DARK

by Rowe, Jordan

If that wasn’t bad enough, someone else walked into the store wearing her signature tight-fitted white blouse, short black skirt, black thigh-high stockings, and black sneakers.

  It was Zizi.

  29

  Jordan could not escape.

  To the left were Detective Daane and her friend looking at skirts. To the right was Zizi, looking over the lace thongs.

  “What is wrong with you?” Vanessa asked.

  Jordan had not seen her approach. “Nothing…it’s…I have to get out of here.”

  “Then go.”

  Jordan looked at her. “Can you let me out the back door?”

  “Okay…” Vanessa grabbed Jordan by the arm and led her to the dressing room area. “You haven’t been yourself lately. What’s up?”

  “It’s nothing.” Jordan gave Vanessa a quick peck on the lips. “Can you let me out?”

  “Sure.” Vanessa opened her office door, located at the rear of the dressing rooms. She grabbed a set of keys, unlocked the back door, and opened it. “Call me later. I want to know what’s going on with you.”

  “I will,” Jordan lied. She kissed Vanessa on the cheek then hurried to the side alley which led to the front of the store.

  When she arrived at the sidewalk, she turned right and stood by the window, attempting to see inside.

  Zizi was purchasing a white lace thong and white stockings. Daane was still browsing the skirts with her friend.

  Jordan had a multitude of feelings.

  Paranoia.

  Sexual frustration.

  A craving for more Dark Ice.

  It was only Tuesday. Her next appointment at Dark seemed months away.

  Zizi headed for the front door. Jordan ducked into the alley and waited as Zizi walked by carrying a small shopping bag from Flavour. Jordan then followed Zizi to the 4th & Commerce Parking Garage, up to the fourth level. Once again, the same man approached Zizi at her limo. This time, he guided her behind two parked cars. Jordan hid behind a pole at the level four entrance, frustrated that Zizi and her friend were obscured in the shadows.

  Jordan moved closer, dipping behind a red Mustang with white racing stripes. Zizi’s leg was being held up in the air, foot resting on the man’s shoulder, while the other leg kept balance. The man unzipped his pants and fucked her while standing tall.

  A soft moan echoed throughout the level. They fucked that way for about three minutes. When finished, Zizi adjusted her skirt and handed him the Flavour shopping bag.

  “Can I help you with something?” a voice said from behind.

  Jordan stood and turned around. There was a young man dressed in a Tennessee Titans jersey, blue shorts, and a set of keys in his hand.

  “I lost my…” Jordan’s mind went blank. What did you she lose? Her keys? Cell phone? Her mind?

  “Jordan?” a female voice said.

  Jordan did not have to turn around. She already knew that Zizi was standing behind her.

  30

  As the Tennessee-Titan-Red-Mustang guy sped off, Jordan was forced to deal with Zizi.

  “What are you doing here?” Zizi asked.

  “I…was getting my car.”

  Zizi raised one of her blonde eyebrows. “Do you even own a car?”

  Jordan had done enough lying today. Plus, she felt the last of the Dark Ice fade from her system, leaving her with defeated emotions. “I followed you from Flavour.”

  “Why?”

  Jordan thought about that for a second. Actually, she didn’t know why. “I’m not sure. Curious I guess.”

  Zizi looked back, then shifted her feet. “Could you see what we were doing?”

  “No…well…yeah.”

  “Did you enjoy the show?”

  “Actually…yes.”

  Zizi chuckled. “It’s how my husband and I keep things fresh. He meets me here every Tuesday before lunch.”

  “Your husband?”

  “Yes, my husband.” Zizi cocked her head. “Did you think I met some stranger and fucked him the parking garage?”

  “No…I thought…” Jordan could not believe that a husband and wife would do something like that. If Zizi had told her that she was having an affair, it would have seemed more realistic.

  “You thought what?” Zizi asked.

  “That he was some married guy meeting you for a quickie. And that…um…you were buying presents for him to take home to his wife.”

  Zizi let out a pleasant laugh. “You have quite an imagination.” She paused, staring at Jordan. “How many times have you followed me?”

  Jordan felt her skin heat with embarrassment. “Twice.”

  “Oh really.” Zizi laughed again. “So you saw him fucking me on the limo last week.”

  “Yep.”

  “Well, we’ve been caught a few times. My husband pays the security guard fifty bucks to stay off this level on Tuesday’s before noon.”

  It was Jordan’s turn to laugh. “It sounds like your husband is a great guy.”

  “He’s the best.”

  “And I’m assuming the gifts from Flavour are for you.”

  “Yes they are,” Zizi said with a grin. “I give them to my husband so he can think about what I’ll be wearing tonight.”

  Jordan actually became jealous. “I’m sorry for spying on you.”

  “You owe me,” Zizi said with a hard gaze. “Next week, I am going to fuck my husband in the back of the limousine.”

  “Let me guess,” Jordan said. “You want me to show up.”

  Zizi patted Jordan on the arm. “Don’t be late.”

  31

  Some days, your luck is nonexistent.

  That’s how Jordan felt when she walked to the first level of the parking garage and ran into Detective Daane carrying a Flavour shopping bag. Daane’s friend was not around.

  “Hello Detective,” Jordan said, hoping that Daane would just ignore her and walk away.

  “Hello Ms. Rowe.” She looked around. “I wasn’t aware you had a vehicle.”

  “I was meeting a friend.”

  “Just be careful.”

  Jordan raised an eyebrow. “Why?”

  “A man has broken into your condo twice. I’m sure he is following you as well.”

  Jordan looked around. “Then I guess a parking garage is not the safest place.”

  “That’s my point,” Daane said with a sly grin. “Can I give you a ride somewhere?”

  Jordan was stunned by Daane’s kindness. “I’m heading back home.”

  Daane reached into her pocket and pulled out a set of keys. “My car is over here.”

  Jordan walked with Daane and climbed inside her silver 2012 Chevrolet Caprice. The only way to tell it was a police vehicle from the outside was the black wheel covers. On the inside were a nine-inch flat screen computer and key board, along with a camera mounted to the dash. The bucket seats were made of hardwearing fabric, but were amazingly comfortable.

  Daane reached back and placed her shopping bag in the backseat, then fired up the engine. Both of them snapped on their seatbelts. Daane then sped out of the garage, into the busy streets of Downtown Nashville.

  Jordan glanced at her. “I recognized that Flavour bag. What did you buy?”

  “A skirt and blouse. My boss is taking the detectives out to dinner tonight.”

  “Was that your friend with you?” Jordan realized that she just made colossal mistake.

  Daane snapped her eyes at Jordan. “That was my sister. How did you know she was with me?”

  Jordan hesitated. Her mind felt like it could not function. “I saw you in the store. My friend owns the place.”

  “You know Vanessa?”

  Jordan had an image of being with Vanessa and Kady in the dressing room. “Yeah, I know her really well.”

&n
bsp; “Why didn’t you say hello to me in the store?”

  “I thought you were mad at me.”

  “I’m not mad at you.” Daane pulled into the condo parking lot. “I am concerned about you.”

  “I have to admit the first time that guy came into the condo, I was terrified. But the second time…” Jordan did not want to tell the truth. She was actually aroused by what took place. “I’m not sure what happened. I wasn’t that scared.”

  Daane stopped, shoved the gear into park, flicked off her seatbelt and turned toward Jordan. “I don’t want to get a call about a homicide and show up at your condo.”

  “I don’t want that either.” Jordan felt like she was being scolded by her mother.

  “Where were you yesterday and last Monday? He obviously knows when you leave and what time you will return.”

  It was at that moment Jordan realized the intruder must have know about her joining Dark.

  Or, he is one of the guests at Dark?

  “I have to go.” Jordan snapped off her seatbelt and opened the door. “I really appreciate the ride.”

  “Jordan!”

  She turned around, hand on the door. “What?”

  “This won’t stop until we catch him. You need to take this seriously.”

  Jordan shut the door and walked inside the building.

  32

  After making herself a huge bowl of macaroni and cheese with broccoli and bacon, Jordan was stuffed and feeling exhausted. She considered buying a movie on cable and falling asleep until tomorrow.

  The cell phone about jerked her out of her skin. “Hello?”

  “Hey Jordan, it’s Kady.”

  Jordan sighed, already guessing why Kady was calling. “What’s up?”

  “I’m going to put on my new outfit and check out Karma tonight. Do you want to come?”

  “I don’t think Karma is opened on Tuesday’s.”

  “They weren’t, but they are celebrating the new remolding they had done inside. So they will be open all week.”

  Jordan had a difficult time saying ‘no’ to anyone these days. “Sure, but I need to wake up first.”

  “I’m taking a cab. Should I swing by?”

  “That’s fine.” Jordan gave Kady the address and promised to be waiting downstairs. “What time?”

  “Eight.”

  “Okay, see ya then.” Jordan tossed her phone on the couch and rubbed her eyes. She considered calling Kady back and saying that she was too tired, but did not have the heart. Instead, Jordan forced herself up from the couch and went to the bedroom and flicked on the light.

  Her eyes locked on the nightstand. There was a glass tumbler with black liquid inside.

  Jordan hurried to the closet and opened the door. She then checked under the bed, in the bathroom, and laundry room. She even looked inside the washer and dryer.

  After her heart settled, she returned to the bedroom. She bent over and studied the drink. She would bet the six million in her savings account that this was a glass of Dark Ice.

  A bead of sweat drizzled down her face. Her fingers trembled as she picked up the glass and placed it near her lips. She had been craving the Dark Ice since it wore off earlier today. But who put it on her nightstand? The intruder with the Halloween masks? Someone from Dark? Maybe it was a gift from Zizi? But whoever it was, knows the access code to enter the building and has a key to her condo. Obviously someone made a copy. But when?

  Jordan still held the glass at her lips, thinking about the two times she had gone to Dark. Her clothes were left in the small room for hours. Someone could have snuck in and taken her condo key, made a copy, then returned the key in plenty of time.

  Despite Jordan’s fear that her privacy had been invaded, she could not stop herself from drinking the entire glass of Dark Ice.

  She placed the tumbler on the nightstand, stripped off her clothes, and took a hot shower. By the time she toweled off, the Dark Ice had regained control of her. She sat on the edge of the bed and rubbed her middle finger along her pussy. The wetness felt warm and inviting. She would have used her flesh dildo, but the intruder kept it for some reason.

  Jordan laid back, easing her middle finger inside. She quivered as the Dark Ice heated her veins.

  The cell phone knocked Jordan from her trance. She ran naked through the condo to the living room, seeing the caller ID: IDIOT II. She ignored the screaming phone and noticed that it was quarter to eight.

  She raced back to her closet and grabbed a mint green dress that she purchased a few months ago at Flavour. The dress fit loose across her hips and flowed to the upper part of her thigh, then put on a thick silver necklace with a green Tsavorite gemsone. Her eyes swept along the floor and the dozen or so pair of heels.

  Stilettos?

  Kittens?

  Cones?

  Prisms?

  Spools?

  Wedge?

  Pumps?

  Sling backs?

  Jordan smiled and grabbed her tan boots.

  Her cell rang again. This time, it was Kady. Jordan snagged the phone and her small purse, then headed out the door. “I’m on my way down,” she said to Kady.

  Jordan used the elevator, hurried outside, and slid into the open door of the cab. Before Kady could respond, Jordan gave her a strong kiss. Their tongues met, rubbing together as their lips smacked.

  The cab driver, who was also female, cleared her throat. “Where too ladies?”

  Jordan smiled at Kady, then looked at the driver. “Karma.”

  33

  The ten thousand square foot club had only been a quarter filled. The lighting was dark red, with pumping music, art on the walls, and the smell of fresh wood from the recent remodel. On several small round stages were go-go dancers, already working hard.

  Unlike Fuel Nightclub, Karma had more dignified clientele dressed in trendy, fashionable outfits. Jordan ordered her and Kady each a Long Island Iced Tea. As they clinked glasses and toasted the night, Jordan studied Kady. Her black button down sweater fit snug against her breasts. Her crimson skirt looked absolutely sexy against her hips and ass.

  “Excuse me,” a man said. “If I say something interesting, would you join me at my VIP table?”

  Kady giggled, holding her Long Island with both hands. “If you say something interesting? That’s a great pickup line.”

  Jordan thought the man looked cute enough. He was in his early thirties, with short almond colored hair, light beard, dark eyes, and small circular black earrings in each ear. He wore a white shirt with a black blazer, jeans, and black boots. She noticed two men who looked like football players stood behind him within earshot.

  Jordan pointed to the men. “Are they with you?”

  He did not even glance back. “Don’t worry about them.”

  Kady giggled again. “Are they your friends, or what?”

  “Bodyguards,” he said.

  Kady indiscreetly undid another button on her sweater. “Well, I’m curious in what you have to say next.”

  Jordan decided to give this guy a hard time. “So, the next words out of your mouth better pique our interest, or we’ll have to ask you to leave.”

  Kady was about to say something, but instead, she took another healthy sip of her drink.

  The man gave Jordan and Kady a nice smile and said, “Pigs have orgasms that last for thirty minutes.”

  Kady laughed so hard, she snorted.

  Jordan could not contain her smile. “That is interesting. But not enough to get us to your VIP table.”

  “My name is Ryan.”

  “I’m Jordan. This is Kady.”

  “It’s my pleasure.”

  Jordan noticed that his hands were empty. “Do you want something to drink?”

  “Are you buying?”

  “Do you
need me to buy you a drink?”

  He flashed another smile. “How about you buy me one drink of whatever you two are having, then I’ll buy the drinks for the rest of the night?”

  “That’s not necessary,” Jordan said a little too coldly. She ordered Ryan a Long Island Iced Tea and handed it to him. She then made a toast, “Here’s to pigs having orgasms that last for thirty minutes.”

  They clinked glasses and took hearty sips.

  Kady said, “You look familiar. Have you ever been to the Baggart Southern Restaurant?”

  “Many times.” Ryan gave her a kind look. “Do you work there?”

  Kady’s cheeks turned a bright pink. “Um…”

  “So,” Jordan said. “You have a Nashville accent that comes in and out. I’m guessing you weren’t born here.”

  “No, I was born in Atlanta.” He took a sip of his drink. “Moved here about eight years ago.”

  Jordan glanced at the bodyguards. “You must do something important enough that you need protection.”

  “I’m not a fan of bodyguards, but…” He sipped his drink. “I don’t like talking about them.”

  Jordan liked his shyness, mixed with an ounce of buoyancy. “Tell us something else that is interesting and we’ll join you at the VIP table.”

  “Okay,” “Ryan said. “Humans and dolphins are the only species that have sex for pleasure.”

  “What about the pigs?” Jordan asked.

  “I guess that have orgasms, but don’t like it.”

  Kady began having a laughing fit, followed by an uncontrollable snort.

  Jordan looked at Ryan. “I’m not sure that is interesting enough. I’ll give you one more shot.”

  “Well.” Ryan’s eyes became distant as he considered what to say next. “All polar bears are left handed.”

  Kady smiled. “I’m sold,” she said, drinking down some more of her Long Island.

  Jordan gave Ryan a playful smack on the shoulder. “I guess that makes all polar bears southpaws.”

  Kady snorted up her drink through her nose and about fell on the floor laughing.

  34

  Ryan sat down in-between Jordan and Kady in the VIP section. A female server then hurried over and Ryan ordered three more Long Islands. The bodyguards faced the large crowd that had suddenly formed in Karma.