Page 20 of Night Moves

I make a show of looking around the room. “I like the updates. Would have been nice to have the camera screens back in the day.” I smirk. “As long as they aren’t in the star’s dressing room. Not that I mind getting it on when someone’s watching, as long as I’m paid.”

We both laugh.

When you know what you’re looking for it’s easy to spot. There’s a small camera lens hidden in the artwork behind Carl focused on the chair where I’m sitting. I relax into the seat, wondering who’s watching.

“Can I offer you a drink?”

I shake my head and tap my abs. “I have to watch my intake, keep in shape.”

He raises an eyebrow.

“Still got my moves, and the ladies love a hard core.”

“Where you been?”

“Wandering around Europe. A buddy of mine is throwing a big bash, so I came back for the activities. Been reliving the good days. Heard Swagger sold and wanted to see how it was holding up. Thinking of opening my own place.”

“Checking out the competition,” he says lifting his own glass to drink.

“Maybe here, maybe somewhere else.”

His phone lights up and he glances at the message. “There’s an issue I need to tend to. I’m going to have Ryr, my assistant, come in and show you around. We’ll touch base before you leave.”

The door opens and a guy in a midline suit and harried expression bursts in. Obviously, the harried employee. A little too much so. The edge of a watch peaks out from his left sleeve but not enough for me to get a good view.

“I’m sorry sir. Security said you have to handle this. One of the dancers….”

“It’s alright, Ryr. I got it.” Carl stands as do I. “Being the management isn’t all it’s cracked up to be, Denz. You’re always on the job. I’d have more time to visit if I was working for someone else.”

After he leaves, Ryr holds out his hand. “Mr…”

“Just Denz.”

“I regret I never saw you perform. Rumor has it you were the best. Can I offer you something? A drink, or… something?”

“Maybe later. I’m good for now.” I cross to the wall where pictures of past and present dancers are posted. There’s an eight by ten of me and some of my buddies from before.

“Have you been performing somewhere else?”

“I’ve been in Europe mostly. Doing some shows, a couple escort engagements. It was a quieter life. I’ve missed some things about Vegas. And it’s been a while since I performed for a crowd on the dance floor.” I skim my finger over my old photo. “Damn, I miss this.”

“The guests outside are really hoping you’re here to dance. Perhaps we could strike a bargain. Maybe you’d like to headline for us once in a while. Tonight, could be a little teaser?”

“I told Carl I’m thinking of opening my own place.”

“Do you have a timeline?”

“Not yet.”

“Then what better way to start setting expectations. Tease them by performing here once or twice a month. It would be good PR for both businesses. I’m sure Carl would make it worth your while.” He shrugs. “I checked, we still have your signature song in the que. And a house full of willing women. That is, if you’re interested.”

This sly little bastard is the brains. I glance at him and smile. “I could use a workout. Any extra tear away shirts?”

I follow him to the costume room, remembering what’s the same and memorize what’s different in the layout. There’s a room near the exit that has a security lock that looks recent. There are cameras but they must be blocking the feed somehow. That’s I-Tee’s expertise. I’ll let him know.

Ryr grabs a shirt from the costume room and shows me to the gender-neutral changing rooms. His phone rings and he steps aside. There are about twenty lockers, a small couch, table and chairs when you enter. To the left is an alcove of makeup stations, on the right bathroom stalls. Changing my shirt, I slip my jacket back on and turn to leave. And stop dead in my tracks.

A banner hangs on the inset wall that says:

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