10. Bait and Switch
Bait and Switch
I tugged on the dress again as I got off the bus and headed to my destination. On a Friday night, the streets were bustling in downtown Ottawa. People prepared to bar hop, while others were hanging out with friends.
My eight o’clock alarm had woken me from a restless sleep―something about leather-gloved hands touching me everywhere―and I’d rushed to get ready. Thankfully, the bus wasn’t late, so I arrived twenty minutes ahead of time.
My footsteps resonated against the pavement as I went down the stairs to the entrance of the bar.
Most people didn’t even realize this place existed despite the old flashing sign, which was a shame since it was a lot nicer inside than out.
From the outside, it looked like a dive people should avoid.
Music played on the overhead speakers, and I walked past a few groups of people chatting. Booths and tables were occupied by patrons, and although I looked around everywhere, I couldn’t spot the man I was here to bait.
As more people flooded in, I checked my phone for what seemed like the hundredth time.
Still no sign of the man. What if there was another bar and grill with the same name?
What if I’d gone to the wrong location? My stomach churned at the thought, and I quickly moved toward the exit before slowing down.
No. I was panicking for nothing. It wasn’t even ten yet; I was early.
Someone grasped my elbow. “I thought I said ten o’clock,” the killer’s voice said in amusement.
I froze. It was as though all the noise inside the place vanished, and only his words lingered. They seemed to echo around me, and for a second, I was tempted to run for it. If he was here, in public, then he wouldn’t be wearing the mask. Did that mean he planned on killing me by the end?
Two men approached, and one put out his hand. The killer shook it, and I continued to stare in a daze.
“Jack. I thought you weren’t working tonight,” one of the men said. His blond hair fell a bit in front of his baby blue eyes as he shook his hand.
“I’m not,” he said as he tugged on my elbow.
The men seemed to get his meaning―one I wanted to clarify―but my mouth seemed to have stopped working.
Jack.
Jack and Jill?
Life had to be kidding.
“Well, enjoy yourselves,” the man with the black hair said, waving as they walked away.
Music seemed to pick up even louder, and soon, a group of people danced on the main floor. They were certainly a rowdy bunch.
“You still won’t look at me?” Jack asked as though hurt.
I turned toward him, focusing straight ahead at his chest. “If I do... then...” I wasn’t sure what would happen. Would I die on the spot?
He pushed a finger under my chin, forcing my head back. It was the man in the photo. The handsome one I was supposed to...
I placed my hand on his chest and took a step back. “Wait. What kind of game are you playing?” I said through gritted teeth. “You said you needed me as bait, so what am I―”
“You’re not very patient, are you, darling girl?” His pet name for me seemed to shoot straight down between my thighs, and I pressed my legs together hard. I really hated the effect he had on me. Why was he so good looking, and why was he fucking around with me?
“If this is some fucked up game―”
“Language,” he said in a dark tone.
“Fuck. You.” I walked past him, but he wrapped an arm around my waist and pulled me close to him.
“Jill,” he growled.
Using my name stopped me from elbowing him in the ribs, and instead, I turned in his grasp.
Without missing a beat, I wrapped my arms around his neck, and his eyebrows shot up.
“What could you possibly do if I left right now? Pull out your...” I glanced down between us, then looked back up at him, batting my eyelashes, “weapon and kill me?”
His smirk was somehow scarier than when he looked annoyed seconds ago. “Don’t tempt me.” He motioned over my shoulder. “Don’t look now, but your real mark is just where you want him.”
So he did want to use me as bait but wanted to get seeing him out of the way first. Part of me deflated a little, imagining trying to bait him, of all people.
He spun me, pulling me closer to his chest as he leaned in toward my ear.
“One of the men who came to say hello... by the bar. You’re going to tell him how I was ungentlemanly toward you and how you just want good company for once. ”
I wasn’t sure I breathed as he spoke. He was close. Too close. His smell would be all over me by the end of the night. All I could think of was how I couldn’t wait to get home so I could have some alone time with my dildo.
Swallowing hard, I moved to the music with him, then spun back to face him. “Okay, and then what?” I asked in a small voice. Somehow, the thought of disappointing him scared me more than anything else I was about to do.
“Don’t worry about it. I’ll take care of the rest.” He leaned forward, his gaze burning into mine. “Now, look insulted, and walk away.”
I gawked at him. “You’re such an asshole,” I said loudly enough that a few people turned in their direction. Without waiting for his reaction, I strode to the bar, stopping near the man with the blond hair.
“I can’t believe some... men ,” I hissed the word through my teeth as though it was a curse.
“Everything alright? Did―?”
“We didn’t even get to what are some of your hobbies ,” I said in a mimicking low voice. “No. Straight to have you ever squirted with a man?”
The man nearly choked on his drink; whatever he expected, it wasn’t that. “Really? Jack?” he said, eyes wide as he glanced back toward Jack.
I could barely hide my smile as he glared toward me, obviously having heard what I’d said. Too bad. If he was going to play mind games with me, I’d do the same with him.
Yeah, but he’ll kill you if you piss him off too much.
“What can I say... all men are pigs. Is it too much to ask to get a drink with someone and just... talk?” I asked.
“Larry,” the man called out at the bartender, who made his way toward them. He stared at me and gave me a charming smile. “What’ll you have?”
I straightened as though the night was suddenly going my way, but in reality, I wished I was still dancing with Jack. “Rye and coke, please. Thank you.”
“I’m Michael,” he said, putting out his hand.
“Jill,” I said, and instead of shaking my hand, he brought my fingers to his lips and brushed them with a kiss.
The room was suddenly chilly, and I had a strange feeling; it was because of the icy stare Jack was giving Michael. If he was Jack’s next victim, I pitied him because Jack wouldn’t make his death swift.
“Excuse me a second,” I said, pulling out my phone and making a note about asking Jack how he picked his victims. He seemed to hate Michael with a passion, and I wondered why, but right then and there wasn’t the time to ask. “Sorry about that. Work stuff.”
The rye and Coke arrived as I put away my phone and clicked my purse closed.
Michael pushed the drink toward me, and I relaxed a little as I took a gulp of my drink.
At least the night wouldn’t be dull, thanks to a bit of alcohol.
I almost snorted out loud at my own train of thought; Jack would make this anything but boring.