Page 146 of Pandora's Pleasure

“I’m sorry.”

I understood her regret, since I’d probably never go back either. Even though I’d only visited Vanguard once, I already felt the pull of addiction caused by those mysterious rooms; the atmosphere of the place gave everyone permission to explore.

“What will I tell Galante?”

“Nothing.”

Her trepidation seemed to morph into hope. “What do I have to do?”

“How often do you meet him?”

“Usually every Friday.”

“Tonight?” I felt a surge of apprehension. We’d have to move fast, but as the story on my father was being released tomorrow, the timing was perfect. Could I really be the one to save him—and save a Presidential election?

As long as my plan didn’t go off the rails, that is.

“His wife arranges for him to get a massage,” she said, her voice low. “I’m one of the masseuses.”

“And you do more than that, I imagine?”

Phoebe’s lip curled in discomfort.

“Does his wife know?” I asked.

“She pretends she doesn’t. But she’s over having to suck his dick herself.”

“That could be your way out, Phoebe,” I told her. “We can use his manipulation. Maybe get him to admit to it.”

She shook her head. “We can’t prove it.”

“What else can you tell me about him?”

She shifted uncomfortably in her seat. “Like I told you already, he’s rumored to keep records on some of the most powerful men and women in Washington. He uses that to bribe them.”

“How did Galante find you?”

“I was an exotic dancer. He waited for me to come out of Archibald’s.”

“Is that a gentleman’s club?”

“I stripped there sometimes. Anyway, he was waiting for me outside. I was told to get in the back of his car. I assumed he wanted a blowie.”

“Then he blackmailed you to work at Vanguard?”

“Yes.”

“How much does he pay you?” I asked.

She hesitated.

“You have to be transparent.” I reached for her hand to reassure her. “If we’re going to set you free from all of this.”

She let out a sigh. “It depends on what I bring him. What kind of gossip I overhear. The members talk at Vanguard. They assume we aren’t listening.”

There could be a record of payment between them, at least.

I was scared to think of what she may have already relayed back to Galante—and the damage it may have caused. She’d been blackmailed into taking part in his terrible scheming.