Page 123 of Stand: Part One

The kind that seek to trap their debtors into permanent detrimental reliance?

“I’m sure that kind of generosity is just invaluable,” I replied sourly.

“They are very well taken care of,” Lucinda affirmed.

Until one of their clients completely lays them out.

I snickered. “Well, that’s excellent news then,” I countered quickly. “Because Bethany here is in need of medical treatment for a dislocated shoulder thanks to an abusive client. Since the safety of the girls is so important to you, I’m sure that client will be penalized for disrupting the flow of business when they negligently damaged one of our own, costing us the rest of her earnings for the night.”

I steeled my gaze at Lucinda, daring her to challenge me.

A nervous laughter left her lips. “Of course. I’ll see to it personally.”

“Right now,” I demanded. “I’d like to be able to tell my husband that management is taking care of the staff that provides such important revenue for his business. We don’t like revolving doors when it comes to our employees.”

I could see the twitch in her eye before she smiled again and pulled out her phone.

“Of course.” Dialing the phone, she placed it to her ear.

“Speakerphone, please,” I added snidely.

Lucinda smiled again, removing the phone from her ear and placing it on speakerphone. Someone picked up after just two rings.

“Yes, Lucinda?” a woman’s voice answered.

“Bethany’s last client of the night,” Lucinda began. “Dock him a grievance fee and have his membership suspended for the rest of the month. Alert security to have him removed from the premises immediately.”

“Yes ma’am,” the woman’s voice said and the two hung up.

“Very good,” I said, my hard gaze locking with hers. “I’m glad we got that cleared up.”

Lucinda’s smile was so forced it was amusing to watch.

The door to the restroom suddenly slammed open, and Clive’s agitated face appeared.

“Jaden! You’ve been in there for like an hour. Let’s go!”

Ignoring him, I turned my gaze back to Lucinda. “Sorry, gotta run. Really nice meeting you.” I turned back to the girls, wishing I could do something more to help them, but I knew they were just as stuck as I was. “Good luck to you all. Stick together. You need each other more than you know.”

With that, I strode passed Lucinda and made my way back out into the VIP area.

“Jesus Christ, what the hell were you doing in there?” Owen asked me.

I shrugged. “Just taking care of business.”

As we neared the booth, I could see a heavyset man arguing in the crowd as he was escorted by two guards toward the exit of the club. I smiled at my little power move, glad that I had some sway in this industry, however little it might be.

31

Take

Getting back to the booth, I caught Darren’s side-eyeing glare and my confidence swiftly wilted away. Sliding in next to him, I schooled my features and found myself wrapped in his arm, bringing me closer so his mouth could reach my ear.

“Next time, I’m going to start a timer,” he warned.

I groaned internally. “I was cornered by a woman named Lucinda.”

Darren’s gaze darkened as he peered down at me. “What did she want?”