Page 5

Rex

I’m going through the various pieces needed for a couple of different kinds of security camera setups when the others arrive for work. I can hear Pigeon giving Reeves shit and Horse laughing as they stop by the storeroom’s open door.

“You’re here early, boss. What’s up for today?” Pigeon asks.

“I put the work orders on your desks. Reeves, you get Horse today so teach him the latest system we’ve got in. Pigeon, you have one quick install and then monitor duty,” I answer, without looking up from what I’m doing.

“Wait! That’s bullshit! I had Horse yesterday. Why do I get him again today?” Reeves loudly protests.

“Because I like you the least,” I reply.

“Why would anyone be upset getting to work with me? I’m fucking adorable,” Horse states in his most reasonable tone.

“Ha! I’m Daddy’s favorite!” Pigeon shouts gleefully.

“No, you’re not. I just don’t feel like hurting you as much. I’m sure before the day is over, I will have changed my mind,” I say before pushing my way past them and walking into my office.

“Are you mad at me over the bath remark last night? I already apologized and—” Reeves asks before I interrupt.

“No. Horse is your punishment for no reason other than it amuses me. Have fun, ladies. Now get to work,” I explain.

“He used to be so much more fun to work with,” Reeves mutters as the trio walks away from my door.

“Not sure I’m going to like this change. If I wanted to work with whiny bitches, I could’ve just stayed at the strip club,” Horse states in his own whiny tone. “I think all of you should be ecstatic to have me as your work husband.”

“Work husband? What the fuck is wrong with you?” Pigeon hollers before I hear the distinctive sound of a wrestling match taking place.

Ignoring the children Gunner has forced me to work with, I turn to my computer. I jiggle the mouse, but nothing happens. I tap the enter key, but still nothing. I sigh at the hassle computers can be sometimes and then hit the button to reboot it. Waiting for it to go through the start-up process, my mind flashes back to Aria.

I may not remember the details, but I know something happened between us that night. Flashes of the evening’s activities have kept me on edge since I woke up Sunday morning. A tanned leg, the curve of a breast, dark, nearly black eyes, and dark chocolate-colored silky strands of hair wrapped around my hand have been tormenting me because I’m missing the parts of the night that I would never want to have forgotten.

“Rex!”

I hear Pigeon shouting my name, and it pulls me back to the present. I stand and make my way to his office doorway.

“What?” I ask, and even I can hear the irritation in my voice.

“Computer won’t load up. What am I doing wrong?” Pigeon asks.

“Probably everything, but move your ass and let me sit down there and see,” I answer honestly since Pigeon is not a computer-friendly kind of guy. I’ve taken a baseball bat and a hammer out of his hands before that he meant for the computers.

After a couple of minutes of messing with his computer, I do the same as I did with mine and do a hard reboot. I don’t get a chance to really think about the fact that both computers have the same issue because Pigeon starts speaking.

“Does anyone else know about you and Reeves?”

“Fuck, Pigeon. There is no me and Reeves. You didn’t see what you thought you did. He got plastered and somehow ended up sleeping in my tub. No idea why. I’m as straight as Vex,” I explain with a snort.

“Really? Okay, if you say so,” he answers in a disbelieving tone.

“Yes, really!”

“Just saying, it’s been a minute since I’ve seen you with a female. That redhead, Cassandra, I think her name was, is the last I saw you with. Even then, I thought she was a beard.”

“Jesus, Pigeon. She wasn’t a beard. I’m straight. Ask your wife,” I say, then bolt out of the chair before he tackles me out of it.

“Eat shit!” Pigeon hollers.

“Let the computer reboot, and then it should be fine,” I shout as I race out of the room.

Once seated at my own desk again, I see that mine hasn’t rebooted properly yet. I realize there’s a real problem. I spend the next hour going through the operating system, and I find what the problem is. Someone tried to hack in. I get to work double-checking that they didn’t get through my firewalls and access any files. I’m going to be working late tonight.

“I’m not sure who tried, but nothing was accessed. I’m not giving up, though. I should be able to trace it back and get some information, and then we can decide what to do. In the meantime, I’ve strengthened—” I explain to Gunner when he holds up his hand.

“Don’t start talking computer. It makes my head hurt. Just let me know what you find,” he states.

“You got it, Prez,” I reply with a grin.

“Incoming!” I hear shouted as Mac lands on the bar in front of me.

“Hey, Mac. What’s got your feathers in a twist?” I ask the colorful bird.

“Cockatoos suck birdie balls,” he spits out before ruffling his wing and tail feathers.

“Except for yours, right?” I question while Gunner barks out a laugh.

When Mac lets out a growl that sounds surprisingly just like Loki’s, I put some distance between his face and mine. He’s been on the edge for a while now, and when he goes off again, I want it to be on Axel and not me.

“Ignore them, Mac. You want to ride the bike with me today? I have some errands to run, and then I was going to stop at the bakery. I got your boggles with me,” Chubs says, stopping next to me.

“Boggles?” I ask.

“Bird goggles. Boggles. I had a pair made with shades in them,” Chubs answers in a tone that suggests I should have already known this.

Mac screeches loudly in what I’m assuming is delight and steps up on Chubs’ hand. As they walk out the main door, the kitchen door swings open and in walks Axel. He’s looking at his phone and walks past without even noticing me and Gunner. Curiously enough, in his other hand is what appears to be decorations of some sort and a string of lights. He disappears in the direction of his room, and I look up at Gunner in confusion.

“What’s up with him?” I ask.

“No idea and I’m sure I don’t want to know. I’m picking the kids up from school and then heading out to the ranch so they can get some more horse and Ivy time. Their words, not mine. Catch you later,” Gunner answers before walking away.

Before I can finish my beer, Craig walks in. Spotting me sitting alone at the bar, he strolls over and climbs up on the stool next to me. As usual, the kid is filthy. If I didn’t know better, I’d swear Pippa and Pooh never bought soap.

“So, it seems we have a little issue to discuss, Rex,” Craig says casually before he sprawls across the bar top and opens the cooler beneath it. When he stretches too far and starts sliding headfirst toward the floor, I grab his waistband and pull him back to safety. I should have known what he was doing when I see the bottle of root beer in his hand.

“Nice save. Thanks,” Craig states as he opens his bottle and then takes a deep swig. “Awww. Needed that.”

“You’re welcome. What issue do we have?” I ask.

“You know how I see and hear things that people don’t know about?” Craig questions while turning to look me in the eye.

Seeing the look on his face, I know I’m not going to like what he’s about to say. He’s got an evil, gleeful look glinting in his eyes, and he’s smirking at me.

“Yes, I do, but I’m not buying any more info from you. I’m still on Ava’s shitlist from the last time,” I answer.

“I’m not here to sell secrets. I’m here to get paid to keep them,” Craig responds and then rubs his hands together.

“From me?” I ask, bewildered.

“Yeah, from you. I’ll probably hit up Reeves next,” Craig answers. “Not going to hit up the women, though. That would just be wrong, I think, and might put me on Candy’s bad side. I don’t want to be on her bad side.”

“Nice to see you have some morals, you little rat,” I mutter and then listen to his laughter.

“I’m not a rat. I’m an entrepreneur,” Craig states, then tips his bottle back and finishes it off.

“What’s it going to cost me for you to forget whatever it is you think you know?” I ask, resigned to the fact that I’m going to have to sell a kidney to maintain this kid’s silence.

“You, Reeves, Aria, and Lisa is what I know. For shame, Rex. Chubs would be so mad and disappointed in his club brothers. Keep that in mind while we discuss price,” Craig warns.

When the price is set, Craig walks off with a little more swagger than usual, and I drop my head to pound it several times against the bar. Can a body survive without a kidney and a portion of its liver gone?

A few weeks have passed since the night I got too drunk and did dirty things with my club brother’s sister. I still have flashes of the night, but nothing solid, and it’s frustrating. I’ve never been so drunk that I couldn’t remember the things I did. While I should be concerned about my loss of memory, I’m actually pissed because of the good things I don’t remember. If all I’m ever going to get with Aria is that one night, I really would like to have the memories of it.

“Halston’s security system is installed and up and running as we speak,” Reeves says from the doorway of my office.

“That’s great. Any problems with it?” I ask.

“No, it went smoothly,” Reeves answers before turning to walk off.

“Hey,” I say, stopping him.

“Yeah?” he asks.

“Do you remember anything from the night we went out together and ended up in my room?” I ask hesitantly.

Reeves looks down the hall, then walks into my office and shuts the door behind him. Taking a seat on the other side of my desk, he shakes his head.

“Not really. I’ve never been so drunk that I forgot an entire evening. I remember us drinking together after the others left, but the next thing I remember after that is waking up on your bathroom floor. You said something about Lisa being there, but I don’t remember her at all. Not sure how that’s even possible, to be honest. Like, how do you forget someone like Lisa?”

“I have zero memories of her after the others left,” I reply but don’t admit to the flashes I’ve had of Aria that night.

“Not only do I not know if I did anything wrong that night, but now I’m paying Craig to keep his mouth shut just in case I did,” Reeves admits in a low tone.

“Same. Damn kid sees and hears way too much,” I say with a small laugh.

“If I wasn’t so afraid of him haunting me, I’d make him come up missing,” Reeves states with a grin.

“We can’t hurt a kid, but we can make his dad pay for the kid’s behavior,” I say with a quirked eyebrow.

“Yes! Fuck yeah. Let’s take it out on Pooh. Let’s go do that now,” Reeves adds as he stands up.

“What are you going to go do now?” asks Pigeon as he opens my office door and enters with Horse on his heels.

I ignore the raised eyebrow and slightly suspicious look in Pigeon’s eyes as he glances from me to Reeves and then back to me again. He’s never going to believe Reeves and I aren’t a couple if he finds us behind another closed door.

“Going to the gym to thump Pooh’s ass,” Reeves answers.

“Why?” asks Horse.

“Do we need a reason? Since Candy’s quit kicking his ass, someone must step up. I volunteer,” I answer while standing and cracking a few knuckles.

“Sounds good. Let’s ride,” Pigeon responds, and the rest of us follow him out to our bikes.

Arriving at the gym, the four of us walk through the front door. I let my eyes wander around the large room until I spot Pooh. At the same time, he looks up and sees us staring at him. I don’t have to be a lip reader to know his “Oh, shit” was said loud enough to gain Axel and Cash’s attention.

As the four of us walk determinedly in his direction, Pooh excuses himself from the client he’s working with and meets us halfway.

“I have no idea why you four look like you’re out for my blood, but I promise I had no idea of whatever Craig’s done this time,” Pooh states while holding his right hand in the air like he’s taking an oath in court.

“You never got those waivers wrote up and signed, did you, Pooh?” Axel asks with a wide smile.

“No, and I’m about to regret that too, ain’t I?” Pooh questions while eyeing up each of us.

“Looks like it,” Cash rumbles out before tossing out his rules. “Only one at a time can kick his ass. No low blows, no breaking of bones. I don’t want him so fucked up he can’t work. Tomorrow’s my day off, and if you ruin that for me, I’ll be the one in the ring with you.”

“Damn, Cash. You are kind of ruining this for me,” Reeves says with a distinct whine in his voice.

“Unless you want to explain why you’re out for his blood, those are the rules,” Cash answers.

“Only explanation needed is that Craig is his responsibility,” I respond.

“Fuck me. How did one small boy piss off four adult male bikers?” Pooh asks curiously.

“He didn’t do anything to me and Horse,” Pigeon answers.

“So then why are you two here waiting to thump me?” Pooh questions.

“Sounded like fun,” Horse replies with a shrug.

“Fuck that! I’m not going to stand quietly so you and Pigeon can take shots at me too!” Pooh shouts.

“That works for me. There will be more of him left for me to disassemble,” Reeves states while removing his hoodie.

“I’m curious what that little menace in a child’s body has done to piss off Rex and Reeves. Very curious. Care to share?” Axel asks with a hopeful look.

“No, we don’t. You ready, Pooh? I’m first,” I say while rocking my head back and forth, trying to loosen up a little.

“What’s going on?” a voice asks from behind me.

I turn and find Candy standing there, face red, indicating she’s been working out.

“Rex and Reeves, for some unknown reason, want to kick Pooh’s ass because of Craig,” Axel answers. “Do you know what Craig did to them?”

Ignoring Axel, Candy looks up at me, and her eyes narrow slightly.

“That true, Rex? Reeves?” she asks in a low and somewhat gravelly tone.

“Well, yeah. Kind of. I mean, it’s not like we can kick Craig’s ass. He’s a kid, and that just wouldn’t be right, you know?” I mutter while wilting under her gaze.

I feel a moment of relief when her eyes leave mine and find Reeves.

“It was Rex’s idea,” Reeves states, and my feeling of relief flees instantly.

“It’s not very honorable of them, is it, Candy?” Pooh asks with a voice full of sunshine and fucking roses.

“Honorable or not, I get why someone would want to do damage to you, Pooh. Axel, too, for that matter. But Rex and Reeves—wait. I get it now. It’s Rex, Reeves, and Craig. Makes sense to me, and my advice would be to prepare for pain, Pooh,” Candy says before calmly walking away.

“Wait, Candy! Tell us why!” shouts Axel to her retreating back.

“No one left to save you, Pooh. Ring time,” I state before walking to the ring and stepping inside.

“Hey, Rex,” Chubs says as he walks into my office.

“Hey,” I answer while turning away from my monitors. “What’s up?”

“Did you find anything out about those names I gave you?”

“Yep, I found a few things,” I state while shuffling papers on my desk, looking for the information I printed out. “Both have extensive police records. Neither are good guys, and both are currently living in Denver now.”

“Damn. I was hoping they’d moved on by now,” Chubs responds while looking at the paperwork I handed him.

“I wasn’t sure what I was looking for at first, but I figured it out pretty quick when I saw their arrest records. Is this something the club is going to keep an eye on?” I ask.

“I’m taking it to Gunner when I leave here. Talk on the street is they are most likely responsible for the GHB and ketamine inside a few of the clubs in town lately. Using date rape drugs will only increase their trafficking of women if they stick to their usual M.O.s. Gunner may want to contact the Morales family, too. I’m sure this will be of interest to them,” Chubs explains.

“It seems like Denver has suddenly become the hub for trafficking,” I say with disgust in my voice.

“I think it’s the same as a lot of other places have been for a long time, but because of Bella’s situation, we’ve become more aware of it happening,” Chubs states. “It’s happening all over the world, and these people aren’t being hunted like they should be.”

“Keep me posted on anything you need on this. Speaking of clubs, which ones are being targeted that you know of?” I ask.

“Names I’ve heard are The Loft, Charlie’s, and Sinner’s, but I’m sure they change up often so they don’t draw too much attention to themselves,” Chubs answers.

I suddenly sit up straight in my chair, my mind racing with chaotic thoughts. Trying to pull them together, I start silently counting the strange things that happened the night we all went out together. Realizing where my thoughts have headed, I force them to slow down and let me reason through them. Turning back to look at Chubs, I ask, “Has Club Ace come up in any of the conversations you’ve had about this happening?”

“No, it hasn’t, and that’s why that’s the club I suggested when we all hit the town. Also why I wasn’t too concerned leaving Aria and Lisa there, but that was mostly because I knew you and Reeves would keep an eye out for them,” Chubs answers but does so with a slow narrowing of his eyes. “Something happen that I should know about?”

Before I can answer that question, my phone rings, and I quickly answer it while shooting Chubs an apologetic look. While handling my customer’s call and answering his questions, Chubs moves to stand in front of my desk with hands on his hips. While jotting down information from the call, I look up at Chubs and give my head a definitive shake. Watching him hesitate before slowly relaxing gives me a moment of relief before the guilt sets in. When he turns to leave, I lightly rap my knuckles on the desk to gain his attention. When I get it, I hold up one finger, silently asking him to wait. I finish up my call and disconnect before giving Chubs an answer without revealing too much.

“I didn’t notice anything out of the ordinary that night as far as what was going on in the club. But with that said, both Reeves and I have little memory of what happened after we made it to the clubhouse, though. Makes me wonder if the last shots we ordered were intended to be someone else’s drinks. All was fine until then.”

“Who drove back to the clubhouse?” Chubs asks with concern painting his voice.

“We used an Uber. Cost a bloody fortune to drive us all the way to the clubhouse, but it seemed the smartest move. That’s about all I remember after we got dropped off,” I respond.

“How did the women get home? Please tell me Aria didn’t drive her and Lisa after all that,” Chubs questions.

“Candy gave them both a ride home,” I answer with complete honesty and breathe a sigh of relief that I could answer that with truth.

“I’ll do some asking around and see if Club Ace’s name comes up as a place to watch. Makes me worried to let the women go anywhere without one of us at this point. Gunner will want us to get on this immediately, so prepare for a call from him. See you later,” Chubs says before leaving.

I lean back in my chair and force my body to relax. I take a couple moments to get my thoughts in order, then pick up my phone and text Reeves a message to call me. I only have to wait a couple of minutes before my phone rings.

“Hey. How long before you’re back to the office?” I ask.

“About two hours. Why?”

“We need to talk privately,” I answer.

“Fuck! Are you firing me? Because I don’t want to work at the strip club, brother! Last time I worked there for more than a night or two, my dick screamed in pain every time I took a piss!” Reeves shouts through the phone.

“The easy fix for that is to not stick it in every willing female,” I answer with a laugh.

“It wasn’t sore from that as much as it constantly getting grabbed every time a dancer would walk past me. They see our cuts as their way to climb the ladder, or pole I should say,” Reeves sputters indignantly. “Andy was bruised for days.”

“Andy?” I ask, confused.

“Short for Anaconda. Axel isn’t the only one to name his favorite body part.”

I laugh at his fear of exposing Andy to more trauma, then take pity on the man.

“I’m not firing you. It’s about the night we can’t remember. I might know why.”

“You could have led with that, asshat,” Reeves responds before disconnecting the call.

While waiting, I get busy with a deeper dive into the names Chubs had given me. Gunner is going to want everything I can possibly find.

“I’ve contacted the Morales family and told them we’d keep them updated with anything we find out. They’re reaching out to some of their contacts too. We’re having Church tonight instead of Sunday so we can get busy with this,” Gunner states. “6pm. Bring whatever you have found so far. Chubs is making his rounds and will fill us in then.”

“See you then, Prez,” I answer while already compiling what I have in a neat stack on my desk.

“You need help with anything?” Pigeon asks as he and Horse enter my office and take seats in front of my desk.

“I’m going to be here until Church tonight. Can you guys finish up that order for the carwash?” I ask.

“Yeah, no problem. We’ll get it done today. How credible is Chubs’ info on these guys?” Pigeon asks in a serious tone.

When Pigeon is quietly concerned about anything, we all take notice. Pigeon seldom takes much serious and usually just lives in the moment. Taking a second look at his face, I realize suddenly why he’s asking. Unfortunately, the last time we took down traffickers, Pigeon played an important role, and it took a toll on him. Axel and Pigeon sat in a van with a dead child for hours and then held and carried that child in his arms. It took time for Pigeon to process that, and I’ve never been sure if he completely returned to his old self afterwards. I believe that. Just like Pooh when we rescued Bella, Pigeon’s part in that night irrevocably changed something in his soul.

“From what I’ve found so far, it’s very credible. They’ve got several past convictions for trafficking, and it’s a fucking joke what they got for them. Neither should be walking the streets for years, and yet, here they are,” I answer honestly.

“Fucking court systems. The judges who hand out these light sentences should have to be there when these victims are found. Let them see the terror in their eyes. Let them taste the fear and indignities that these women and kids have endured. There’s something wrong in this world when a bunch of bikers are the ones stopping these things instead of law enforcement,” Pigeon says in a flat tone before standing up and walking out of my office.

“It’s not law enforcement’s fault. Their hands are tied for the most part, and they have a lot of rules to follow. Miss a simple step, and the courts toss out the case,” Horse says with disgust clear in his voice.

“I know and I agree. We don’t follow the rules, and because of that, we’d be sitting in jail cells if we’re caught handing out lessons to the traffickers. The world is upside down. Keep an eye on Pigeon today,” I reply.

Horse nods his head and then leaves me to find Pigeon. I hear them leave the building at the same time as Reeves steps inside my office.

“What’s up?” Reeves asks as he plops down in a chair and props his booted feet onto my desk.

“I think we may have been drugged at Club Ace. It would explain why neither of us can remember shit after we got to the clubhouse. Have you spoken with Lisa since then? Does she have any memory issues?” I question.

“No, I haven’t, and I haven’t seen her either. Drugged, though? Why would someone at the club drug you and me?” Reeves asks before jerking upright and dropping his feet to the floor. “Do you think the women drugged us? You know, to take advantage of us and all that?”

“Fuck no, Reeves! Christ on a stick, neither of them would drug us!” I shout, completely dismayed at his thought process.

“Just sayin’, Lisa wouldn’t need drugs if she wanted that kind of a night with me. The woman’s hot as hell, and I’d be willing as fuck. But Aria might have thought you’re a little too tightly wound and needed something to get you naked. You would definitely be worried about how Chubs would feel about it, so yeah, I can see her drugging you.”

I continue staring at my club brother, even more dismayed at the workings of his brain. Or lack thereof.

“I probably got roofied by accident,” Reeves states, and then shrugs like it’s no big deal.

“When you’re talking, do you listen to the words that leave your mouth or just spew them without thought?” I ask him.

“Why listen to them when I already know what I’m saying?” Reeves questions in a tone that suggests that I’m the idiot in the room.

“Listen to these words, then. The women did not drug either of us. I think we may have gotten drinks that were meant for another group. You bought the last round and went to the bar to get them. Did anything odd happen when you were at the bar?”

Reeves sits quietly for several long seconds while staring at something behind my shoulder. Finally, his eyes meet mine, and he answers.

“The bartender was really busy, and another guy stepped behind the bar and started helping by pouring shots. The bartender didn’t look happy about having this guy there but didn’t say anything that I remember. A couple of waitresses were standing next to me with trays that the guy was setting drinks on, and one asked if she could help me. I told her that we were waiting on four shots of tequila. She was cute and flirty, so we chatted for a minute. Then she nodded toward her tray and told me to grab four, and she’d wait for more. I did and brought them to the table. I remember me, you, and Lisa shooting them, but I don’t think Aria did. I saw her take a sip or two, wrinkle her nose, and set it back down. Not sure if one of us finished it or not. Then we left.”

“You finished Aria’s shot. She had said she didn’t like tequila, but Lisa insisted on one shot before we left. I remember that part and the ride to the clubhouse. I paid the driver, and then things start getting a little fuzzy. I think I need to do a deep dive on date rape drugs,” I say.

“Freddy is the one to ask about them. He’s extremely knowledgeable because of the testing and things he does to keep them out of the strip club. He knows the signs, the effects, and most everything there is to know about the various shit people try to do or use in a strip club,” Reeves advises, and I realize he’s right. Freddy is the one to speak with.

“He’ll be my first call. Good idea,” I reply.

“If Lisa took advantage of me while I was drugged, I have to say I’m okay with it. A little concerned that the drugs may have taken away some of my abilities, though. Do you think they do that? Because I don’t want to leave her with a bad impression. Maybe I— Hey! Why’d you do that?” Reeves asks while ducking my swinging hand the second time.

“People are getting date rape drugs dropped into their drinks, and you’re mostly concerned with how it may have affected your performance. Seriously? I’m asking Petey if you’re related to Axel. You have to be,” I answer with no small amount of heat in my voice. “No other explanation except you two share bloodlines!”

I lean back in my chair just so I’m not tempted to smack him again.

“Calm down! I know it’s a bad thing and something we as a club should stop. I’m just concerned with how the drugs affected me. Lisa is hot, and no guy wants— No! Hands to yourself, brother!” Reeves barks out at me as he stands and backs away. “You’re just upset because I got you wondering about your own performance that night!”

Sitting here looking at him, I totally understand why there’s so much wrestling and tackles done in this office building. I slowly stand up while staring at Reeves, and I grin a little when he starts backing toward the door.

“Don’t even think about coming at me! I can take you— Oof!” Reeves says as I tackle him through the doorway with us landing in the hall.

I land on top, but only for a few seconds before Reeves bucks me off and pounces like Duffy when he’s in a pissed-off mood. When he goes for a chokehold, I squirm out of it and push myself back to the top.

“Is this what you guys do here all day? Stop it right now, or I’ll separate you myself, and I won’t be gentle about it,” advises Candy seconds before she grabs my leg and hauls me a few feet out of reach of Reeves’ sprawled body.

“Oh, hey, Candy. How ya doing?” Reeves asks in a casual tone while lying on the floor with rumpled clothes and hair.

“Shit, Candy! You gave me rug burn!” I half shout while lifting my shirt and staring at the red streak across my stomach.

“You’ll live. If not, that’s one less child for me to babysit, I guess,” she responds before pointing at me, then Reeves, and then my office before she walks into it and takes a seat.

“I guess that’s Candy talk for ‘get your ass in here boys,’” Reeves mutters while getting to his feet.

I follow his lead and take a seat behind my desk again.

“What brings you to our fine establishment?” Reeves asks as he takes the seat he was in earlier.

“We need to talk about that night,” Candy says. “I think you were drugged.”

“That’s what we were just talking about. We think so too. Do the women know?” I ask.

“Not that I know of. I haven’t said anything to them, but they showed the signs the next morning when I took them home. You did too, Rex. We either have to tell them so they are more careful, or the club needs to look into it and put a stop to it,” Candy states.

“Agreed. One small problem, though. Chubs and the club are unaware of the women spending the night at the clubhouse,” I answer in a careful tone.

“That’s a you problem. You two need to talk with the women and decide how you want to handle this. I won’t say anything either way you four choose to handle things, but something needs to happen before others end up in a worse situation,” Candy explains. “I’ve spent some time in the evenings lately at Club Ace and haven’t seen anything out of the ordinary, so they may have moved on to another club.”

“Or they’re targeting a specific look or age. If it’s some guys looking for an easy lay, they won’t be hard to spot. Traffickers are usually looking for a specific type of female or victim. With what Reeves just told me about that night, we weren’t the targets. We got the wrong drinks and now have no idea of who the targets might have been,” I answer.

“Aren’t you the tech genius?” Candy asks with a lifted eyebrow.

“Yeah,” I respond, but it’s almost a question.

“Can’t you put those skills to use by hacking into Club Ace’s security system or the CCTV cameras outside?” Candy asks with both eyebrows now raised.

Well, now, I feel like anything but a genius.

“Yeah, I can, and I’ll get on that,” I mumble, ashamed I hadn’t already thought to do that.

“Good looking out, Candy. While he does that, can I take you out for lunch?” Reeves asks with his most charming smile in place.

Candy stares at Reeves for a moment before ignoring his question and turning back to me.

“If you need help getting Lisa and Aria together with you two for your talk, let me know. I’ll make it happen. Also, those two are planning on hitting the town Friday night. I invited myself to go with them, and I’ll keep an eye out for trouble,” Candy states before standing. “Don’t wait on that talk.”

“I’ll try to set it up with them for tonight, and thanks, Candy, for inviting yourself to look out for them. One other little thing you might be able to help with,” I inform her and notice I have her full attention. “Craig—”

“Sorry, Rex,” Candy interrupts me and then grins. “That’s another one of those you problems I’m not getting involved in. Have a nice day, gentlemen.”

Candy walks out of the office and then the building. When the main door closes out front, I turn and grin at the look on Reeves’ face.

“You’re losing your charm and good looks, Reeves. She didn’t even bother to answer you,” I say in a gloating manner.

“What the hell? I’m not sure any female has ever ignored me as well as she just did,” Reeves answers.

“I’m sure lots of them have, and you just choose to forget,” I reply.

“Maybe I should be the one to set up the meeting with the women. You know, since Aria won’t speak to you,” Reeves suggests and winks before he walks out of the office.

I’m not gloating anymore.