Free Janet McNulty - Mellow Summers 01 - Sugar And Spice and Not So Nice by Janet McNulty Page A

peeked through the curtain she held out. Detective Reiss sat in the room on a cushy chair. His unbuttoned shirt showed off his hairy chest. He seemed to be enjoying the pleasure of the woman giving him a lap dance. “Nice to know what those who swear to protect and serve do in their down time,” I whispered.
    “Yeah, he’s really broken up,” said Rachel.
    I spotted an untouched shot of tequila. “Distract the bouncer,” I told Rachel. She vanished. I peered over at the bouncer who suddenly seemed be bothered by an unseen assailant. Chuckling to myself, I drank the tequila and stumbled into the private room.
    I tripped over my own feet and wobbled, pretending to be drunk. “What’s all the fuss in here?” I slurred. I hoped my performance was convincing.
    Everyone stared at me. I stumbled around some more until I practically fell into Reiss’ lap. “I know you,” I said. “You’re that guy that handled that dead girl’s murder.”
    “Someone get rid of her please,” said Detective Reiss.
    “Yeah, it was you all right,” I continued. “Some think you didn’t handle it right, but that’s not true is it?” I leaned in close, letting my alcohol breath overwhelm him. “It’s good to know you’re doing so well. especially since, you’re the one that killed Rachel.”
    Detective Reiss stared at me. I studied his features for any sign of recognition at her name. His brow flickered for just a moment before he controlled himself. “I think you’ve had too much to drink,” he said.
    “That I have,” I blurted. “You think you got away with it, but it’s only a matter of time until some piece of evidence shows up. He killed her!” I twirled in a circle to make my drunk act appear complete. In hindsight, I might have overdone it. I also hadn’t thought it all the way through.
    Detective Reiss stood up and approached me. Instantly, I knew I had to get out of there. I edged toward the exit.
    “What’s your hurry?” said Reiss. “You look like a reasonable girl. And the fun is just starting.” His eyes wandered up and down my body. I knew he undressed me with them. I inched closer to the exit.
    Reiss lunged and grabbed my arm tightly. His grip told me that I was going nowhere.
    “There you are,” said a female voice as a woman in tight leather burst into the room. “I’ve been looking everywhere for you.” She noticed Reiss’ grip on my arm. “Hey, pal, get your hands off my woman.”
    Reiss reluctantly let go. “You might want to keep a better eye on your girlfriend.”
    “That’s between me and her,” said the woman, waving her curly blonde locks. “Come on, babe,” she said to me.
    I didn’t argue.
    “Take your slut and stay out of here,” said Reiss. “And remind her to keep her mouth shut, before someone shuts it for her.”
    I had had it. I could take a few insults, but calling me a slut was the last straw. I don’ know why I did it; if it was the alcohol, or Rachel’s influence. I whirled around, raised my fist, and plowed it right into Reiss’ nose. I felt the bones break and warm blood ooze over my fist.
    The woman who saved me stared at me in shock. She seized my wrist and hauled me to the doorway. We found it blocked by a bouncer.
    “Let us through,” she said, “or you can explain to Tiny why we’re late.”
    That had the desired effect. Tiny must have had quite a reputation. The man scooted away from the door and we entered the main part of the bar.
    We remained silent as the woman pulled me through the building and to another secluded room. Inside, sat Tiny and his pals, plus a few women. These girls were all dressed in tight leather and knee high boots. No strippers were present.
    “I got her,” said the woman. She released my wrist and planted a huge kiss on Tiny’s lips.
    “Mel,” said Tiny, “meet my girl Elise. I noticed you go into the cop’s room so I sent her in to get you out.”
    “Thanks,” I said.
    “I didn’t know you liked these places,”