Page 57 of Strip Search

“Dee told us to come by,” Jackie said, holding on to me for dear life.

The madam’s face brightened a bit and she stepped away from the door. “Come in then. I’ll check her availability.”

I think Jackie would have rather waited on the doorstep, but I ushered her inside. In the parlor area women in various state of undress draped themselves over men or burgundy red velvet couches. Jackie was the only nonworking girl there.

A woman dressed up like an angel came up to us and smiled. “Are you looking for a party?”

“We’re here for Dee,” I said when Jackie just gawked.

“I’m Angelique.” She trailed a finger down my shirt. “If you change your mind, I’ll be in the bar.” She gestured behind her. In the bar was a wide-screen television playing a porno. There were men with women on their laps. Others were playing pool, and some were drinking and staring at the movie intently.

“This is super awkward,” Jackie said.

The bell rang again, and I pulled Jackie away from the door. “Let’s sit down.” I picked one of the couches that faced away from the bar and hauled her on my lap. She settled in with a dazed expression on her face. Leaning in, she whispered in my ear, “Do they think we’re going to have a threesome with Dee?”

“Yes. And I’m pretty sure we’re going to have to pay for Dee’s time.”

“That bitch,” Jackie gasped. “I figured we’d talk to her between shifts.”

“It doesn’t look that way. Let me negotiate.”

“Don’t let her screw us.” Jackie snorted when she realized what she’d said.

The madam had let in a group of men in cowboy hats and boots, wearing rodeo shirts. She pressed a buzzer and the unattached women lined up. More girls came from the back rooms. They were dressed in everything from lingerie to black latex to fetish costumes. The cowboys each picked a girl and went off with them down various hallways. The other ones worked the room.

Angelique circled back around to us, her wings dragging on the floor and dropping white feathers.

“I think she’s molting,” Jackie muttered in my ear.

“Dee’s going to be about another fifteen minutes. I could warm you up if you want. We could have a lot of fun.”

“Can we talk?” Jackie said.

“Oh honey, I’m a great listener. Why don’t we go to my room and see if we can come to an arrangement?”

Jackie looked at me and I shrugged. “It’s your money.”

“I like an independent woman.” Angelique smiled and led us out of the parlor.

“Do you know what you’re doing?” I muttered to her.

“It’s just like the VIP room. We’re going to get hustled for drinks and I’m going to get some information.”

“Okay.” I was either the luckiest guy in the world or the biggest idiot for letting her do this.

Angelique didn’t bring us into her bedroom, like I’d thought she would. It was more of a waiting room with couches and a thick shag rug. There was a coffee table with various plastic wrapped sex toys. Jackie sat next to me on the couch while Angelique sank to the floor at our feet. She handed Jackie a laminated menu and I glanced over. I hid a grin when I saw that it was a list of services and prices. Jackie gently set it on the table and said, “How much to just ask some questions?”

“A hundred dollars for fifteen minutes. Just talk. No touching.”

“Deal,” Jackie said and went to shake her hand. “Oh right, no touching.” Pulling her arm back, she dug into her purse and handed Angelique a hundred-dollar bill.

“Thank you. I’ll be right back. Can I get you something to drink?”

“A Diet Coke?” Jackie asked.

“Nothing for me.” I needed to keep my wits about me.

“Where’s she going?” Jackie asked.

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