Page 88 of Strip Search

“I think I can find the time.” I leaned my head back on the headrest, content to let her drive us wherever she wanted to go. I didn’t care as long as I was with her.

“Oh, Miles, your poor club.”

Yeah, I was sorry to see it go too. “If it brings Uncle Johnny’s murderers to justice, it will all have been worth it. I have no idea what the hell I’m going to do now. I’m a little old to be jetting all over Europe to beat people up.”

“You don’t have to think about that now,” she said. “We’re together and that’s all that matters.”

It was a small bright spot that she and I seemed to be on the same page about that. “Jackie, I know we’ve only known each other a week and my life is a complete shitstorm right now, but I’m falling for you.”

She gave a watery chuckle. “That’s good because I’m head over heels for you too.”

“I don’t suppose you still have your reservation at the Wynn?”

“As a matter of fact, I do. I wanted to make sure I’d be able to pay someone to go to my room and pack my things I left behind and mail them to New York for me.”

“I could use a shower and to spend the rest of the night making love to you.”

“That’s the best offer I’ve had all day.” At the next stoplight, she leaned over and kissed me. “However, we have to make a stop first. Have you eaten yet?”

Now that she mentioned it, I was starving and not just for her delicious body. “I could eat.”

“Do you like drag queens?

JACKIE MITCHELL

Darcy was serenading Marilyn Monroe with his rendition of “Don’t Be Cruel” when we walked in. He saw us and did a final Elvis hip pivot for the crowd and waved us over to a booth.

“Miles, how are you holding up?” They did the dude bro hug and we sat down.

“I’m not sure.” Miles slung his arm over me, and I cuddled into him. “But I’m better because she’s here.”

“I can see that.”

The waitress came and we ordered a mountain of food. I made sure to order a pot of coffee. “And keep it coming.” There was no way in hell I was falling asleep before I got the full Miles Carvello treatment in my nice big bed in the Wynn.

“Where’s the rest of the blokes?” Miles asked.

“They’ve gone back home to ‘Straya,” he said. “I’m heading back to California. My sister Amie and my Mom need me.”

“Is there anything I can do?” I asked.

“Nah, it’s a family thing. You know how it is.”

I did. “If you ever need anything, call me.”

“I’ve got your number. I’m not going to lose it. Besides, I think me and your man here might be doing some business.”

Miles looked up from his coffee. “Are you looking to hire a bouncer? I’ve got impeccable references.”

“I’m looking to invest in some Las Vegas property.”

Miles put his cup down.

“I really liked Lisa’s show. Don’t get me wrong. I love strippers.”

Strip-pahs.

I loved his accent.

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