Page 40 of Deadly Designs

She was glad he would have help, but that meant theirtime alone would end. That made her sad. Being with him had becomeher favorite activity. He’d been so open, charming, and attentiveat dinner. Aja Blue had a feeling he’d be more reserved andprofessional around his coworkers.

She still hadn’t officially hired him, but hiscompany was helping all the same. He’d told her about the men heworked for, and they sounded terrific. “I’d like to talk to yourbosses to discuss payment.” She wasn’t sure what the fees were, butthey had to be high. It didn’t seem like they cut any corners.

“We’ll call them in the morning. Also, I’m having mycoworkers bring a security system for your office. No one will beable to break in, guaranteed.”

“There’s no rush.” She told him about sending heremployees to work from home.

“Good thinking,” he praised. “That’s one lessworry.”

“We’ll talk about installing the new system once Jayis found and the stalker is caught.”

She wasn’t hurting for money, but paying hiscompany’s fees would eat a sizeable chunk of her budget. Havingwitnessed how COBRA Securities worked, she knew the new alarmwouldn’t be one you could buy over the counter—in other words,pricy.

“I’d like to install it as soon as possible, but I’lldefer to your wishes.” He glanced over at her. “You said Jay wasthe spokesperson for a new club in town?”

“Yes. The Crystal Galaxy.”

“Why don’t we stop by on the way home and see ifthey’ve heard from him?”

That was an excellent idea, one she should’ve thoughtabout. “I’d like that.”

Chapter Eleven

Christian surveyed the area as AjaBlue guided him to the club. It was in a part of town away from thewater, but restaurants and department stores surrounded it, and itseemed to be hopping. The lot was packed, and he had to park at thefar end.

“At least the lighting is good.”

Even at this distance from the entry, plenty ofstreetlights covered every nook and cranny of the lot. Peoplevisiting the club would feel safer walking to their vehicles in thewee hours of the morning.

Aja Blue reached for his hand, and he linked theirfingers together. It felt right to be with her. He had a good life.He loved his job and coworkers, and he dated. Christian hadn’trealized something was missing until he’d met Aja Blue. Beingaround her made him happy.

People were coming and going from the club, most inflashy clothes and high heels. He and Aja Blue were woefullyunderdressed but weren’t here for the experience.

Christian could hear the din of music from outside. Agiant of a man stood guard in an atrium. His beefy arms werecovered in tats, and he had enough piercings to open a jewelryshop.

“IDs.”

“We need to speak to the manager.” Christian took outhis COBRA Securities badge and showed it to the man. “We’reinvestigating a missing person.”

The man studied the photo and then Christian. Hespoke into a walkie-talkie, and when he finished, he told them,“You can wait at the bar. The manager will be there to get yousoon.”

He motioned for them to enter the club. They thankedhim and stepped inside. The music was decibels louder, minglingwith the patrons’ hoots and hollers. The red lighting gave the cluban almost sinister vibe, but the disco balls muted the effect. Eventhe front of the bar was covered with tiny, mirrored tiles. Theflooring was a geometric pattern of squares, and several neonlights with trendy phrases decorated the walls. Tables spread outin front of a stage where a group of three performed a songChristian didn’t recognize.

“Honey, you look good enough to eat with aspoon.”

Christian was about to agree with the bartender untilhe realized the man was speaking to him. “Uh, thanks?”

Both the bartender and Aja Blue chuckled.

“What can I get you two?” He fluttered lashes thatwere about an inch long, and his green eyes were enhanced withthick black liner.

“We’re here to speak with the manager.”

“So, no drinkie then? Water while you wait?”

“Sure.”

He filled two glasses with ice and added the liquidwith a soda gun, presenting them with a flourish.

---