Page 144 of Dust to Dust

“Yes, sir,” I reluctantly replied.

“Waitress or dancer.”

“Either. Although I have more experience with dancing.”

His gaze trailed down my body. “I’d say you’re exactly what we’re looking for.”

Although his leer made my skin crawl, I forced a smile to my face. “Great. When could I audition?”

“First, I need you to fill out our application.” He swiveled in his chair to grab a stapled packet. Motioning to the seat in front of his desk, he said, “Sit down.”

Reluctantly, I eased down in the uncomfortable chair. He then handed me the packet and a pen.

“While you’re filling out most of the info, can I get your name and social security number to start the background check?”

“Sure. It’s Isla Vaugh, and my social is–”

He held up a hand to me. “I’m sorry. Did you say Isla Vaughn?”

“Yes. Why?”

His over-tanned face paled. “I’m sorry, but I can’t have you working in my club.”

“I don’t understand.”

“I’m going to have to ask you to leave.”

“You’re joking.”

“I’m very serious.”

“Just because of my name?” I sputtered incredulously.

He glanced left and right before leaning forward in his chair. “Don’t act like you don’t know.”

“I can assure you that I’m not acting. I’m completely clueless as to why you’re advertising for dancers, yet won’t audition me.”

He studied me curiously for a moment. “You really don’t know, do you?” When I shook my head, he exhaled noisily. “Look, I don't know what you did to piss off Quinn Kavanaugh, but whatever it was, he’s not taking it lightly.”

At the sound of Quinn’s name, a shudder ran through me. “What does this have to do with him?”

“That’s between the two of you. All I know is I received a hand delivered note telling me under no certain circumstances was I to hire a dancer named Isla Vaughn.”

I gasped. “Seriously?”

He nodded. “I would imagine that if I got a letter, your name is shit in all the clubs all over the city.”

That’s when it hit me. All the time I’d spent beating the pavement today and being turned down wasn’t about my looks or my dancing ability. It was all because of Quinn and the power he held.

Unable to speak, I merely nodded. Then I whirled around and sprinted out of the office. I didn’t stop running until I got to the car. After I tried opening the door, I had to wait for Brooke to unlock it. She’d gotten in the driver’s seat while I was gone.

At the sight of me, her eyes popped wide. “Isla, what happened?”

It took a few moments for me to catch my breath. As I paced around the open door, my mind whirled with out of control thoughts. When I could finally breathe again, I shook my head. “I never would’ve believed Quinn would sink so low as to sabotage me having a job.” At Brooke’s confused look, I said, “He sent a note to all the club owners threatening them if they hired me.”

She gasped. “You’re joking.”

“No. The owner of this club just admitted it to me.”

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