CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
Heather—
Leaning toward the mirror, I apply another swipe of lip gloss. Velvet is on my right, and she gives me a smirk.
“I heard the MC is trying to move you over to be a waitress at that bar they just bought. You might not be our headliner for too much longer, honey. Better rake it in while you can.”
I throw my lipstick down. “What in the hell are you talking about?”
“I’ve got to be on stage,” she says, rising and sashaying past me.
Surging to my feet, I stalk across the hall to Marnie’s office. Since covering for her the last couple of weeks, I have found a new respect for what she does. It’s harder than it looks.
I barely tap on the door before entering. “Is it true?”
“Is what true?” She looks up from her computer, her eyes sweeping over me, noting my agitation.
My hip is thrown out and my arms crossed.
“What’s wrong, honey?”
“Velvet just said that the MC is considering moving me to some waitress position at Lucky’s bar. Why would they do that?” And then my mouth drops. “Cody?”
“Close the door and sit down.”
I want to slam it but restrain myself.
“I’m good, Marnie. Damn good. I earned the headliner spot, and you can’t tell me I don’t bring in lots of business.” I fling my arm out toward the front of the house. “We’re packed almost every night I work.”
“Ginger, sit down.”
I plop into a chair and wait. “So? What’s going on?”
“Look, I’m sorry Velvet overheard my conversation. I wanted to talk to you first… not have you hear it thirdhand—”
My shoulders slump, and my mouth drops open. “It’s true?”
“What’s true is the club called. They wanted me to offer you the opportunity to waitress at Lucky’s, if that’s what you want, but Crash made it clear it’s your choice. No one is making you do anything.”
“This is because of Cody. He’s the one who wants me out of here.”
“Sweetie, I see this happen all the time. A dancer’s boyfriend comes up and sees her dancing, and it always leads to trouble.
Fights break out, and the guy usually ends up banned from the place.
When that happens, dancers start showing up with thick makeup covering black eyes.
I don’t know Cody well. He’s a new patch, but I know he grew up in the club.
He should know the rules, but yes, Crash said Cole is making you this offer at Cody’s request.”
I surge to my feet. “Well, I don’t want it. I need the money I make here. There’s no way I could afford my apartment on some waitress job.”
She taps a pen on the desk and studies me. “I understand that. Believe me, I do. But look, if you and Cody become serious, I could always move you to a bartending job or a waitressing job here. It wouldn’t be as much as you make on stage, but it would be more than what you’d make at Lucky’s.”
I sigh. “I appreciate the offer, but I’m good.”
“All right. I’ll let Crash know I made the offer, and you turned it down. No hard feelings.”
“I hope that’s true.”
“Darlin’, the club wants you on that stage as much as you want to be there. Believe me.”
I smile. “Thanks, Marnie.”
We hear the music change, and she jerks her head toward the door.
“Sounds like you’re up. Better hurry.”
I scurry backstage, and when the DJ starts my number, I throw the curtains back and step into the spotlight.
When my number is up and the lights go dark, I scurry to claim the bills thrown to me. After putting the cash in my locker, I hit the floor to give lap dances.
“Hey, Ginger. Over here,” one of our waitresses’ calls out, motioning me to the table behind her.
I make my way toward her and paste a smile on my face, getting ready to greet my customer.
When she steps out of the way, I freeze, my blood running cold.
He isn’t wearing his cut, but I’d recognize his bearded face anywhere. It’s haunted my nightmares. Sometimes I wake in a sweat, feeling his meaty hand gripping my wrist tight, his anger in my face.
Snake.
He pats his lap.
I glance around, thinking about dashing from the room, but he snags my wrist in a tight grip.
“Don’t make a fucking sound. You do, I’ll kill that little brat of yours. Now climb up here like a good girl and give me a lap dance.”
Fear grips me like hands around my throat. I think of calling for Tiny, for anyone, but I’m terrified Snake will do exactly what he threatens.
I move over him and go through the motions; the entire time my stomach turns. He doesn’t give a damn about the rules and runs his palms up my thighs.
I tremble at his touch, and that puts a grin on his face.
“Nobody runs from Snake. You and me got a score to settle. But that’s the last time you’re going to disobey me, isn’t that right, baby doll?”
I nod, feeling trapped.
I’ve got to outsmart him. I have to slip away and save myself and my son. My mind turns over every potential option for me to sneak away. I finish the lap dance, and his hand tightens on my arm, pulling me close.
“Go get your shit and meet me outside,” he growls in my ear, then pushes me back.
I dash through the tables to the hallway and find Coco just preparing to go out on the floor. I grab her arm. “I need a favor. The guy in the back of the room with the beard. Take him to the VIP room for a free dance.”
“Free? Why would he believe that?”
“Tell him I’m paying for it as an apology.”
“For what?”
“Please. I just need you to stall him for a bit.”
“You’re paying?”
“Yes. I’ll give you five hundred.”
She whistles. “Sure. No problem.”
She sashays down the hall, and I fly past Marnie and into the dressing room. I’m quickly changing into my street clothes when she pokes her head inside the door.
“You okay? You look white as a sheet.”
“No. I’m not okay.”
She notices I’m dressing.
“Aren’t you going out to work the floor? What’s wrong?”
“There’s a man out there. He’s the reason I left Alabama. He came for me. I don’t know how he found me, but he told me to get my shit and meet him outside. I’ve got to get out of here, Marnie. I can’t let him get his hands on Tucker.”
“You want me to call the club?”
“No. I’m going there right after I get Tucker.” I grab my bag and phone and start dialing Cody.
“Wait. Let me have Tiny walk you outside.”
“No. Just make sure he doesn’t let the guy out the front door until I’m gone. Promise me. He’s the big man with the beard.”
“Okay, honey.”
She goes toward the front of the house, and I dash down the hall, out the back, and to my car. My eyes dart around the parking lot as I beep the locks. I don’t see anyone and jump in and lock my doors.
My call to Cody goes to voicemail, and I disconnect.
Glancing all around, I throw the car into reverse and peel out, scanning for a motorcycle.
But Snake wasn’t wearing his club colors, so maybe he’s in a truck or something.
I don’t see a single bike as I turn onto the four-lane highway, almost cutting off a car who swerves out of the way and lays on their horn.
My eyes stay focused half on the road and half on my rearview, watching to see if a vehicle turns out of Sonny’s following me, but I don’t see one.
I make the first right and zig-zag through side streets until I come out a couple of miles away.
Finally, Cody returns my call.
“Hey, Heather. What’s up?”
“Where are you?” I ask in a no-nonsense tone, which he immediately picks up on.
“What’s wrong?”
“I’m going to the apartment and getting Tucker. Are you at the clubhouse?”
“Yeah, why?”
“Can I come there? Where is it?”
“There’s a gas station on the corner of Briarwood and First Ave. I’ll meet you there and lead you in. Are you okay?”
“I’ll explain when I see you.”
“This about your job?”
“No.”
“Do you want me to meet you at the apartment?”
“It’ll take too long. I don’t want to wait.”
“It’ll take no time if I haul ass across town, babe. You need me, I’m there.”
“No. I’ll be at the gas station in fifteen minutes.”
“If you’re late, I’m coming to you.”
“I’ll see you soon, and thanks.”
I disconnect before he replies and concentrate on driving. I go as fast over the speed limit as I think I can get away with. Then a thought hits me. Reaching for my phone again, I dial Marnie’s mom.
When she picks up, I start talking a mile a minute. “Don’t answer the door or let anyone in, understand? It’s not safe. I’ll explain when I get there. I should be there in about five minutes.”
“Honey, Marnie already called me. She said they’re stalling that man at the club with a free VIP room. Apparently, they told him you'd take the stage again soon. Are you okay?”
“I’m better now. I’ll be there soon; I’m turning down the street.”
“Stay on the line with me until you get inside,” she advises.
“Yes, that’s a good idea.” I wonder if Snake’s friend Greasy is with him. They could be working as a team. He could have him already watching my building. How did Snake find me? I was so careful.
I stay on the line until I’m on the elevator and lose the call. When I step off, the hallway is empty and, like I told her, Mrs. Harding hasn’t opened the door.
Keying the lock, I step inside and throw the bolt.
“Are you okay?” she asks.
“Yes, I’m fine.”
“Marnie told me you were coming to pick up Tucker and go to the clubhouse. I already packed a bag with some things for both of you. I just threw in what I thought you might need. A change of clothes, his teddy and favorite toy and book, your phone charger and makeup bag off the bathroom counter.”
“Thank you.” I give her a hug and move to his bedroom where he’s asleep.
“I’ll take the bag down for you,” she offers. “You bring him.”
I lift my son and cradle him over my shoulder. He’s getting so big, and he’s heavy, but he’s still my baby.
We move down the hall and into the elevator. I’m a nervous wreck the entire way to the car.
Mrs. Harding stands guard while I load Tucker into his car seat, then gives me a hug. “Please be careful, and text me when you’re safe, okay?”
“I will. Thank you so much.”
“Go.”
I jump behind the wheel, and she gets into her car. We leave together, and I scan the lot, looking for any movement.