Chapter 10 - The Lion's Den
741 Words
"So, you're not a fan of my club," the voice had come from the end of the bar. Del didn't have to look to know who it was.
"Well, hello, sir. I'm not sure we've met."
"No need to be so formal. You've never met me, but I probably figured out who I was before I even turned around. I already called it my club, so that should narrow it down."
"Well, I figured you'd have to be Demetrius or Steel. Since I heard Steel had the face only a mother could love, you must be Demetrius."
"I thought you were a little brighter than our usual clientele. These boys are a little more uncouth. You must be another remnant of the previous establishment."
"You are correct as well, sir. My name is Del, and I was a very regular patron of The Crow. My momma raised me on jazz, and I still love it to this day."
"Well, I'm sorry we took that away from you. If you'd like, I have a pretty young girl on my payroll named Jazz. She loves older men." He smiled a toothy smile. Del had no choice but to carry on. This was a dangerous conversation.
"Like Phillip here said, change is always coming. I just wanted to see if there were any redeeming qualities to the place I've called my second home for a few years. I hate to move on. There are a lot of good people I'd miss still working here."
"We did retain as much of the staff as we were able. There were some "growing pains" at first, but they were taken care of on the first day, and there's been no issues since."
"I'm thankful you're good to them. I'm sure you're aware of the ratio of decent people in this part of town."
"I'm sure I am, sir. Pretty sure they all work here."
They both lightly chuckled.
"You can call me Del. Sir, it makes me feel even older. Am I permitted to inquire as to what kind of growing pains come from changing ownership of a bar? Seems pretty cut and dry."
Demetrius side-eyed him briefly.
"Well, nothing of great concern. We had a few dancers and a bouncer decide to seek greener pastures. They left, and everyone else moved on."
"Did Wanda leave? She was always sweet to me."
"I can't promise to go down the entire roster, but Wanda is still here. In the kitchen, most likely."
"I always liked Wanda. Not really my type, but ready with a smile every time I saw her. Between Wanda, Cyn, and Kari, I felt at home every time I walked through the doors."
He noticed a quick flash from Demetrius. Anyone else might've missed it. That struck a nerve. So, they did have business with Kari. He dared not push his luck. Demetrius was no fool.
"I was sad to see Kari go. She was a pleasant enough looking woman. Something came up, and she went home. Taking care of a relative or some nonsense. She has talent with music, but her career was cut short by her leaving."
"I never had the pleasure of hearing her sing." Del's reaction was genuine. "It seems you are a man of good taste as well. Maybe I'm being too judgemental about your establishment. I may visit again if you can forgive my unkind words?"
"Please. There is nothing to forgive. It would be an honor to retain such a respectable looking guest amongst these clowns."
Phillip put the rum and coke on the counter. Del took the glass and raised it to Phillip and then to Demetrius. He took a drink.
"Perfect. Every time, Phillip."
"Thank you, sir. Always a pleasure."
"And I'll be back again, Demetrius. It's been a pleasure talking to you."
"The pleasure has been mine, Del. Let's have a drink together next time."
"I look forward to it."
Demetrius turned and walked away. Del stayed a while longer. He wanted to nurse this drink. There was no need to be in a hurry. They'd be watching, and it would be surprising if someone didn't follow him. Well, he'd come prepared for that. After half an hour, he finished up his drink and headed out. He gave a wave and a smile to Cyn and nodded to Phillip.
"Time for the fun part." He muttered to himself as he walked out the front doors.
- Writer
