Page 67 of The Innocent

“I’m not selling anything. I’m looking for someone.” She cleared her throat. “Could you tell me where I can find Shelby Carson?”

“Who?” he snapped.

“Shelby Carson.”

His scowl deepened. “No.”

No?

“Barry.” The feminine voice came out as a warning. A blonde-haired woman sidled up next to him.

Barry spread his arms. “How can I tell her where Shelby Carson is if I don’t know who the hell Shelby Carson is?”

Imogene leaned closer. “I believe she works here.”

Barry hooked his thumb over his shoulder. “Yeah, well we’re the only two working here and her name is Addison.” His brows spiked to his hairline. “And do I look like a fucking Shelby to you?”

Imogene winced and stepped back from the bar.

Excuse me, sir. Rude!

“Charming, isn’t he?” Addison chuckled, waving Imogene to the end of the bar. “Now, Shelby? You said she works here?”

“Yes, as of the last time I spoke with her, which was about five hours ago. She gave me this address as her place of employment.” Imogene dug in her bag, ruffling through the paperwork. She pinched the end of the small slip of paper and read the address confirming this was the correct location. She held it up for Addison.

“See?”

Addison’s gaze scanned the paper, and she smiled. “I see. Any chance she mentioned her occupation?”

She hadn’t, and Imogene hadn’t thought to ask. She propped her bag up on the stool and dug inside, pulling out her file. Imogene scanned the paperwork and stilled, widening her eyes. How had she missed that? She swallowed the lump in her throat.

“Adult entertainment.”

Addison muffled a snicker, waving her hand. “Follow me. We’ll find her.”

Imogene rushed to catch up to her at the curtains. “As Barry so rudely introduced me, I’m Addison.”

“Oh, hi, I’m Imogene. Thanks for helping me.”

“No problem. And for future reference, Barry’s like that with everyone, so just ignore him.”

Addison greeted the girl behind the counter and opened the door leading into a darkened room. The techno music and dark lighting fit the bill. This was definitely adult entertainment. The seating area was two-tiered with the stage in the center. There were a few girls at tables with men, and one on the stage sliding down a pole dressed only in her panties. Imogene took in her surroundings. This wasn’t her first time in a strip club. One of the prison guards had a birthday and invited everyone. At first, she’d declined, but when he’d insisted wives would be there, she went. It turned out to be an interesting experience. While not all the guys’ partners had been present, she’d been surprised at how many showed up. And actively participated.

It was much more upscale than this place though. It wasn’t a packed house, but plenty of tables were filled, especially for seven o’clock on a Wednesday.

“Most girls only go by their stage names. But the manager will know.” Addison glanced around the room then lifted her hand, waving.

“Ava?”

Another woman sauntered over, smiling. “Hey.”

Addison pointed to Imogene. “She’s looking for Shelby Carson?”

Ava eyed her, and while she seemed to have a serene smile, there was something behind her gaze. An element of suspicion. It was best to explain why she was there.

“Shelby is expecting me. We had a meeting set up for earlier, but she had to reschedule and asked if I could meet her here.”

The explanation seemed to appease Ava. She parted her lips but the bouncer standing near the entrance called out for Addison.