Free Protecting You (The Boston irkpatricks #1) by S. Donahue

to me.”
    “I love you man. I wouldn’t do that,” he said, with drool coming out of his mouth.
    “You need to go home. I’m going to have Patrick drive you. I’m gonna close early tonight.”
    “No, no. we need to make money.”
    “You can’t even see straight.”
    “I’m good.”
    “You’re not good. You’re going home. Stay here. I’m getting Patrick.”
    I needed someone to drive this jackass home. I couldn’t do it because I had to stay here and closes the club. I didn’t want Joella to do it because I didn’t trust Billy alone with her, especially in his condition.
    Patrick was still watching the show when I returned.
    “Pat, come in my office for a minute.”
    “Okay,” he said, following me.
    Billy was passed out when we got back. “Wake up asshole,” I said whacking my hand across his head.
    “Come on!” Billy yelled.
    “Can you drive him home, Pat? He’s wasted. I can’t leave the club.”
    “Yeah, let’s get the loser in my car.”
    “Fuck you, Mulligan,” Billy mumbled.
    “Yeah okay,” Patrick laughed. And then we both started laughing at this piece of shit.
    When Billy was gone, I felt some relief and less stressed, that was until I saw Carmen still sitting in my club.
    “Where’s Billy at?” he asked.
    “He went home.” What the fuck does he want with Billy?
    “I saw him stumbling, probably the best decision. Some people never change.”
    “I hear ya on that one. I have to go.”
    “I wanted to ask you about that Tiffany girl. Can you hook me up with her or set me up with her in a room? I’ll pay whatever.”
    This dude must be smoking crack if he thinks I’m letting him anywhere near Joella.
    “I’m closing early tonight. I’m short-handed, maybe another time.”
    “Okay,” he said smiling. “I’m going to have her.”
    I’m going to kill this fucking guy. I need to remain calm and just make it home tonight without going to prison.
    “Okay. I gotta go see the DJ.” He was watching me walk away, but then I saw him spot Joella. This couldn’t be good.
    “Hey Discharge, make an announcement that we are closing in fifteen minutes.”
    “You got it.”
    I made my way to Joella to save her from the scum of the earth.

Chapter Eleven
    Joella
     
    I have been watching this guy all night, now he is coming toward me. I have no idea who he is.
    “Hey, sexy lady.”
    Oh, dear God. He couldn’t do better than that?
    “Can I help you?” I said with an attitude.
    “I think you’re very attractive. I’d like to take you home with me. Are you down with that?”
    Is this guy nuts? He clearly wasn’t right in the head.
    “I don’t know you, plus I’m already spoken for.”
    “Can I take you to a private room and have you dance for me? I really enjoyed your show.”
    Just as I was about to answer, the DJ came on the speaker and said the club was closing early. What a relief. Maybe this guy would give up. Brendan was on his way over.
    “Maybe another time. We’re about to close and I’m getting ready to leave.”
    “Is everything okay over here,” Brendan asked.
    “It’s great, right? I’m sorry, I didn’t catch your name?”
    “It’s Carmen.”
    “Great, Carmen,” I said smiling.
    “I’ll be back to take you up on your offer,” Carmen said.
    “Looking forward to it,” I said to him. I totally was not looking forward to it, but I could use it to my advantage to possibly get information.
    Brendan’s face was turning different shades of red. I knew he was upset. I didn’t trust this guy, but I had the feeling that Brendan didn’t either.
    “Come on, Fenner. I’ll show you out. I’m closing.”
    “Brendan, you’re on edge, unlike the previous owner. He was more easy going.”
    Previous owner? What the hell did that mean? Brendan didn’t look too happy with that statement.
    “Yeah, well we’re two different people,” Brendan said.
    I was making mental notes all day and adding some to my phone whenever possible. I needed to ask Brendan