Free Fang Shway in LA by Casey Knight

Russian had with Azif.
    “I can feel his residual energy,” I said before we ordered something to drink.
    “Yes, he has amassed some power. We’ll need to watch our step with this guy. However, his arrogance may be his undoing.”
    Our drinks arrived and we set in silence listening to the conversations around us. So far I hadn’t seen anyone enter the side room but a group of men entered the bar area and began bringing in musical equipment. I guess there was going to be live music later.
    “It looks like you’ll get your chance to show me your moves. The band is setting up. Have you heard any Russian?”
    “Not yet. However, if there is any spoken within the immediate area, I’ll be able to hear it. My hearing is acute as you know and my Russian is passable.”
    “Yes, I’m glad you’re on my side. We will need all the help we can get to stop this before there is a war.”
    Traygen reached across and put his arm around me. Whispering in my ear he said, “The vamps have arrived. This can’t be a coincidence. Either we’re being followed or they’re here for another reason. Any thoughts?”
    Traygen’s breath on my neck gave me a thought, not one I could pursue at the moment. I leaned into Traygen and gave him a little kiss on the neck. “I recognize the tall one by the bar. He was at the art gallery, although I didn’t see him with Ekil.”
    Leaning back in his chair, Traygen motioned for the waiter. If I didn’t know better I’d think he was blushing. “I’m going to powder my nose and sprinkle on some holy water. Then I’ll have a quick look around.”
    I went to the Ladies room, waited a few minutes before going back into the hall, glancing quickly around, I moved to the side door and pushed on it. Thankfully, it wasn’t locked, and I stepped into the room, seeing no one I decided to look around. There was a long conference table along the rear wall, a set of chairs surrounded the table and a copy of today’s L.A. Times, opened to the sports section and was on top of the table, along with a few coffee cups and empty plates. I looked around the room and realized the area primarily functioned as a storage room. Chairs, tables and boxes of linens were stacked along the outer walls. I was turning to leave when I heard voices. Ducking down and scrambling quickly to my right, I kneeled down behind a large linen cart. The door banged against the wall, swinging inwards and then I heard loud voices.
    “I need this room setup immediately. There will be seven people, give them drinks and then leave them alone. Do not disturb the Russians and they’ll tip you well.” I heard chairs being pushed around. Next, the door swung open and closed, peering over-the-top of the cart I realized I was alone. I hurried for the door and stepped outside, exhaling softly I gave silent praise, there didn’t seem to be anyone around.
    Traygen stood up when I returned to my seat. “You had me worried. Are you all right?” He eyed me intently.
    “Sorry, I took a detour into the side room. Before I could leave, I heard voices. I hid, as the manager came in with a waiter and ordered him to set up the room ASAP. He told the waiter to serve drinks and then to see that the men were not disturbed. His final words were ‘the Russians tip well’.”
    A smile crept slowly across Traygen’s face. “Well I guess we’ll have to hang out a little longer. May I have this dance?” He asked as he stood, offering me his hand.
    “I thought you’d never ask.” I stood as he pulled out my chair while the band was playing a bluesy number Traygen escorted me to the dance floor, for our first try, our Lindy was passably good. Traygen and I kept an eye on the door, while we danced. The music changed and we headed back to our table.
    “I have to admit you’re good.”
    “I’ll take that as a compliment, but it was a joint effort and it looks like our company has arrived and they’re coming our way.”
    From our table, along the back