Queenie’s was a-hopping when he pulled into the parking lot. Rich wasted no time going inside to look for the proprietor, until a bouncer standing at the front entrance barred his way. A quick flash of his badge changed the man’s mind, and the detective hustled inside.
The place was boisterous, as it would be this time of night. He knew it would get noisier as the evening progressed. And chances were the cops would inevitably be called to break up a fist fight or other type of brawl before the night was over.
He stopped a cocktail waitress in a skimpy skirt. “Where’s Queenie?” To make sure the woman understood his intentions, he held up his badge for her to see.
The woman pointed toward the back of the room. “Most likely in her office.”
“So she’s here?” he asked, making sure.
“Yeah. S
