Gray Days and Wicked Ways, page 14
part #4 of Layton Shayne Mystery Series
A woman entered the stage area dressed in a black, silky, floor-length, spaghetti strap dress and black stilettos. Her enormous breasts were making the straps work hard to do their job. She was a beautiful woman with high cheekbones and long auburn hair.
“Wow,” I said to Ernie. “She’s something else.”
I’d spotted the blond guy Tara had mentioned. His hair was short and he was a big man… pure muscle by the looks of it, although since he wore a suit it was hard to be sure. I concentrated on following my orders and acting like I was into the girl on stage. Lola was one helluva dancer. Her moves were so fluid she was almost hypnotizing to watch. When she got down to her black lace bikini and bra, Ernie rushed up to stuff money in the bikini. I got two fives out of my wallet and stuffed them both into her bikini, Lola rewarded me with a smile. She deserved the money—her dancing was more than a step above what one would expect in a strip club. In my line of work I’d had to go undercover at more than a few places like Boobies, and Lola stood out as a star.
By the time Tara returned with our drinks, Lola had her bra off. She surprised me yet again. Her breasts moved like they were real and not silicon.
“That Lola’s the real deal,” Ernie said, having noticed my surprise. “Dimitri likes to hire girls with real big ‘uns not silicone.”
“Good for him,” I said. “They must be hard to find, though.”
“I wouldn’t mind helping him find them,” Ernie said, as he paid Tara for his beer.
“Amen, brother—wouldn’t mind that job myself,” I said.
Tara put a napkin down in front of me, smiled my way, then directed me to look at the napkin with her eyes. There was something written on it—Grab my tits.
Alrighty then, I thought, then did what was on the napkin and grabbed her tits. Tara screamed, then slapped me and crumbled up the napkin. A husky white guy with black hair, dressed all in black walked my way along with a bald man who was similarly attired. I knew what was coming.
“Oh, you just made a big mistake, Cowboy,” Ernie said.
The man with black hair grabbed me by my shirt while the other man checked Tara .
“We don’t like it when guys get all handsy with our girls!” the black-haired guy said, louder than was necessary, then he punched me in the stomach. He’d held back, as I figured he would, and I barely felt a thing. Still, I had to do my part, so I bent over and clutched my stomach as if in pain. The same guy then pretended to pound my back. I fell to the floor, pretending to be hurt.
“Oh shit,” Ernie said.
“Let’s take him to the boss,” the bald man said.
The two bouncers grabbed me under my arms and dragged my limp body toward the back of the room. Tara followed as we walked by the blond man who’d moved to see what was happening.
“That guy thought I was a whore,” Tara said. “He wanted to hire me and some of the girls for a party like we were a bunch of whores. And I thought he was a nice guy.”
“It’s alright,” the bald man said. “The boss will handle things.”
Their conversation was all for the blond observer’s sake. The blond seemed satisfied with what he’d heard and walked away. Meanwhile, I was dragged down a hall and into a back door.
“You can straighten up now, Detective Shayne.”
The man who’d spoken had a slight Russian accent—he had to be Dimitri. I took a moment to survey my new surroundings. Dimitri’s office was tastefully decorated. I had been seated on a burgundy leather chair and Tara sat on the leather sofa next to my chair. The bouncers stood behind Dimitri who was seated behind a large cherry mahogany desk. There were matching wood bookcases on the walls with family pictures and collectibles nestled between the books.
“They didn’t hurt you too badly, did they, detective?”
“No,” I said. “Call me Layton. And you must be Dimitri.”
He smiled my way as he puffed on a cigar and nodded. His hair was a mass of salt and pepper curls that matched his goatee. Damn it if the man didn’t come across as a warm, happy guy.
“Looks like we have a mutual enemy in Jack Baker, Layton,” Dimitri said.
“We put on a good show out there on the floor,” I said. “But Baker knows I’m gay. He won’t fall for the old ‘grab the stripper’s tits trick.”
Dimitri laughed and turned to his men and the girl who also laughed. “I like this guy,” He told his men. “He’s got a sense of humor. But, don’t let him fool any of you… he’s as tough as they come. My niece tells me you’re a good guy, Layton, and I trust her judgement.”
“Natasha’s a smart woman,” I said.
“And I’m a smart man,” Dimitri said. “That blond thug watching you on the floor is new. Jack told him to keep an eye out for you, but didn’t even give him a picture so he’d recognize you. The idiot. But, idiots can be dangerous. That’s why we’ve been waiting and watching our step. We don’t want him hurting Natasha or her boy.”
“He wouldn’t be stupid enough to try anything like that, would he?” I said.
“He is and he has,” Dimitri said. “Jack saw you and your partner talking to a cop and it has him all shook up. The man was shook up enough to make mistakes—and he made a big one today.”
“If he’s making mistakes then he’s vulnerable,” I said.
“And dangerous,” Tara said, then addressed Dimitri. “If I’m gone too long the blond thug will get suspicious.”
“Then tell Layton what you know—the short version,” Dimitri said.
Tara turned to me and spoke. “The woman in the naughty pictures with Callum Baker used to work here as a dancer. She was a good friend.”
“A good friend who made a stupid mistake dating one of Jack’s goons,” the bald bouncer said.
“She was forced into that relationship against her will,” Tara said. “Mandy never said anything because she didn’t want anyone here to get hurt. The girls and I tried to help her get away—poor Mandy. Every time she got away, they’d find her… and her punishment grew worse and worse.”
“You didn’t tell me that part before,” Dimitri said. “I could’ve done something.”
“Mandy was terrified that either she or one of us would be badly hurt if we said anything, so she went on the best she could.” She stopped and wiped her eyes a second. “Sorry. Jack wanted a woman’s picture to Photoshop in sexy poses with Callum.”
“And the wife—Melinda, believed it?” I said.
“No,” Tara said. “Not at first. Jack worked on her, but she had doubts. Her doubts were pissing Jack off according to Mandy who heard it from the goon that was molesting her. That’s when they had the idea to rough her up and say Callum did it.”
“What made Melinda think her husband could do such a thing?” I said. “He told me himself he had anger issues but—”
“Jack’s cop friends said they had positive proof Callum did it and they showed Melinda pictures of Mandy beaten to a pulp,” Tara said. “The cops said they were going to arrest Callum… and that had Melinda distraught. About that time, good ole lil brother Jack came to Callum’s rescue. Jack convinced Melinda that he’d made some sort of deal with the police to keep Callum out of jail. And he didn’t expect anything in return. Just for Melinda to get a restraining order against Callum, which she did.”
“Then Melinda may not believe everything Jack’s telling her,” I said. “She might be thinking she’s protecting her husband.”
“Natasha says Melinda’s a decent woman,” Tara said. “You might be right about her motivations. I hope you are.”
“Did Mandy really go up North to stay with her sick parents?” Dimitri said.
Tara stood. “I’d better get back on the floor.” She headed to the door then turned back toward us. “Mandy’s parents died over five years ago in a car accident. And she would never have left without saying good-bye to at least one of us.” She wiped her eyes again. “Natasha has the original pictures that were used to create the Photoshopped pic of Callum and Mandy.”
“You, go with her and act naturally,” Dimitri said to the dark-haired bouncer who did as he was told. Once they were gone, Dimitri slammed his hand on his desk. “Shit!”
“Did you really have no idea about the girl?” I said.
“No—well, some,” Dimitri said. “She hid the beatings from me. And now I remember the girls covering for her when she couldn’t come in. Damn it! I had my suspicions and I asked Jack Baker myself if something was going on—I told him I don’t like anyone messing with my girls. He looked me in the eyes and lied to me.”
“Why hasn’t he been dealt with already, if not by you then by somebody else—like the mob maybe?” I said. “I’d heard Jack was auditioning for them by showing how he could run the inn.”
“The mob’s got nothing in this small place,” Dimitri said. “Why should they bother with Mt. Ore? Jack Baker has delusions of grandeur, but he’s got nothing the major players want to come here for.”
We were all silent for a moment.
“Let me go after him, boss,” the bald bouncer said. “I’ll deal with him nice and clean. Nobody will trace things back here.”
“I appreciate the offer,” Dimitri said. “And because of what he did to Natasha, I’m tempted, but the cops are involved and that has me concerned.”
“What did he do to Natasha?” I said, concerned.
“Natasha has the pictures,” Dimitri said. “Get the pictures from her, Layton, and show them to Melinda. Let’s put more pressure on Jack Baker so he’s forced to make a move we can do something about.”
“Why did he go after Natasha?” I said.
“Someone told him she’d been talking to you and your partner, and then he saw you with that cop,” Dimitri said. “When Natasha wasn’t as forthcoming as he thought she should be, he slapped her around a bit. Even one slap was way too much for my taste.” I saw pure fury behind his eyes. The man had a great deal of self-control and that was a good thing.
“You’re a smart man, Dimitri,” I said. “I’m glad to have someone who knows what he’s doing on my side. Jack Baker’s a man on the edge. We need to tread carefully.”
“Give him enough room to hang himself, then hand him the rope, Layton,” Dimitri said. “When Jack threatened my niece’s boy, she couldn’t hold back anything from him. She was ashamed that she told him she was going to the auction with you and helping you decipher some map thing or another.”
“There’s nothing for her to feel ashamed about,” I said. “What does Jack care about the treasure for anyway, I thought he wanted the inn?”
“He thinks Natasha can lead you to the treasure and he wants it,” Dimitri said. “It’s just pure, stupid, greed.”
“With all due respect, Dimitri, I want to go see Natasha, now,” I said.
Dimitri handed me a paper that had directions on it, then spoke in a serious tone. “My niece is like a daughter to me. She works here nights as my accountant. Right now I’m calm, and I’m going to let you handle things. The address I gave you is to where my niece will be visiting her husband.” He turned to the bald bouncer and continued. “Ronnie, take Layton out the back way, then follow him to make sure he’s not being tailed.”
“Yes, Sir,” Ronnie said, then reached into the pocket of his black T-shirt and took out a business card that he handed to me.
“As you heard, my name’s Ronnie, Mr. Shayne. My cell number is on there, if you need backup call me.” He turned to Dimitri.
“That’s good thinking on your part, Ronnie,” Dimitri said, then spoke to me. “Ronnie can keep his cool in tough situations, don’t hesitate to call him if you run into trouble.”
“I won’t,” I said, then stood. “Thanks, Ronnie.” Dimitri extended his hand to me and I shook it. “Why do I get the feeling this is the calm before the storm?”
Chapter 25
Action of a Different Sort
I FOLLOWED RONNIE out of Dimitri’s office. His round, meaty ass was nicely displayed in tight black jeans. The boots he wore made his ass stick out in a very inviting way. I’d never cheat on Alex or Forrest, but that didn’t mean I couldn’t look at other men in an appreciative way. Ronnie had nice arms too and he was one of those guys who exuded a masculine air about them that was enticing. Even the fact he was bald seemed to add to his sexiness.
“Stop staring at my ass and listen up, Detective,” Ronnie said as he stopped in front of the back door.
I stood close to him. He was a good two inches taller than me, but I could look intimidating when I wanted to… and I wanted to at that moment. Apparently Ronnie had other ideas because he stepped forward and kissed me hard on the mouth. He’d caught me by surprise and I pushed him back.
“You weren’t expecting that,” Ronnie said.
“No,” I said. “And you don’t need to tell me that’s not good for a detective.”
“You had your mind on other things,” Ronnie said.
“Like your ass?” I said, then smiled.
“I do have a nice one,” Ronnie said. “But I was thinking your mind was also on this case and dealing with Jack Baker.”
“Correct on all counts, including your ass being nice.”
“Jack’s a sneaky, slimy, son of a bitch,” Ronnie said. “And he won’t play by the rules.”
“I hear you.”
“When we’re ready, I’m going to throw you out the door in case blond boy is watching from somewhere,” Ronnie said. “I don’t want you to look back, just head to your truck—yeah we know you drive a truck. I’ll be behind you the whole way and in the parking lot for a while when you get where you’re going. There won’t be any need for you to look back for me.”
“Understood,” I said.
“Any chance of a third man sharing you and the boyfriend’s bed,” Ronnie said. “I hear he’s as pretty as you are handsome, Mr. Marine.”
“He’s prettier than even that,” I said. “You like soldiers, huh?”
“Fuck yeah,” Ronnie whispered in my ear.
Damn he was hot. “The cop my partner and I were talking with at the inn is already occupying that third position you asked about, but if we’re ever in the mood for an orgy.”
Ronnie grabbed me and I figured he was getting ready to throw me out the door, but he pulled me close and kissed me again, using tongue.
“I surprised you again, Detective. That’s really not good. But that was the last you have my word… unless you and your friends come looking for me. I’m versatile and interested, but I can respect what other people have.”
“How in the hell are you single?” I said.
“You’re assuming I am,” Ronnie said. “In fact, I am. Single and horny. Let’s get this over with before I go back on what I said and make a third play for you.”
“OK,” I said. He grabbed the back of my shirt and reached for the door.
“Will you tell your boyfriends about how I kissed you?” Ronnie said.
“Yeah,” I said.
“Good,” Ronnie said. “Honesty is important in relationships.”
He then tossed me outside with such force I fell on my ass. As I stood up and brushed the dust off my clothes, I heard Ronnie yelling at me.”
“And don’t let me see your ass in here or again or you won’t get off so easy!”
I walked to my truck got inside, put my seatbelt on, and started her up. Instinctively I wiped at my lips. Once I was on the road I called Alex. He picked up on the first ring and I filled him in on my meeting with Dimitri.
“That’s great, Layton,” Alex said. “It sounds like you’re making progress on the case. I’m sorry about what happened to Natasha, though. I hope she’s not too badly hurt.”
“If she were really bad off, Jack Baker would no longer be a problem,” I said. “I have a feeling Dimitri would’ve seen to it that Jack atoned for his sins… eternally. Well he would probably have had one of his hunky bouncers handle things for him.”
“Hunky bouncers, huh?” Alex said. “How hunky?”
“Well the really good-looking, middle-aged, bald man with muscles made a couple passes at me right before he threw me out on my ass for show.”
“Were the kisses for show or the being thrown out on your ass?” Alex said.
“Now that you mention asses, the bald guy—Ronnie has one hell of an ass.”
“Really?” Alex said, unable to hold back his giggling.
“You know I can always bring him back to share if you’re interested,” I said. “But I’d feel bad if we didn’t invite Forrest as well.”
“And what would Ronnie think about that?” Alex said.
“I told him that if we were ever interested in an orgy I’d give him a call and he didn’t say no.”
Alex laughed loudly. “You’re being completely serious, aren’t you?”
“Y’up,” I said. “Ronnie said he’s into soldier boys like me and he heard you’re even prettier than I am handsome. I told him you were even prettier than that.”
“Gee, thanks. You couldn’t use the word handsome, I guess.”
“In the world Ronnie and I inhabit, you have to be more rough and ugly to be handsome. You’re just too damn pretty.”
“And what if I told you to invite Ronnie over when you’re done?”
“Is that what you’re telling me?” I said, and smiled. Alex was being playful and it was cute.
“No,” Alex said. “But tonight when we’re alone you can tell me more about him.”
“Really,” I said. “Is that another kink you have that I didn’t know about? Should I tell you all about how he shoved his thick tongue in my mouth the second time?”
Alex giggled again. “No, but maybe you can tell me how he managed to get so far with a trained Marine turned detective.”
“Bite me,” I said. “I was expecting him to grab me and throw me out the door not kiss me. Hell, he didn’t even give off a gay vibe to me. And in all honesty, I was off my game. He shouldn’t have gotten that far—my defenses were down both those times. And as Ronnie reminded me, that’s not good.”
