Chapter 22
Chapter Twenty-Two
Kory
Fortune's club isn't like most clubs. When you walk in, the music doesn't pulse through you and there's not a mob of people to weave through.
The ground level is subdued with ambient music in the background.
A few tables are scattered around with private booths along three walls and a bar on the fourth one.
Downstairs is where the typical club vibe is, but thanks to some silencing wards, the heavy bass pulse doesn't bleed through to the other floors.
The more risqué stuff happens at the deeper basement level, but there's no obvious entrance.
You've got to get special access approval for that scene.
To look at this place from the outside, you'd never know what goes on in here.
Shadow Valley isn't a big city, but Midnight Kiss doesn't stand out.
Dressed to blend in, a couple of the Nefarious guys are sitting at a table and it sets my frazzled nerves at ease. Looking around, I try to match someone to the description of the guy I'm supposed to meet. I only hope I can bs my way through this well enough not to tip him off that it's a setup.
Once this is done, I can live my life without looking over my shoulder.
That's what I'm focusing on to keep me putting one foot in front of the other when I spot a guy at the bar who matches the criteria.
I've never been one to make the first move, so I hope I don't screw this up.
I'm not here to pick up a guy, but I don't want to make a bad first impression either.
A lot is riding on this, potential end-of-the-world type stuff.
Taking a seat next to the man, I order a soda. There's no way I'm drinking alcohol tonight, even if it would process through me quickly due to shifter metabolism.
"Interesting choice," the guy says as the bartender sets the glass in front of me. Well, look at that, I didn't have to make the first move after all.
"Not much of a drinker," I say. "Especially, when I'm doing business."
"What business are you in?"
"Acquisitions. Rudy says hi." Not very subtle, but if he's not the guy, I don't want to waste my time.
His casual demeanor disappears and he looks directly into my eyes. "Do you have it?"
"Not on me, but yes. I get the money, then I'll take you to the item."
"You were supposed to bring it with you."
"Did you bring the money?"
He doesn't answer, but keeps his cold stare on me.
"Didn't think so. It's almost like we don't trust each other. Imagine that."
My bar companion throws back the rest of his drink and slams the glass down, causing me to jump.
"I should take my ire out on your ass for wasting my time tonight," he says with a leer, "but this is too important.
Tell me where to meet you and I'll bring the money.
But you better have what I want when I get there. "
Wow. He's doing the work for me. I didn't have to weasel him into meeting me somewhere outside of the club. He suggested it all on his own. I should probably be wary this is lining up so seamlessly, but why give Fate ideas with which to screw me over?