Page 25 of Gentleman Sadist

Duncan smiled as they shook hands. “Robert, it’s been a while.”

Robert nodded. “Too long. Did you have any issues finding the club?”

“No.” The ex-FBI agent glanced around. “This place is great.”

Robert gestured to the couple. “They with you?” Duncan nodded and made the introductions. Robert suspected like Duncan, Xavier, and Gracella were not their real names. He didn’t say anything though. He knew better. “Feel free to explore or stay as long as you’d like, once we’re done talking.”

“Appreciate it. It’s been a while since we’ve been able to go out together and play,” Duncan stated. “Work first.”

Thomas had mentioned they had a baby earlier in the year. He imagined it wasn’t easy to return to normal sexual activities once kids came along. Funny though, it didn’t seem to stop a lot of couples because they usually had more than one. Having kids had never been on his radar. First, he didn’t have a permeant partner, and second it just never seemed a priority to him. His work, both as an FBI Agent and owner of the club always took precedence in his life.

“I made arrangements for us to have a meal while we discussed why I asked you to come.”

Gracella laughed, she was a beautiful woman. Curvy, attentive, and funny. Robert had a feeling if he were into women, she'd be the type he'd enjoy the most. "It's been a long time since I've had a meal without EZ. I'm not even sure if I remember how to sit and do nothing."

Xavier chuckled. “It’s like riding a bike, hermosa.”

They moved to the area of the club where people were able to dine in peace, away from what went on within the building. It was sometimes used for a respite when members were overwhelmed or simply needed a break. The area was also one of Robert’s favorite spots in the whole club. Little did anyone know, he’d also been the one to decorate it.

“Thomas told me you’re a father,” he said to Duncan after the waiter had taken their orders.

Duncan’s smile lit up his whole face. The air of pride surrounding him along with Xavier and Gracella was contagious. “Yeah.” Duncan fumbled in his pocket for a second then removed his phone before handing it to Robert. “Ezekiel or EZ for short.”

Gracella placed the piece of bread she’d been buttering on her plate. “He’s nine months old and spoiled by his daddy and papa.”

"He's adorable." The picture showed a smiling boy, chunky cheeks, drool on his chin, and sporting a single tooth.

Robert made sure to keep the conversation light. Duncan brought his lovers along for a reason. They needed time away from their responsibilities. No use in spoiling their fun. This was a treat for them, and one he wanted them to enjoy. It wasn’t until their coffee had been served that Robert brought up the reason why he’d asked Duncan to come to the club.

Duncan turned to his lovers then and whispered something Robert couldn’t hear. The way both Xavier and Gracella both straightened, then vibrated with excitement, had Robert chuckling to himself.Yes, a long time indeed since they’d all had a bit of fun.

“Thank you for the lunch. It was exquisite,” Gracella said.

Xavier nodded, wrapping an arm around the woman. “While poor Duncan works, Gracella and I are going to enjoy a little time in the club.”

Duncan waved them off with a laugh as the younger couple left the area. “Well, are you going to tell me what this is all about, or are you going to continue to fill my belly with delectable food?”

Robert took a sip of his coffee then laughed. "They compliment you."

Duncan lifted his shoulder. “Besides EZ, they’re my reason for living. I’m happy.”

Yeah, Robert saw the way Duncan watched his lovers with keen interest and attentiveness. “I’m glad. Also, whenever all of you are ready, your memberships have already been approved.”

Duncan grunted. “Good to know, but now you’re stalling.”

Robert held up his hand as he finished off his coffee. “Fine, fine.” He proceeded to explain each of the art robberies including the newest one, the Tampa Bay Museum of Art.

Duncan played with his cup while absorbing all of the information Robert relayed to him. “FBI aware you’re asking me to assist?”

Robert frowned. Thomas had assured him it wouldn’t be an issue. Duncan, though pardoned was cleared to work with the FBI on special occasions. He hoped his case could be considered one of those special occasions. “It was my understanding there was no bad blood between you and the agency.”

“There isn’t. Due to my background and knowledge base, I stayed in my lane. It was made clear to me not everyone within the Agency was happy I was there.” Duncan leaned back. “Three months ago, I was brought in to help on another case with the FBI. Let’s just say it didn’t end well when some of the higher-ups saw my name listed on the case files.”

“My bosses at ACT are aware I’m asking for your assistance. They want these cases solved, it’s chewing up manpower and with only twenty assigned agents were being pulled thin. Also, not to add more pressure or anything, several of the paintings stolen, now reside on our Top Ten.” Just like every other law enforcement agency, ACT—the abbreviation for Art Crime Team at the FBI—had a ten most wanted list, but instead of being people, it was art-driven. “From what I was told you still have all of your clearances within the FBI,” Robert stated.

Damian chuckled and nodded. “Wasn’t very high to begin with.”

Robert tugged the thumb drive from his pocket and slid it across the table. "It's enough." He tapped at the stick. "This is everything. It's a dup and your copy." The drive contained every museum hit along with log files, interviews, and evidence obtained at the scene—which in this case, wasn't much.

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