“That’s what happened.”
“What did you do after that?”
“I rushed off and headed your way.”
Goddamn it.
“But, Phoenix, no one followed me. Trust me on that.”
“Something is off, if he just left.”
“He did with no problem.”
“And you said he was carving something?”
“Yep. It was like a long head or something and then two small tips of something. Honestly, I think he was carving a small penis with weird, shaped balls.”
That didn’t sound like Cain. He was always on some high-end culture shit.
I checked the hotel parking lot across the street. “And this guy was big?”
“Huge! Oh yeah. He had a big black bag and a present. He said he wanted to give it to you. I wouldn’t take it.”
My heart boomed in my ears. “A present?”
“Yeah. It had all this pretty red wrapping and a big gold bow.”
What’s your play, Cain?
I inched back. “Where did you park your bike?”
“In the alley.”
Think. Think.
“Okay.” I checked my watch. “Do me a favor.”
“Anything for you, Phoenix.”
“Go to your bike. Wait ten minutes. Then, leave the alley, make a right, then make the first right, and then one more right.”
“Okay. Three rights.”
“You’ll be on the back side of this club.”
“You’ll hop on my bike?”
“Something like that.”
“What?”
“You’ll understand.” I checked the hotel’s parking lot across from us. “Let me get a cigarette.”
“Come on, Phoenix. You already threw one away.” Devin pulled the pack out. “You better buy me a new pack.”
“I’m not buying you shit. You shouldn’t be smoking cigarettes anyway.”
Pouting, he handed me the cigarette. “Once you get on, where do I ride after that?”
“Just get to the bike, Devin.” I checked the area and rushed off. “Don’t forget—”
“Ten minutes.”
Motherfucker! Cain spoke to Devin. How did he know where to sniff me out?
I hurried back into the club and booked it to the VIP section, pushing through drooling men and maneuvering around waitresses and dancers.
“Sexy lady!” The guy from earlier stood and held his crotch. “Look who’s back for daddy.”
Fuck off.
I rushed past him.
I can’t believe Cain talked to Devin.
I waved smoke away, hauled it past the main stage, and entered a long hallway. In here, the main stage’s music came low and faint. The peace gave me time to think.
It’s going to be okay. I planned for this possibility.
When I approached to the VIP section, the bouncer, Sam put his hand up to stop me from entering. “Come on, Phoenix. You’re supposed to be working, not talking it up with your friend.”
“I’m just giving her a cigarette.”
He frowned.
“She spends tons of money here. Don’t you want the customers happy?”
Sam moved out of the way. “Make that shit quick. You know Hamilton gets pissed when you two hang back there.”
“It’ll be super quick.” I rushed inside.
Back here, the decor remained the same as the main section. However, there were several stalls with velvet curtains in the front, giving privacy to the dancers and their customers. Customers had to pay two hundred just for access. All of them hoped to get more than a dance. Some strippers granted their wish. Others like me, hustled them out of more money and gave them nothing.
I rushed to the last stall, stopped in front, and slid open the curtain.
Two topless women bobbed their breasts on Quin’s face, slipping their nipples into her open mouth. She had each of her hands on their asses, squeezing the curves.
“Quin.” I leaned inside. “I need you.”
One of the dancers tilted back and glared at me. “Bitch, don’t come in here messing with my money again.”
“Watch it, sweetie.” Quin slapped her ass. “Don’t call my sister a bitch. Only I can call her that.”
“But, she’s always blocking though.” The other dancer rolled her eyes. “Like damn. Can’t she talk to you later?”
I ignored them and picked up her motorcycle helmet. “I think Cain is here—”
“What?” Quin quickly shoved the dancers out of the way. “It’s about time. I’ve been waiting on his ass.”
“Damn, Q.” One of the chicks fell back into the wall.
“This is some bullshit.” The other stepped to the side and picked up her bra. “You said you were going to make it rain.”
“Later. There won’t be any rain today.” Quin smoothed down her shirt. “Apparently, the weather man has just reported cloudless skies and infinite sun. You have to appreciate that.”
“It’s fucking night time.” The chick left the wall and held out her hand. “Come on and hook me up.”
“Naw. You have to earn my money, baby. You know the deal.” Quin grabbed her jacket from the chair and looked at me. “Where’s that bitch ass motherfucker at?”
I backed out to give Quin room. “Well, I’m not sure, if Cain is here, but Devin is and I think Cain followed him to the club.”
“Your gut is always right.” Quin put on the jacket. “Nix, get my guns from the locker.”
“Wait.” The dancer scowled. “You’re leaving?”