Page 48 of Donovan Blake: Adrenalin

“I agree. With all our mutual acquaintances I’m surprised we haven’t before now,” Donovan remarked, touching the button on his tunic to start the video camera.

“How did you hear about my little shindig?”

“I was having coffee at Pierre’s Cafe and everyone was talking about it. And I do mean everyone.”

“Ah, yes of course, and who is this gorgeous creature you’ve brought along?” Manny asked turning to Phoebe.

“Phoebe Beaumont, as in, Beaumont Engineering,” Donovan added.

“Is that so. This is an honor,” Manny exclaimed. “You come from a remarkable family. I understand your mother has been commissioned to design the new Concord Museum.”

“Yes, she has. She’s very excited about it. And the company will be involved as well.”

“Are you following the family tradition? Are you an engineer or architect?”

“I’m an artist, not an architect,” she replied smoothly. “I’m still floundering though. It’s not easy getting noticed in the art world.”

“With all that talent running through your veins I’m sure you’ll be famous soon enough. So, Donovan, what inspired you to come here tonight?”

“I was hoping you and I could have a conversation about my club.”

“Ah, yes, LASH. Such a clever name for a place like yours.”

“Thank you. People seem to like it.”

“I’m more than happy to have a chat. I’m rather busy at the moment, meeting and greeting. Give me a little while and I’ll find you. We can talk in my office.”

“Sounds like a plan.”

“Great, make yourselves at home. There’s plenty to eat and drink and lots to see. Lovely to meet you, Phoebe. I hope you enjoy yourself.”

“Thank you, good to meet you as well.”

As he walked briskly away, Donovan turned off the camera and led her in the opposite direction.

“That was very civilized, and he’s so charming,” she remarked. “It’s hard to believe he’s such a bad guy.”

“Believe it,” Donovan grunted as they continued moving through the grand home. “This place is huge.”

“I prefer your hunting lodge.”

“I do too. Let’s go in here,” he suggested, walking into a relatively empty room offering nibbles and drinks. “We can grab something to eat and sit down. I want to go over a couple of things with you.”

“Like what? Didn’t we discuss everything at the hotel.”

“You can never be too prepared,” he replied knowingly.

The buffet offered a collection of rolls, cheeses, exotic flatbreads, and a variety of wines. Deciding to share from one plate, they loaded it up, and each chose a glass of Sauvignon Blanc. As they settled at the table, Donovan took a bite of soft cheese and a drink, then noticed a group of young women all wearing harem costumes wandering into the room.

“They look a bit lost,” Phoebe remarked. “I wonder where their dates are.”

“I suspect they’re working girls.”

“Ooh, you mean escorts?”

“Yep. Manny owns a few strip clubs and has call girls on the payroll, but on to more important things. When he invites me to meet with him and I insist you join us he won’t like it. As far as he’s concerned, women were made for the bedroom and the kitchen. But he’ll accept it because of your family.”

“And I’m with you because we’re joining forces to open a second LASH location in Manhattan, and you’ve told me Manny would like to open up a club there as well.”

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