Page 27 of Bobbing for Bodies
Something tells me Girls Unlimited will be one banana hammock short of what they’re looking for.
Chapter 13
“What do you mean every stripper in here has a kid?” I shout above the music to the bartender I’ve enlisted to help me find Hunter’s mystery girl.
I shoot a quick glance to Lainey, Naomi, Keelie, and Collette who sulk at a table nearby. Not one of them is hooting and hollering at deafening decibels the way they threatened to on the way over. Suffice it to say, I’ll have to bake a batch of banana hammock muffins just to get back in their good graces.
“That’s what I said.” The bald and brawny bartender tatted from the neck down continues cleaning out a glass with a dishrag. It’s so dimly lit in this seedy establishment, save for the stage where the girls working hard for a dollar have an entire bevy of spotlights dancing around them. “They’ve all got kids. What else you got on her?”
Crap. The music is so loud it sounds as if a jet engine has suddenly decided to spit out rap tunes. Although, I’m slightly grateful for the scent of fries permeating the air. The first thing I did when we got seated was order a round for the table. Who knew they served appetizers here?Hey? Maybe I can work out a deal for weekly cookie deliveries? But, at the moment, I’m coming up short on what cookie goes best with beer.
“She was dating someone who works construction,” I add.
He shakes his head, that dead look on his face lets me know I’ve hit another bump in the road with far too many options to choose from.
“He was from Honey Hollow,” I shout the words just as the music hits a lull, and someone from the back whoopsHoney Hollowright back.
The bartender’s mouth opens as he cocks a squinted eye to the ceiling. “Yeah, I know of one.”
Lainey comes up and gives my sleeve a quick tug. “The girls and I want to go. We gave you your five minutes, and they were up ten minutes ago. Collette is threatening me with kidnapping if I don’t get back on the road soon.”
I avert my eyes at the thought. I knew bringing Collette and Naomi along would be a big mistake, but then I reasoned it might work out if we were surrounded with a tough crowd. That way we’d have someone to feed them while the rest of us made our escape. Besides, Naomi and Collette have the power to scare off any thug who has the nerve to mess with us.
“Five more minutes, I swear. I’m just getting to the good part!” I hiss before turning back to my tatted-up friend. “What’s the girl’s name?”
“Stella.” He nods to the stage. “That’s her up front.”
My heart thumps wildly in my chest as I spin on my heels. There are at least six women on stage, each one wiggling and jiggling to the soothing sounds of a slow song that’s currently melting over the speakers. The girls all look too beautiful to be real with their long, glossy hair, their showy curves, those sparkly pasties catching the light and arresting our vision. Then I see her. A woman with long, dark, wavy hair and long, thick lashes, and a familiar deep red lipstick that makes me suck in a lungful of stale French fried scented air.
“It’sher,” I hiss, and Lainey pulls me over to our table.
“Her who?”
“The girl from Hunter’s funeral. I think I just found out who Hunter’s mystery girlfriend was.”
“Which one?” Naomi looks bored as she stares at the scandalous show before us.
“The girl up front—dark hair, purple pasties.” I guess I do have a lot to be thankful for when I realize that no one will ever point me out in a crowd by way of the color of my nipple coverings.
“That’s Sparkling Cider.” Keelie gives a mean whoop her way. “You want me to make it rain over her? I’ve got some serious cash burning a hole in my pocket and not a lot of prospects.”
“No,” both Collette and I say at once.
I glance to the irate redhead who looks as if she’s itching to bolt.
Collette sneers at Keelie. “Save the dinero. There’s a place down the street called The Ladies Lounge and, trust me, there’s not a purple pasty in the place. I wouldn’t lead you astray, unlike some people.” She takes a moment to glare my way. “And what would Everett think if he knew this was the kind of place you preferred to frequent?” Her lips twitch with a malevolent smile. “I’m pretty sure that would take you out of the running to fill his heart.”
“Believe me, that man is not looking to fill his heart.” It’s yet to be determined that he has one. “And, fine, we’ll leave—but not before I see the end of Sparkling Cider’s act. As soon as she steps off that stage, I’m going to ask her a question.”
I know for a fact once the girls are through they trot down and mingle with the masses. I’m betting those personal lap dances are where they make the real money. I can’t imagine Hunter frequenting this place, but I know both he and Bear have amassed some serious frequent flyer miles at places just like this. For a second I envision Noah seated in some secluded booth and Sparkling Cider shaking her baby maker in his face. My stomach sours at the thought.
The girls finish up their tantalizing tease, leaving their G-strings and pasties right where they belong, and that alone makes me want to tip them. All six of them make their way down the stairs to the left of the stage, and a raucous rock song starts in and another set of temptresses in hot pink satin robes strut out as if they were about to teach us all a lesson.
“We’re out,” Naomi knocks back the rest of her drink before pulling Keelie to her feet.
Lainey and I stand, as does Collette, but Collette isn’t putting on her coat just yet. She’s grinning ear to ear at something behind me.
I turn my neck just enough before doing a double take.