Club Thrive: Deception (The Club Thrive Series Book 3)

by Alison Mello

  Dillon steps behind the bar. “What do we need?”

  I give him a list of things to grab from the back while I cut some fruit for our tray. Shane and Dillon come back with liquor and beer for our bar. We get busy putting it away. The club will be opening shortly, which means Shane is about ready to give his nightly speech. Almost every shift he talks to us about running a smooth ship and calling for backup if we need it. He is known for keeping his eye on the cameras while he works, and he gets pissed if he sees you’re overwhelmed and you didn’t call for backup. One of the things we pride ourselves on is cleanliness and good customer service. He doesn’t want patrons waiting for drinks.

  When he’s finally done with his little speech of the night, he gives the DJ a thumbs up to start the music, and he tells Jonah to open the doors. In minutes, people are flowing through, filling the place up. This place will be full in a matter of an hour and there will be a line down the street of patrons waiting to get in until about midnight. At that point, they start to give up and go to another club. I think that’s why we fill up so quickly. No one wants to wait in line to never make it in. It’s definitely a good thing for us.

  Dillon is on one side of the bar flipping bottles and having a blast while I’m on the other mixing drinks and serving beers. I’m not on bar one often. I’m usually on bar two. It’s the slower of the two bars, and I end up making a lot of the shots that get purchased on the floor. I’m not sure what made him put me here tonight, but I’m going to bust my ass to prove I can handle it. I’m one of the newest bartenders in this club, and by that I mean newest at mixing drinks. All the other bartenders he’s hired have come from other clubs. We have a bit of a rep and as soon as an ad is posted that we’re hiring, people jump on it because word has gotten out that Logan is an awesome owner and he takes care of his people.

  A group of girls slip into the stools in front of me. “Hey, ladies, what can I get you?”

  One of them is wearing a really hot tight dress. She has pretty long hair and bright blue eyes. They’re scanning my body, making me a tad self-conscious. She gives me a dirty grin. “What time you get off?”

  “Why?” I chuckle.

  “Want to hook up?”

  I laugh. “Sorry, love, I’m spoken for. Can I get you a drink?”

  “A Cosmo, and I don’t see a ring on your finger.”

  I make her Cosmos and place it down on the bar. “I have a boyfriend and he’ll be picking me up, but thanks for the offer.” I wink, trying to take the sting out of rejecting her. I’m not into women and if I were, I would never cheat.

  She shrugs her shoulders. “Your loss.” She winks and walks away with her girls following her. She looks like she’s part of the mean girls clique. I shake my head and go back to serving drinks.

  This place is packed and the night is flying by. I’ve decided that I like working bar one, it is way busier than the other bar. “Dillon, I need more Bud Light.” He presses his earwig and calls Shane to run for us. It’s far too busy for either of us to leave, and with Kelly off tonight, we’re a little shorthanded. Shane doesn’t employ a ton of excess staff because we all want a ton of hours. He only has one or two that work as backups, and one of them is slow as shit, so Shane would never have her work on a Saturday night and backups aren’t allowed to be runners. That’s one of Logan’s rules after he was robbed by one of his own employees.

  Shane gets to the bar with the beer and he loads it into the cooler to keep it cold. He checks some bottles to see if we’re getting low on anything else, and when we both tell him we’re good, he takes off to check on the other bar. I wipe down the bar from some patrons that left and as soon as I’m done, more take a seat. This time when I look up, I discover one of them is Noah. I need to play it cool, because I know as soon as Shane finds out, he will pull him and call Cooper. “Hey, Noah. What are you doing here?”

  “I came to see my favorite girl and get a drink.”

  “What can I get you?” I put a napkin down in front of him.

  “A beer will be fine.” I pull out a bottle of beer, pull the cap, and toss it in the trash.

  “Five dollars.” He hands me the five plus a two dollar tip that I throw in our tip jar. I get busy serving a few other patrons, and then tell Dillon that Noah is here and he needs to call Shane back. I normally have an earwig too, but mine wasn’t working properly, so I told Shane we could manage with only one.

  I make my way back over to check on Noah. “How’s working at Vixen?” Even in the poor lighting I can see his eyes are dark and glazed. He’s definitely on something.

  “It’s okay, but I really miss you. I wish you would work this out with me.”

  I lick my lips, trying to figure out what to say. There’s no way I’m giving him another chance with the stuff he’s pulled, plus Slade treats me way better than he ever did. Not to mention our chemistry is way hotter too. “I know you do, and I’m sorry it didn’t work out. You’re a great guy, but you need to get yourself away from that guy. He’s bad news.”

  “It’s too late for that,” he growls as I mix a drink for another patron.

  Shane comes up behind Noah and taps him on the shoulder. “Come on.”

  “Where we going?” Noah looks scared.

  “To my office.” Jonah appears with him in case he gives him any grief, but he doesn’t, he goes quietly.

  The club is finally closed, and I’d be lying if I said it was an easy finish to the night. I was so distracted I kept apologizing to Dillon. I’m just thankful last call was announced shortly after they pulled Noah to the backroom. As soon as we’re done, Dillon tells me to go. I give him a quick hug, thanking him, and run to the back. I knock on the office door, and Shane shouts for me to come in. My father, Logan, Slade, Jonah, and Shane are all sitting in this tiny office with Noah on the couch, rocking. “He’s strung out on something,” my father sighs.

  “Has he told you anything?”

  “Yeah, he’s not bouncing for the club. He’s been getting him Narcan from the hospital. Higgins pays him for it and gives him free drugs.” Shane stands from behind his desk. “He’s a mess and probably scared.”

  My father adds, “Higgins is using the Narcan to recover clients who are overdosing so he doesn’t have to call an ambulance. If Noah’s there, he injects it for him. It keeps the drug dealing on the down low.”

  I walk up to him and squat in front of him. His eyes meet mine and a small smile spreads across his face. “You have to help us pin Higgins. It’s the only way for you to get out of this. If you don’t, he’s going to end of up killing you.”

  He continues to rock. “Why bother? I’m going to lose my job and I’ve already lost you.”

  “You can pull yourself out of this. You can go to rehab and find another job. There’s plenty of things you can do once you’re clean.” I’m trying to keep my voice gentle. I care for him and I don’t want to see him wind up dead.

  “I don’t know.” He bites his lip contemplating what to do.

  “I’m going to take you in. You can spend the night at the precinct, and once you’ve sobered up we’ll chat again.” Cooper pulls handcuffs from his belt.

  “Do you have to handcuff me?” Noah’s eyes look so sad. I think it’s in that moment he realizes just how bad he’s messed up.

  “I’m sorry, but I do.”

  Noah closes his eyes. I back away and he stands slowly. He looks at my father and says, “I never meant to hurt her. I only wanted to give her the world. I just got in too deep.” My father is trying to hold onto his control. He nods and handcuffs Noah.

  I stare at the door as my father walks out with my ex-boyfriend in handcuffs. I’m frozen in my place, not sure what to think or say. “Are you okay?” Shane comes over to me.

  I shrug my shoulders. “I don’t know how to feel. I was with him for a while, and although it didn’t work between us, this isn’t what I want for him.”

  “Come on, baby. I’ll get you out of here.” I glance up to see Slade on
the other side of me. I can tell by the look on his face he’s concerned for me. I nod in agreement. He takes my hand and walks me out to his car. I’m silent the entire ride home. I guess the fact that Noah isn’t just involved in working at Vixen and is actually using and selling stolen medicine to him has hit me hard. I sit staring out the window, trying to figure out when he got in so deep and how come I didn’t pick up on it sooner. I don’t remember seeing him strung out on drugs at any point, but I guess that could be why he started avoiding me in the end. He probably didn’t want me to see him such a mess. Things are starting to add up now.

  “Baby, we’re home.” Slade voice is gentle and full of concern.

  Shit. I was so deep in thought I hadn’t noticed him pull into the driveway. “I’m sorry, Slade.”

  “You have nothing to be sorry for, but it’s getting late, and you have to work tomorrow night. Let’s get inside.” He jumps out of the car and runs to my side, opening my door for me. I look up at him, completely drained. He puts his hand out and I happily take it.

  When we get into the house, he locks the door and I go straight to his room. I’m exhausted, I just want to change and crawl into bed. By the time he locks up his gun and changes, I’m already settled with my head resting on the pillow, staring into space.

  He spoons me from behind. “Do you want to talk?”

  “No, I just want you to hold me close.”

  “Aww, baby. I’ll never let you go.” He presses his body to mine and holds me while my mind races. It takes me a bit but I finally pass out.

  Chapter 12

  Slade

  I have to admit that I feel a little better about leaving Kara to go to this meeting now that Noah has agreed to help Cooper nail Higgins. Cooper told us yesterday that Noah gave him a bunch of info once he sobered up. He was going to help Cooper set everything up so he can wear a wire and catch Higgins paying him for the Narcan. Although Cooper didn’t tell us much about what Noah said, he did tell us that he instructed Noah to make sure Higgins talks about the drugs.

  I slip my tie into place as Kara comes into the bathroom dressed in her gym clothes. She has training appointments this morning. “I know things have potentially calmed down with Noah now that he’s agreed to help your father, but please watch your back. I still don’t trust him and neither should you.”

  “He’s a sick man.” Her voice is soft. She’s been like this since she saw him high as a kite at the club. The dude was such a mess he’s lucky he made it there in one piece.

  I turn to face her. “I know he is, and trust me, I’m sorry for the man, but he did this, and now he has to get himself out of it. It’s the only way he’s going to learn. He has to want to get better.”

  “I get it, I guess.” She shrugs her shoulders. “I just wish we could help.”

  “We are. Your father is going to do everything he can to help him with court once he helps get Higgins off the street.” She nods her head and grabs her toothbrush to brush her teeth. I wish I could make her feel better, but I honestly have no idea what to do. The one thing I do know is no one in Noah’s situation learns by people getting them out of the situation. The only way they learn and get better is to deal with it themselves. I’ve seen it firsthand.

  She storms out of the bathroom to the kitchen, where she’s busy making her protein shake. “Listen to me. I know this is hard for you, but I’ve witnessed this first hand. I lost my best friend to drugs because his parents kept getting him the best lawyers to keep him out of jail. They kept sending him to cushy rehabs that would send him home far too early, and in a matter of a week he was back on drugs.” I close my eyes, trying to calm myself. “We all wanted to help him no matter how much he stole from us or hurt us, but the reality of it is if he doesn’t want it, and isn’t willing to work for it, then there’s nothing you can do. He has to want it and he has to work for it.”

  “I’m so sorry.” A tear rolls down her cheek. “I’m sorry you had to deal with that, and you’re right. He has to want it too. If he does and he shows it, we’ll help him, but if not, then he’s on his own.”

  “You don’t need to be sorry. I agree with you. I hate to see anyone go down this path, but if he doesn’t care to get clean, there’s nothing you can do.” I slip my fingers into her hair. “I have to go. Try to have a good day.”

  “You too. Good luck with your meeting.” She presses up on her toes, her lips connecting with mine. I lick across her lips and she opens to me. Our tongues connect, but I have to pull away or I’ll be late.

  I chuckle. “You’re going to make me late.”

  “It’ll be worth it.” She has a bit of laughter in her voice and it’s nice to hear. I shake my head and walk out the door.

  When I get out to my car, I set the GPS to the business address and take off. I love that this is my main role with the company now. I assess situations and determine their need. It may be they need guards, or it could be alarm codes and swipe badges. The exception is always my new crew of friends. Although Zane told me the other day he thinks Cole and I are too close now. More so me than Cole, now that I’m dating Kara.

  I pull up to the high-rise and park in the garage next to it. The building has hidden cameras that you wouldn’t really know existed if you aren’t in the security world. Over the last few years more and more of these building owners are stepping up security in order to make their tenants feel safe. This building has a wide variety of businesses within these walls and security is one of the things renters are now looking for. I step through the doors to a very large open lobby. There’s seating on one side, an empty reception area on the other. The reception area almost reminds me of a hotel style set up but instead of the greeter standing, there’s a tall stool type seat behind it and the computer is elevated. Too bad the desk is empty so I can really walk right in with no one knowing. When I spoke to Mr. Johnson, the owner of the building, he told me I would have to stop at this desk to get a visitor’s badge and then I could proceed up to his office, which happens to be on the top floor. That is very typical of a high-rise. The owner has the entire top floor, and typically not only manages the building from there, but runs other business as well.

  I’m leaning on the counter, tapping my fingers, when my cell phone rings. I’m fully aware at this point that I’m late to my meeting because the receptionist is not here to give me my badge, and I plan to bring it up with Mr. Johnson, who employs her. “This is Slade.”

  “Hello, Slade. This is Jared. I’m Mr. Johnson’s assistant. I’m calling to check on your arrival.”

  “I’m downstairs, and have been for a good ten minutes, but your receptionist appears to be MIA, so I can’t get a visitor’s badge.” My voice displays pure agitation.

  “I’m so sorry about that. I’ll be right down.” He cuts the call and I move over by the set of three elevators, and in a matter of a few minutes they open up. He glances over and shakes his head. “Again, I’m sorry. We’ve been having issues with her, and clearly they’re not getting better. I will take care of that.”

  “No worries.” We both step into the elevator and it whisks us up to the top floor. He pulls a badge from his pocket and swipes it, unlocking the glass door. This is a very large office space. There’s a waiting area to the left. The entire front of the office is glass, which is kind of funny, since all you can see outside the doors is the elevators. What I assume is Jared’s desk is situated directly across from the glass doors. I do see some hidden cameras popping down from the ceiling in various places. I’ll need to look at those to see how they’re set up.

  “I’ve informed Mr. Johnson that you’re here and he’s ready for you.” He takes me to the right of his desk and we walk down a hall. There are only a few offices on this side of the space and I assume it’s all his top people. His office is at the end of the hall. Jared opens the door, and when I walk in, I’m stunned. I was picturing this huge office space with a large desk, seating area, and conference table, however that’s not what I find. It’s a mod
erate size space. His desk is simple but masculine. He has a full bookcase on one wall and above it are some clocks that display times around the world. On the other side of his desk is a small conference table that seats four.

  “Mr. Johnson. How are you?”

  “I’m well, considering I have to deal with how you were greeted this morning. I’m very sorry about that.” He puts his hand out and I give him a firm shake.

  “No worries. I know you’re a busy man, shall we start the tour?”

  “Yes, please.” He holds his hand out for me to lead the way out of his office.

  We spend the next hour touring the building and discussing concerns. I’ve met with his security team, which consists of a few men that monitor camera activity, and that’s about it. We’ve discussed some ideas on improvements and so far he’s happy with what I have in mind. The security room is plenty big, so now all we have to do is make some changes. He’s going to start with hiring more guys to be stationed around the building. I’ll be a part of helping him with that process as well.

  ***

  Kara

  “Do you need me to walk you out?” Colton leans on the countertop next to me.

  “Nah, I’m not far. I’ll be fine.” He gives me a look. “Seriously, I’ll be fine. I’ll see you tomorrow.” I push the club doors open and head toward my car. My phone vibrates in my pocket and I see it’s a text from Noah.

  Noah: I’ve offered to help Cooper with Higgins.

  Kara: I heard. Thank you.

  Noah: You’re welcome. When can I see you?

  Kara: Not sure that’s a good idea.

  I get to my car, climb in and lock the doors while I finish this conversation.