Page 41 of Paco
“Yo,” he said as smoothly as he could muster.
“Where’s my fucktoy?” Victor asked.
“She’s sick with the chills and a really bad sore throat. She woke me up around five this morning complaining about it. It may be strep. She’s had it before.”
“Why isn’t she here as agreed?” Victor’s voice was cold and detached.
“I just told you. She’s really sick. She can hardly get out of bed. I’m gonna take her to the doctor and get her some antibiotics. You want her healthy and full of energy, don’t you?”
“I want her. I fucking paid for her. Bring her to me now.”
Sweat ran down the back of his neck and sides of his face, and it felt like his mouth was stuffed with a hundred cotton balls. He went over to the sink and poured a glass of water, drinking several large gulps.
Gripping the edge of the bathroom counter, he breathed heavily. “I just wanna make sure your merchandise is in first-class shape.”
“I’ll deal with her.”
“It’s not that. I’ve got a reputation to uphold. I can’t be delivering a sick slave. She’ll be ready to go in a day or two.” He wiped his brow with a washcloth, then ran it over the back of his neck. “I’ll send Crystal and Amber Jade over to your place to show you a good time. It’s on the house. I’ll bring Misty when she’s better.”
A long, strained pause. Bobby’s heart pounded against his rib cage as he waited for Victor to say something. He wanted to keep talking, but he knew that was a sure sign of a nervous person, and he couldn’t let Victor know his nerves were a tangled mess.
“I want my fucktoy by tomorrow morning no matter what shape she’s in. It’ll cost you ten thousand dollars for the delay. Make sure you bring it and her. I’ll play with the other two sluts. Bring them to me.”
Relief spread over him like a tidal wave. “That’s fair. I’ll have her to you in the morning with the money. I’ll send the other bitches to you now.”
Victor clicked off. Bobby had bought some time.
After sending Crystal and Amber Jade to Victor’s mansion, he drove around the small town searching for Misty.Where the hell is she?As he played the events of the last twenty-four hours in his mind, he homed in on the asshole who’d broken his nose. He’d planned on going to the doctor that morning, but the bitch had fucked that up for him as well.
As he thought about the night before, he’d remembered that the jerk and Misty were talking when he’d gone out on the patio.Maybe she knew him and they’re in on this together.But where would she have met him? Bobby always kept her on a tight leash.
A trucker? Maybe.
He turned into the driveway for Satin Dolls. He’d casually ask around to see if anyone knew who the fucker was.
It took a few minutes for his eyes to adjust to the dimness of the place. Two women danced on stage, and others were escorting men to the private lap dance rooms. One of the West Avenue Bandits, Chubby, came over to him and bumped fists. They chatted for a few minutes before Bobby asked if he remembered the guy from the night before. Chubby told him he didn’t. Bobby knew it was a long shot that anyone would remember the jerk since the place had been packed, but he figured the women may since the guy had the looks females went crazy for.
Going behind the curtain, several dancers waved at him as they adjusted their costumes or put finishing touches on their faces and hair. He went over to a blonde who was dusting shimmering powder over her shoulders and cleavage.
“Hiya, Della.”
“Bobby. I didn’t think you’d be here today. How’s your nose?”
“Okay. I wanted to ask you about a dude who was here last night. A tall guy with brown hair a little past his collar. Had some earrings on and a bunch of tats. He was back here.”
“I remember him. He was gorgeous. I promised him a good time, but he was looking for your girlfriend, Misty.”
His chest tightened. “Did he ask for her by name?”
“Yeah. He seemed to only want her. I told him I didn’t know where she was but to stick around after my dance and I’d give him a better time, but he just left.”
“Do you know who he was?”
“No. I’ve never seen him before.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yeah. I’d definitely remember seeing someone that good-looking. Why all the questions?”
“He shortchanged me.”
“That’s not good. Tell Chubby or Gizmo.”
“I’ll take care of it myself. Don’t tell anyone, okay?”
Darting her eyes around, she shook her head. “I won’t.”
But the way she said it told Bobby she’d be telling Chubby about their conversation before he even made it to his car. It was only a matter of time before Victor found out about it, and he’d know something was up. Bobby was sure that Misty and the asshole had planned all this, and chances were high she wasn’t in Silverado anymore. Spending any more time looking for her would be futile and dangerous. He was a sitting duck waiting for Victor’s thugs to shoot at him. He had to get out of town.
He rushed back to the motel.
