well, hello. Have you looked at her?” We both stare and a blush further stains Kate’s already flushed face. She’s gorgeous.
“You don’t seem surprised Alex kissed me,” Kate muses.
“Yeah, I’m not. And I’m not surprised you kissed her.”
“Jon and I used to hook up. He’s seen me kiss lots of women.” Glaring at Alex, it was my turn to flush with embarrassment. Kate’s eyes are wide as saucers and she alternates looking between me and Alex.
“You two hooked up?”
“All the time. For like three months. It was three months, right, Jon?” I nod, my gaze glued to Kate’s face as Alex continues. “Technically, we had a couple of threesomes too. Oh, this man is extremely gifted, if you know what I mean.”
“I know what you mean,” Kate mutters before she meets my stare. “Threesomes, huh? I wouldn’t have pegged you for the type. You’re kind of a tightass.”
“Yeah, I guess I’m full of surprises. And like Alex said, it was only a threesome on a technicality. I did a lot of watching.” Alex bursts into laughter.
“Those were some fun times. Kate, have you ever had a threesome?” Kate looks shocked. It’s weird because this kind of talk is usually right up her alley.
“No. Can’t say I’ve done that before. I have kissed girls before… sorry Alex you weren’t my first.” She flashes Alex an apologetic smile and they both laugh. “So, did you two date? Sorry, I’m just stunned. You guys seem like great friends.”
“No, we didn’t date. We were fuck buddies.” Alex answers matter of factly.
“I hate that term.” I groan. “I prefer friends with benefits.”
“Well, that’s what it means.” She turns to Kate, “It happens more than you’d think. Especially when we’re overseas on assignment. Can be pretty miserable without a regular hookup.”
“I can imagine. Jon, I’m sorry, but I still can’t get over that you’ve had a threesome and I haven’t.”
“We could make it happen.” Alex teases but the conversation sours.
“No!” I add with a little too much force.
“What? I’m not good enough to be included in your little sex parties?” Kate actually appears hurt and this entire conversation is giving me a headache. I rub my temples.
“No. I don’t like to share.” The room gets quiet for a moment.
“You had no problem when it was Sarah and me…” Alex raises her brows. Kate studies my face. I let out a frustrated breath.
“That’s because we were just fucking around. I never wanted anything other than that with you.”
Alex grins from ear to ear at my confession and Kate’s quiet, thinking way too much for one in the morning. I stand and return my chair to the small dining table.
“Okay, eno
ugh true confessions with Kate and Alex time. I’m out.”
I stride down the hall to my room, purposely not lingering. I don’t want to hear any more insight from those two tonight. If these are the kinds of conversations we’re going to have, this is going to be a hell of a long week.
Like some perv, I sit in the back lot of a strip club with my binoculars and telephoto lens camera. Just another day in the life of Jonathan Beltran. Hell, I’ve done worse so I shouldn’t complain.
Eddy’s is probably the most depressing strip club I’ve ever come upon. And that’s really saying something, because I went to a more than few gentlemen’s clubs in my Army days. It’s located in the middle of an East Valley suburb surrounded by single family homes, sitting kitty corner from an IHOP. The building is an older one story and there is one lighted sign that reads “Eddy’s” in retro 1980s lettering. There are maybe five cars in the front lot and six in the back.
I followed Kate’s father here a little over an hour ago. Just as Mrs. Bryant forecasted, Paul left their home a little after six o’clock on this Wednesday evening, made one stop to pick up a buddy who seemed to be in his early sixties as well, and then drove directly to Eddy’s.
Tonight I’ll wait in the dirt parking lot, but if he comes here regularly I’ll need to follow him inside. I worry he’ll recognize me, and I don’t want to tip him off too early in my investigation. Although we didn’t spend much time at the Bryant house in high school I know the man saw me on several occasions and would recognize my face. For now it’s best I lurk in the shadows.
Besides, I’m on call today for contract work with Scottsdale PD so I need to be ready at a moment’s notice. They’ve got me running surveillance for a suspected drug ring. It’s real hush hush and I signed an NDA just to work surveillance, which is different from my other freelance jobs. Usually the cases I’m assigned don’t require those measures. I’m not even allowed to discuss this one with Evie because they’ve hired me as an individual, not our PI firm. Apparently, they’re worried about details of the case being leaked.
I’ve studied the profiles of four men, all white and between the ages of fifty-five and sixty-five, no priors, all married and retired, middle class. They’ve no proof that these guys are involved in the ring, and they don’t expect them to be dangerous, but for some reason PD has them on watch. I’m basically on call each evening and if I get a text or a call about a location I go wait and photograph anything suspicious.
Paul Bryant walks out of the club and I scramble to reach across the console for my camera. His buddy stumbles out after him and two other men after that. They walk over to the side of the building covered in shadows. I watch through my lens and snap a few photos but it’s clear they’ve come outside for a smoke. They lean against the wall, puff away and after ten minutes head back inside the building.
My cell rings as the men disappear inside and I swipe my thumb across the screen before answering.
“Beltran.”
“It’s Collier.”
“What can I do for you this evening, Detective?”
“Got a location for you.”
“You got it. Where to, boss?” I slide my key in the ignition and give a little twist. The engine roars to life.
“Eddy’s. Some strip club in the East Valley. You heard of it?” I can’t help but laugh.
“You’re probably not going to believe this, but that’s where I am now.”
“Never pegged you for a glitter and tits kinda guy, Beltran.” I laugh harder.
“Yeah, I’m not. Here working a case tonight.”
“Interesting. You have the profiles I sent over?”
“Memorized.”
“Good. Anything suspicious with those men and I want pics.”
“Got it.”
“And Jon?”
“Yeah.”
“Be careful. We don’t expect this to be dangerous, but you never know.”
“Thanks.”
Shit. Looks like I’m visiting the titty bar after all.
I grab a ball cap from the back seat and pull it low over my eyes. A blast of cool air hits me when I walk inside. A bouncer nods my way.
“It’s twenty.” I pull my wallet from my back pocket and pay the man. He unhooks the rope that separates me from the floor. “Welcome.” I nod as I pass through. Hard rock pumps through the crappy speakers, and some Asian chick struts on stage in nothing but a thong. I give the room a quick scan and settle for a seat at the end of the bar.
“What can I get you, handsome?” A cute blonde with too much makeup and too few clothes asks from across the bar.
“I’ll take whatever’s on tap.” She smiles and moves to fill a glass and I swivel the barstool to get a better look at the room. There’s not a large crowd. Though, maybe that’s normal for a Wednesday evening at this hour. There are a few booths filled with men and a couple sits along the catwalk. One old man sits down from them, the loner in the crowd, and I notice he’s enjoying the nachos. I never understood that. Why would you come to a place like this to get a meal? Just not sanitary. Wouldn’t matter how strong the cleaner sprayed on those table tops, it just didn’t seem right.
“You want me to start you a tab?” Blondie asks, and I shake my refusal.
“It’ll be eight.” I pull out my wallet and hand her a ten.
“Keep the change.” I continue to search the room but don’t spot any of the men from the profiles. I don’t see Kate’s dad, either. I nurse my beer but after two more songs I nod and gain the bartender’s attention. She’s chatting with one of the waitresses at the opposite end of the bar, and nods before walking over. My cell rings from where it sits on the bar top.
“Beltran.”
“Hey, man! It’s Davis. Will Davis.” Davis and I went through boot camp together when we were fresh out of high school. We weren’t in the same platoon, but were stationed at the same base for a little while in Afghanistan. The man’s a fucking riot. Always knows when to say something to lighten the mood and make everyone laugh.
“Hey, Davis! How the hell are you, man?”
“Oh, you know. Hey, I was wondering if you had some time to talk. Would now be a good time?” Blondie looks a little pissed that I called her over to ignore her and talk on my phone. She raises her brows and puts a hand on her hip. She points to my almost empty glass but I shake my head no. I raise one finger.
“Hey, man. Now’s not really a good time. Can I call you back?”
“Uh. Sure, man. No, it’s cool. We’ll talk later.”
“Thanks, Davis, we’ll catch up soon. Great to hear your voice, man.” The line goes silent and I give Blondie my complete attention.
“Hey, I have a question for you.”
“You a cop?” She’s still pissed and I’m gaining her attention the wrong way. I change tactics.
“Nah. Hey, so my buddy’s getting married and I’m the best man. I’m checking out different places to hold the party, but a friend said you gotta check out Eddy’s because the feisty blonde who pours the drinks is worth the less than stellar atmosphere.” I grin and her body softens, leans across the counter to spill her cleavage before she smiles back.
“Who’s your friend?”
“Doesn’t matter. I’m hotter.”
“Awfully full of yourself.”
“I’m a confident man. So, you have a private party area or VIP lounge in this place?” She laughs.
“No VIPs here. Where would we put them, the imaginary balcony?”
“Good point. So, no space like that we could rent out?” She studies my expression and I keep my features soft and relaxed.
“Well… we do have one room in the back but it’s not open to the public. I don’t know that Eddy even rents it out for parties. More for personal uses. But I can ask and find out for you?” She leans forward a little further, and gives me full view of her spectacular boob job.
“That’d be awesome.”
“No problem. Should I call you? I’ll need your number.”
I tip my glass and polish off the rest of my beer.
“Oh, I’ll be back. Maybe I’ll even bring my friend. You work all week?” She nods but her face shows her disappointment. “Maybe I’ll stay for one more beer, though,” I offer and she beams before filling another glass.
I’ll stick around a little while longer, but if I were a betting man I’d guess Paul Bryant is somewhere in that private room. It troubles me that I haven’t seen any of the men on my watch list, so chances are they’re back there too. What the hell kind of trouble has Mr. Bryant gotten himself into?
The week has flown by and it’s already time for Alex to head home. I’m going to miss her but I’ll be glad to get back to my routine. And maybe Kate’s no pants yoga party will make a return. Apparently the woman does have some sense of modesty, since she moved her morning practice into her bedroom. Or maybe she just does it to piss me off. Either way, I hate to admit it, but I’ve missed the morning torture.
Evie and I took the day off. Alex and I spent the morning at the shooting range, then grabbed a quick lunch. She’s packing her toiletries in the bathroom before her cab gets here.
“Come on, Alex, you’ve got like ten minutes ‘til your ride gets here and I wanna beat your ass in another round of Call of Duty!”
I spin in my office chair in lazy circles. After a few minutes I yell again. “Alex, what the fuck, we gonna play or what?”
I stop spinning when I hear her slow gait coming down the short hallway. I lift my chin and when I meet her eyes my stomach drops. Her face is hollow, sadness radiates from her eyes to her slumped shoulders. She drops her bag and shakes her head.
“Alex. Alex, what’s wrong?”
“I just got a call. I can’t believe it’s true. Will Davis. He—he shot himself last night.”
I push myself off the chair, grip her shoulders in my hands. I can’t believe it’s true. Of all people. Her face is somber, but she sheds no tears.
“How? Who? Are you sure?” The words fall from my lips and I don’t recognize my own voice. He would never. Not Will. She nods her head.
“Ramirez called. It’s true. But I still can’t believe it. Not Will Davis.” Her voice breaks. “Happened last night in his hometown. His sister found him this morning in his apartment.”