Lover Undercover (McCade Brothers 1)

“My impression is…we’ve got a problem.”

“Yeah, like two dead guys, and no suspects. I’ve never seen such clean backgrounds in my life. None of her regular customers or any of the long-term employees has significant priors. Hernandez and I interviewed them, but nobody pops. Either the alibis hold or there’s just nothing in their demeanor or responses that raises any suspicions. Kinda hard to know where to focus.”

“I know. Ramon might be our guy. His alibi doesn’t clear him. He could have made it to Deuces in time to off Long if every single thing went exactly his way, but—”

“But if he had that kind of mastery over the space-time continuum, he wouldn’t be working as a bouncer.”

Trevor couldn’t help but smile, despite the depressing lack of leads. “I’m still leaning toward an employee rather than a client, because of the timing of the attacks. Our guy knows when to strike so nobody will see him. To me, that says employee.”

“Me, too. I like the bartender.”

“Gary Swinton?”

“Yeah. He comes across as pretty laid-back, but the dancers say he hits on them constantly, despite being told to cut it out. Size-wise, he’s up to the job. Plus, you know, the killer seemed to know both men were good and drunk, and a bartender would be aware of exactly how much they’d ordered. Finally, forensics says the initial head blow looks to be from a liquor bottle…”

“So, you’re guessing the bartender, in the parking lot, with the vodka bottle?”

Ian grinned. “Yep. And you?”

Trevor shrugged. “I don’t know. Could be Benny. Could be Vern.”

“Vern?” Ian’s voice rang with skepticism. “He’s kind of a geezer for this type of crime, don’t you think?”

“Statistically speaking, yeah. But he’s in good shape for a guy in his midfifties. His build, his knowledge of the clients and their disruptive incidents, all support the theory.”

“Maybe, but I don’t get the sense he’s inappropriately interested in any of the dancers, including Stacy. He’s interested in them making money for the club, and that’s about it. Now Benny, he’s definitely got the size and strength. But his biggest muscle is not the one between his ears.”

“It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to lie in wait, club someone on the head, and then beat them to a pulp.”

“True. Whenever you’ve pushed his buttons during any of the private dances though, he’s never really lost his cool. Do you think he’s got the unbridled temper and…I don’t know…inherent violence this type of crime requires?”

“Not sure.” Trevor ran a hand through his hair, trying to stimulate his sluggish brain. “I do know what we’ve done so far isn’t working, in terms of forcing our guy out of the shadows.”

“You don’t think continuing to pose as a difficult customer will inspire the killer to make a move?”

“It hasn’t so far. That’s our second problem. I need to be more than just a difficult customer. Long pulled Stacy offstage and sprained her ankle. Montenegro slapped her—”

“On her superior posterior.”

“Right.” He shook his head. “I can’t do anything physical like that.” Kiss her, touch her, let her drive him right out of his mind? No problem. There were rules, and then there were rules.

“Not for real. But can’t you and Stacy put on a show? Down a few shots, and then get in her face and start yelling. She shoves you, you shove her back.”

He spread his hands out on the table, palms down, and shook his head again. “Stacy’s another problem. She won’t cooperate.”

Ian’s brows knitted. “Why not? Is she worried about her safety?”

“More worried about mine, I’d say.”

“What? She’s met you. More importantly, she’s met me. How can she possibly worry knowing I’m watching your back? Did you tell her what an amazing partner I am?”

He hid his smile behind a sip of coffee. “I’ll have to work on her.” Thinking a moment, he added, “Maybe create an opportunity, too. Tomorrow night I’ll hang out after closing and drive her home.”

“What if she says no?”

“She won’t. I’ll tell her I need to speak with her about the investigation, which is true.”

“So, you think her self-appointed protector will watch you two leave together and the sight will push him over the edge?”